Usually, there are two types of braking systems found in vehicles: drum brakes and disc brakes. Of course, both have their advantages and disadvantages. But these two types of brakes have the same function and purpose. We will not discuss drum brakes, but we will discuss disc brake components you want to know.
The brakes on the car are vital because it is one of the factors that ensure security and safety in driving. The braking system’s primary function is to reduce the speed or stop the vehicle from moving forward or backward.
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| Brembo Disc Brake |
A Little Explanation About How Disc Brakes Work
As one of the vital spare parts of a vehicle, it turns out that the brakes’ working principle is to take benefit of changes in the force of motion on the wheels into heat energy.
So, several components of disc brakes are in direct contact with other parts attached to the wheels, and as a result, the wheel rotation can slow down and stop.
The workings of the disc brakes are split into several parts where each other is interconnected. Braking occurs due to channeling pressure from the pedal or handle to the pad brake.
The pressure distribution process will use compressive power, which usually comes from the hydraulic system by utilizing the piston and brake fluid.
When the pressure reaches the pads’ brakes, they will automatically pinch the spinning disc along with the wheel rotation.
Therefore rotation will decrease, and the vehicle’s speed will slow down. That’s just a little explanation of how the disc brakes work.
Disc Brake Components You Need To Know
According to our current automotive topic, of course, you are curious about disc brake components and their functions. Well, you can find out the details through the following discussion.
1. Disc
The disc serves as a medium of pressure by the brake pad and is usually made of heat-resistant steel material.
When pressure occurs, there will be a breaking effect.
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| Disc brake components |
There are two types of disc brakes, namely Solid and ventilated discs.
- Solid disc
Solid disc brakes are generally found on four-wheeled vehicles or cars.
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| Solid disc |
Usually, the type of disc is made of better heat-resistant and friction-resistant steel material. The shape does not have many holes because it aims to produce a firmer grip.
- Ventilated disc
Ventilated discs are usually found on two-wheeled vehicles or motorcycles.
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| Ventilated disc |
The material is steel but generally has a thinner size. Friction between the disc and brake pad causes heat. Therefore, some of the existing holes function to make the disk cool faster.
2. Brake Pad
The brake pad will press then hold the disc rotation while the wheel is spinning.
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| Brake pad |
Brake pads can be made of organic, semi-metallic, or ceramic materials.
3. Brake Caliper
The brake caliper’s function is not much different from the master cylinder as part of the drum brake.
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| Brake caliper |
Calipers on brakes change the hydraulic from the piston into the power of motion in the form of pressure.
In general, caliper for brakes is divided into two types, namely fixed and floating caliper.
- Fixed Caliper
A fixed caliper has two pistons that will move the opposite when this component gets pressure. The movement then clamped the brake pad between the two pistons.
- Floating Caliper
As the name implies, the floating caliper is a brake caliper component made to float to move to the right and left. Also, this type has only one piston on one side.
4. Piston
The piston is found on the engine and the disc brake components in the form of tubes.
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| piston |
In general, the piston position directly in contact with the brake lining. When pressure occurs, the piston will press the brake pad evenly.
5. Piston Seal
Piston seals have a shape or are made of rubber. However, this is different from an ordinary rubber.
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| piston-seal |
Piston seal can avoid brake fluid leakage on the brake caliper.
6. Nipple Bleed
Nipple Bleed is the next critical component because disc brakes rely on a hydraulic system.
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| Nipple bleed |
Its principal function is to remove the air content that is accidentally carried by the hydraulic system.
7. Hydraulic Hose
Hydraulic hose is a little different from the hoses you often see, including fuel line or radiator hoses.
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| hydraulic hoses for brake |
The hydraulic system has tremendous compressive power. Therefore, it requires quality and a strong hose that can resist high pressure. For that reason, hydraulic hoses are usually made of steel material.
8. Brake Booster
The brake booster serves to reduce the compressive power of the brake pedal without reducing braking power.
With the brake booster, the compressive force will multiply, and the braking process is maximized.
9. Caliper Bracket
The caliper bracket functions as a brake caliper holder to keep it stable in its place and won’t move at all.
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| Caliper bracket |
In general, the caliper bracket is always connected to the vehicle steering knuckle.
However, because the shape cannot be connected directly, an additional component in the bracket’s shape-model is needed.
10. Disc Brake Oil Reservoir
“Disc brake oil reservoir” is tubular and serves to store fluid or extra brake fluid, usually always integrated with the master cylinder.
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| disc brake oil reservoir |
Those are the ten components of disc brakes that you need to know as essential when using a car with this system.
Thus when something happens related to the braking sector, at least you can know where the problem is to provide proper handling.
Ryan Daniel is a car enthusiast, and he has years of experience in the automotive field as an engineer. Now he is also active as an automobile blogger and member of the auto community.