Disc Brake System: Description and Operation

When the brake pedal is depressed, a vacuum builds up in the booster which amplifies the pedal force, pressing on the piston in the master cylinder. The piston raises the hydraulic pressure in the cylinder. This hydraulic pressure is then applied to each respective brake cylinder, and acts to press the brake pads against the rotating rotor discs. The resulting friction converts the rotational energy to thermal energy, stopping the vehicle.