Disc Brake System: Description and Operation

Disc Brake System Description and Operation
System Component Description
The disc brake system consists of the following:

Disc Brake Pads: Applies mechanical output force (from hydraulic brake calipers) to friction surfaces of brake rotors.

Disc Brake Rotors: Uses mechanical output force applied to friction surfaces from disc brake pads to slow speed of tire and wheel assembly rotation.

Disc Brake Pad Hardware: Secures disc brake pads firmly in proper relationship to hydraulic brake calipers; enables sliding motion of brake pads when mechanical output force is applied.

Disc Brake Caliper Hardware: Provides mounting for hydraulic brake caliper, secures caliper firmly in proper relationship to caliper bracket; enables sliding motion of brake caliper to brake pads when mechanical output force is applied.

System Operation
Mechanical output force is applied from the hydraulic brake caliper pistons to the inner brake pads. As the pistons press the inner brake pads outward, the caliper housings draw the outer brake pads inward, allowing the output force to be equally distributed. The brake pads then apply the output force to the friction surfaces on both sides of the brake rotors, which slows the rotation of the tire and wheel assemblies. The proper function of both the brake pad and brake caliper hardware is essential to the even distribution of braking force.