Disc Brake System: Description and Operation

FRONT CALIPER
Front calipers on Saturn L-series vehicles are single piston, sliding caliper units. They are fastened to the caliper support with two bolts. Brake pressure, created in the master cylinder, acts equally on the caliper piston and caliper body (in the bottom of the caliper bore). This causes the piston to move outward (pushing inboard brake pad against the brake rotor) and caliper body to slide inward (pushing outboard brake pad against brake rotor), creating stopping force. The front calipers are serviceable to the extent that they can be disassembled, cleaned, and fitted with new seals. However, since the piston bore cannot be honed, if extensive bore damage is present, the caliper body must be replaced.

REAR CALIPER
Rear calipers on Saturn L-series vehicles are dual piston, fixed caliper units. They are fastened to the knuckle with two bolts. Brake pressure, created in the master cylinder, acts equally on the caliper pistons. This causes the pistons to move outward (pushing the inboard and outboard brake pads against the rotor), creating stopping force. The rear calipers are serviceable to the extent that they can be disassembled, cleaned, and fitted with new seals. However, since the piston bore cannot be honed, if extensive bore damage is present, the caliper body must be replaced.