Disc brake

Disk brake dsc03682

suspension

2009-02-10 2008 Yamaha FZ6 front rotor close-up

Detail of - AMC Pacer - right front disc brake and suspension system

Upgraded-Disk-brake

Disc brake is a type of brake that uses calipers to squeeze pairs of pads against a disc or "rotor" to create friction. This action slows the rotation of a shaft, such as a vehicle axle, either to reduce its rotational speed or to hold it stationary. The energy of motion is converted into waste heat which must be dispersed.

History

The concept of the disc brake dates back to the 1890s. The first caliper-type automobile disc brake was patented by Frederick William Lanchester in his Birmingham, UK factory in 1902 and used successfully on Lanchester cars. However, the limited technology of the time meant that the disc brake did not reach wide acceptance until the mid-20th century. The Jaguar C-Type racing car was one of the first to be fitted with disc brakes, using them to win the Le Mans 24 hours race in 1953.

Components

The main components of a disc brake are the disc or rotor, brake pads, and a caliper.

Disc/Rotor

The disc or rotor is the component against which the brake pads apply pressure to stop the wheel. Discs can be made from various materials including cast iron, reinforced carbon, and ceramic composites.

Brake Pads

Brake pads are made of a high-friction material that is pressed against the disc/rotor to create the friction needed to stop the vehicle. The material composition of the pads varies depending on the specific needs of the application, such as performance, durability, noise, and dust production.

Caliper

The caliper fits over the rotor like a clamp and contains at least one piston. In a hydraulic disc brake system, when the brake pedal is pressed, hydraulic fluid is pushed through the brake lines into the caliper, forcing the pistons to move and the brake pads to clamp onto the rotor.

Types of Disc Brakes

There are several types of disc brakes, including fixed and floating caliper designs. Fixed calipers, as the name suggests, do not move, but rather have pistons on opposing sides of the rotor. Floating calipers move in and out relative to the rotor and have pistons on only one side of the disc.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Disc brakes offer better stopping performance as compared to drum brakes, due to their ability to dissipate heat more effectively. This makes them more suitable for high performance and heavy-duty applications. However, they can be more expensive to manufacture and maintain.

Maintenance

Disc brake systems require regular maintenance to ensure safety and performance. This includes checking the thickness of the brake pads and the condition of the rotors, as well as replacing the brake fluid at manufacturer-recommended intervals.

Safety

Properly functioning disc brakes are crucial for the safety of the vehicle. Worn pads or damaged rotors can lead to decreased braking efficiency and increased stopping distances.

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