What is a disc brake system?

The disc braking system involves many different components, but at its most basic function, the system consists of a disc/rotor, a brake calliper and brake pads. When the brake pedal is applied, brake fluid creates pressure and squeezes the brake pad against the rotor and creates friction.

What are the types of disc brakes?

There are two types of disc brakes. One is called the “opposed piston type disc brake” which has pistons on both sides of the disc rotor, and the other is the “floating type disc brake” which has a piston on only one side. The floating type disc brakes are also called the sliding pin type disc brakes.

What are the main advantages of a disc brake?

ADVANTAGES OF DISC BRAKES

  • Disc brakes offer greater stopping power, which can be helpful on long descents.
  • Disc brakes don’t heat the rim, which has been known to cause tire blowouts on long descents when rim brakes are used.
  • Disc brakes allow for more precise braking, making wheel lockup less likely.

How does a disc brake system work?

Disc Brakes. Disc brakes, sometimes spelled as “disk” brakes, use a flat, disk-shaped metal rotor that spins with the wheel. When the brakes are applied, a caliper squeezes the brake pads against the disc just as you would stop a spinning disc by squeezing it between your fingers, and slows the wheel.

Are disk brakes better than drum brakes?

In general, it is thought that disc brakes are a better means of stopping the car than drum brakes . This is due to three primary reasons. The heat energy that is transferred to the brakes better dissipates with discs, brake fade occurs more slowly with disc brakes and they tend to stay drier in wet weather.

What are the disadvantages of disk brake?

Disadvantages of disc brakes : A disc brake is much more prone to noise so timely service required. The rotors wrap easier than drum brake system. Disc brakes are not self-energizing thus need higher clamping forces, which requires a power booster. Expensive as compared to drum brake. Too many components used in this brake so increases weight.

The Disc brake system is used on the front wheels of most hatchback cars, entry-level sedans & MUVs; whereas, it is also widely used on both front & rear wheels of high-end cars and SUV s in combination with hydraulic / vacuum brake actuating systems.