2 Car Brake Components and Their Functions

Most people are probably already aware that motor vehicles are equipped with various components inside them. One of the vital components of a vehicle is the brakes. 

The presence of brakes here serves to provide safety and security for the rider. It should be noted that the car brake components are divided into two. Here is the review.

1. Drum Brake

As one type of brake in cars, drum brakes utilize hydraulic pressure to create pressure on the brake lining. In its operation, drum brakes are also assisted by several supporting components. 

First, the backing plate, which has the largest shape among other components like a metal disc.

Second, the brake shoe, which is a container for placing the brake lining within this hydraulic system. The brake shoe has a circular shape consisting of two shoes in a semicircular form. 

Meanwhile, the brake lining itself is made of organic ceramic material, which needs to be replaced when it becomes thin. The third car brake component is the wheel cylinder, which functions to convert fluid pressure into mechanical movement. 

In this drum brake system, the wheel cylinder consists of several parts, but the most commonly used is the dual piston type. Fourth, the brake shoe holder, which consists of several parts such as pins.

2. Disc Brake

This brake can be said to be a replacement for the drum brake that is often used in several motor vehicles. This is intentionally done because vehicle manufacturers aim to make the braking system more optimal. 

Especially when the car is driven at high speed, the disc brake will help stop the car's speed.

Like drum brakes, disc brakes are also equipped with several supporting components. First, the brake caliper, which plays an important role in mechanically squeezing the brake lining onto the disc. In fact, the brake caliper in this car brake component is also used as a container to support the brake lining and brake piston. 

Second, the brake pads, which function to press the disc to provide frictional force, where this frictional force is useful for stopping the rotation of the disc brake. 

Considering the importance of brake pads, you are advised to choose pads made from materials such as semi-metal, asbestos, sintered, and ceramic.

Third, the disc, which is the connecting part with the wheel axle and rotates following the wheel's rotation. As its name suggests, this component has a disc-like shape. 

In addition, the disc is one of the core parts of the disc brake because it serves as the medium pressed by the brake pads.

Fourth, the caliper bracket, which functions as a container for mounting the caliper. The installation on this car brake component aims to keep the caliper in place. 

Fifth, the brake piston located inside the caliper, shaped like a tube with the end designed with a groove as a place for the dust protective rubber.

Due to its very important function, it is not surprising that every motor vehicle, whether two-wheeled or four-wheeled, is always equipped with brakes. 

The two components mentioned above are actually not only equipped on four-wheeled vehicles, as there are also two-wheeled vehicles that use both components.