What is a Caliper? Here are Its Functions and How It Works in Cars

The braking system in a car can be considered part of the safety system for car users. The braking system is divided into two systems, namely the disc system and the drum system. Speaking of the disc braking system, there is one component that plays a crucial role, namely the caliper.

The caliper is one of the components of the disc braking system that functions to clamp the disc and brake pads. To understand more about the function and operation of the brake caliper in a car, here we provide complete information.

Function of the Disc Brake Caliper in Cars

What is the use of the caliper? Here are various functions of the disc brake caliper:

1. Regulating Vehicle Speed

The caliper has the main function of regulating or controlling the speed of the car. The role of this component can be said to be very important for maintaining the safety of car users.

2. Controlling the Vehicle During the Braking Process

Brake calipers are located at the front and rear of the vehicle. This design has been engineered so that the vehicle can stop maximally when it is moving at high speed.

The caliper will gradually and quickly reduce that speed, so that during the braking process, the condition of the car can remain within safe limits.

3. Shortening the Braking Distance

The caliper is designed so that the car can brake easily over short distances. This is very useful when you need to brake suddenly.

Although sudden braking is not recommended and one should brake from a distance, there are some unexpected situations that require someone to brake suddenly.

4. Pressing the Disc Surface

Inside the caliper, there are brake pads that function to press the disc surface. Thus, the vehicle will stop when this process occurs.

5. Making the Braking Process More Optimal

The next function of the caliper is to make the braking process optimal and efficient. This occurs because the caliper is located close to other braking components. For example, the sticking brake pad functions to secure and maintain the position of the hardware inside the vehicle.

6. Reducing Vehicle Wheel Rotation

The caliper also functions to reduce and inhibit the rotation of the vehicle's wheels, so that excessive vehicle speed can be reduced and stopped.

7. Providing Force to the Brake Disc

The next function, the caliper can act as a distributor of force to the disc. The caliper also has a piston seal that is used to transmit that force to the disc surface.

The piston seal will slow down the rotation of the vehicle's wheels, thus reducing leakage in the hydraulic brake oil process when you press the brake pedal.

How the Brake Caliper Works in the Disc Braking System

How does this brake caliper component work? As explained above, the mechanism of the caliper works using the principle of hydraulics.

So when the caliper is in an expanded condition, the piston will provide a pushing force to the inner brake disc or rotor until the vehicle's speed stops. However, if the caliper is in its initial position, the piston will compress on both sides of the caliper.

What are the Signs of Damage to the Brake Caliper?

Signs of damage to the brake caliper can be recognized by certain symptoms, including a stiff feeling in the brake pedal when pressed. Although the brake pedal feels harder, it is advisable to conduct a thorough inspection to identify the root cause of the braking system problem.

Thus, the review regarding what a caliper is and some functions as well as how the caliper works in a vehicle's disc braking system.

Make sure you always routinely check the components of disc brakes and drum brakes and other components of the car's braking system. If there are issues, immediately take action by replacing the component at the nearest Daihatsu dealer or authorized workshop.

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