Understanding Car Disc Brake Components: From Calipers to Brake Fluid

The components of a car's disc brake are the parts that make the brake function optimally. The function of the disc brake itself is to shorten the braking distance when the car is about to brake or stop.

The components of a car's disc brake are quite numerous. Among these many components, we will discuss some of them here. Some of these components are:

Caliper

The first component of the disc brake that you should know is the caliper. The main function of this component is to clamp the brake pads against the disc rotor, as well as to support the piston and brake pads. The caliper is further divided into two types, namely:

Fixed Caliper, which is a caliper that is integrated with the brake support found on the disc brake.
Floating Caliper, which is a caliper that can move left and right, has two sides, and is located not far from the brake support. One side of this type of caliper is already equipped with a brake piston.

Brake Piston

This is the component of the car's disc brake that is located on one side of the caliper, especially in the Floating Caliper type. The characteristic of this component is its tubular shape, and it has a groove at one end.

The end with the groove can later be used to store a dust protective rubber. The main function of the brake piston itself is to help the caliper press the brake pads against the disc rotor.

Brake Pads

You must be familiar with the name of this component. Especially if you have read the discussion of the two previous components. The component called brake pads is what will be pressed by the caliper and brake piston, so that it can press the disc rotor.

Brake pads can be made from various materials. However, this component is commonly made from asbestos, ceramic, sintered materials, or semi-metal. This component is quite easy to find in the market.

If you want to buy this component, choose the most durable material. In addition, also choose one with high quality. If necessary, buy brake pads that have been recommended by your car manufacturer.

Do not use low-quality brake pads. Because, this can trigger the car's disc brake to make noise.

Disc Rotor

This is the component that is pressed by the brake pads. After receiving pressure from the brake pads, this component will transfer that pressure to another component, namely the wheel axle.

Later, the wheel axle will apply pressure to the car wheels to stop during the braking process. The disc rotor itself is now available in two types, namely:

Ventilated Disc, which is a disc rotor that has small cavities. These cavities will release the heat generated during the braking process.
Solid Disc, which is a disc rotor that has strong gripping power and high thickness.

Brake Fluid

Without this component, a car's disc brake cannot function. This is because brake fluid can transmit the force from the pedal to the caliper, then to the brake pads and disc rotor, and to the car tires.

Brake fluid itself has many types, based on its boiling point. You just need to choose one that is suitable for your car's disc brake product.

In addition to the components mentioned above, there are still many other components of the car's disc brake that we cannot discuss all. These components include the brake pedal, booster, brake fluid reservoir, master cylinder, hydraulic hose, piston seal, brake piston, and caliper bracket.

The components of a car's disc brake are the parts that make the brake function optimally. The components of a car's disc brake are quite numerous. Some of them have been mentioned above. By knowing these components, we hope you can better understand what components are present in a car's disc brake.