What is a disc brake? How does it work? The disc brake system’s advantages, disc brake pads, and important information ….. are some of the key features.
Automakers started replacing front drum brakes by disc brakes in the 1960s. Instead of drum brakes which use the inside out compression method to create friction the pads are hydraulically compressed onto two flat surfaces (discs), that rotate with each wheel. The frictional force of the disc causes the vehicle’s speed to slow down. The brake pedal’s force is directly related to how slow the wheel rotates.
Front disc brakes became an option on many cars and light trucks starting in the 1970s. Disc brakes were made standard equipment in cars and light trucks starting in the 1980s. Most cars have disc brakes on their front wheels and drum brakes at the rear. While the process applies to many modern vehicles, disc brakes have been installed on the four-wheel systems for many vehicles in the past 10 years. The only reason disc brakes are used on front wheels is because they are the most effective way of stopping the vehicle.
Disc brakes are more powerful and cooler than drum brakes. The pads have uniform abrasions. It is easy to use and light. Discs do not retain water like drums. It is therefore safer when it rains.
How disc brakes work
The components of a disc brake are the caliper and piston, as well as pads, disc, attachment points, and pads. By pressing the brake pedal, the hydraulic fluid is forced into the pipe. The principle that liquids are not compressible means that they apply the same pressure at all points of their containers. This allows the fluid in the pipe to be transmitted through a narrow passage to the piston between the calipers. You can apply a force of 2kg to the brake pedal using your foot. This allows the liquid to expand through the channel opening and transmit to the piston, creating a pressure of 2 tonnes. The piston moves with a much greater force because the piston’s applied force wall is wider and transmits all pressures to the liquids evenly. The disc is subject to pressure by being held between the tips of the piston’s disc and the disc’s back. It is as though it were being held in a vise. The friction created by braking is incredible as the disc rotates between the wheels and pads. This friction is so strong that the disc can even turn completely fiery-red. Many people have witnessed discs turning reddening under hard braking, particularly in Formula 1 races.
The brakes then absorb the vehicle’s kinetic energy and convert it to heat energy. To do this, friction heat must be rapidly removed from discs and pads. To facilitate this process, it is best to produce discs using materials that have a high heat transfer coefficient and place air channels on the calipers.
Disc Brake Pads
The make and model of each vehicle will determine the type of disc brakes used. You can choose from non-asbestos (NAO), metallic, semi-metallic or ceramic friction material. Different friction materials may be used for different vehicles.
Brake pads are usually made from friction material that is molded into the backing plate of steel. It can also be connected with rivets. Some pads come with noise suppression shims underneath the pad, while others include noise reduction shims built in to the pads. Noise control is provided by the grooves and slots in the pads.
Brake pads become less durable over time. Your vehicle will indicate with an indicator light that the pads have reached the minimum thickness. If you press the brake pedal, noise and friction sound will occur. If this happens, it is time to replace the pads. Most vehicles’ front pads wear two times faster than their rear counterparts. However, some vehicles that have the “Electronic Brake System” are more powerful and can wear out quicker than the front brakes.
Attention: If you replace the brake pads on your vehicle’s brakes, it is important to do so with the same or superior quality. You must use the same (or better!) coefficient of friction as your original pads. Your car manufacturer will recommend the right pads. You can also replace the NAO pads with ceramic, semi-metallic or NAO pads. Ceramics can be replaced with semi-metallic or ceramic. Semi-metallics can only be replaced by semi-metallics. Wear can be increased by replacing semi-metallic pads using softer ceramic or NAO plates. It could limit your vehicle’s braking power.
Brake pads should always be replaced in pairs (front- or rear-facing).
