What Components Make Up an Automotive Disc Brake?
2 Answers
Automotive disc brakes are hydraulically controlled, with main components including the brake disc, wheel cylinder, brake caliper, and hydraulic lines. Below are detailed descriptions: 1. The brake disc can reduce the clamping force of the brake caliper, decreasing the unit pressure and operating temperature of the brake pads. Limited by the rim diameter, the brake disc diameter is typically chosen to be 70% to 79% of the rim diameter. For vehicles with a total mass exceeding 2 tons, the upper limit should be selected. 2. The wheel cylinder converts the hydraulic energy input from the master cylinder into mechanical energy to activate the brake. 3. The brake caliper is the component that generates braking torque, used to oppose the vehicle's movement or tendency to move.
Last time my car made some noise when braking, so I took it to the repair shop for a check. It turned out to be an issue with the disc brake system. Disc brakes mainly consist of the brake disc, caliper, and brake pads. The brake disc is that large round disc mounted on the wheel. When it rotates, the caliper clamps down, and the brake pads create friction against it to slow the car down. From my experience, it's crucial to regularly check the wear level of the brake pads. Once they get too thin, they must be replaced; otherwise, the braking distance increases, which is very dangerous. On highways, disc brakes dissipate heat quickly, unlike drum brakes which are prone to overheating. There are also sensors and wiring connections—if they become loose, they will trigger a warning. Remember, safety comes first. I recommend checking every six months, especially for those who frequently drive long distances.
