What is the difference between single-piston and dual-piston calipers?

[LeSadie]

Dual-piston calipers and single-piston calipers differ in their design approach. Below are the key distinctions: Single-piston calipers: Most single-piston calipers found on production vehicles utilize a one-way piston configuration. The brake pad on the opposite side is pushed by the reaction force of the caliper, hence they are also referred to as "floating calipers." Dual-piston calipers: With dual-piston calipers, both the inner and outer sections of the caliper remain stationary. The clamping force for the inner and outer brake pads is independently managed by pistons on opposite sides, earning them the name "fixed calipers." When comparing single-piston and multi-piston calipers, single-piston designs often leave unused space that cannot be filled. To minimize the overall caliper size while maximizing piston area, dual-piston calipers were developed.