Why does the rear brake piston need to be rotated back?
3 Answers
Because the rear brake caliper piston needs to be rotated back to allow the installation of the brake pads, ensuring proper alignment between the brake pads and the brake disc, which indicates a successful rotation reset. Below is relevant information about the brake caliper: 1. Function: The brake caliper is an essential component of the braking system, primarily responsible for pushing the brake pads against the brake drum to reduce speed or bring the vehicle to a halt. 2. Working Principle: ① Passenger Cars: When the brake pedal is pressed, the oil outlet opens while the oil inlet closes. When the brake pedal is released, the oil outlet in the master cylinder closes, and the oil inlet opens. ② Trucks: The air pump, driven by the engine, compresses air into high-pressure gas stored in the air reservoir. One of the reservoirs is connected to the brake master cylinder via pipelines.
The rear brake piston's ability to rotate back is a crucial design feature, intended to allow the piston to slightly retract when braking is released, creating a tiny gap between the brake pads and disc. Reducing unnecessary friction helps avoid brake drag, improves fuel efficiency, and extends the brake system's lifespan. Based on my years of auto repair experience, this mechanism is achieved through the threaded structure inside the piston—when braking is released, the piston retracts while rotating, ensuring the pads and disc don't stick together after each brake application. This design is particularly effective in rear brake systems where disc brakes incorporate parking functions. If the piston doesn't rotate back, continuous friction can lead to overheating, accelerated wear, and even risks like abnormal noises or brake failure. Therefore, professional tools must be used to rotate and retract the piston during maintenance.
As a car owner, I've found that the rear brake pistons being able to rotate back makes driving more worry-free. It prevents the brake pads from maintaining contact with the disc after brake release, which could cause the vehicle to drag, increasing fuel consumption and resistance. The pistons rotating back slightly creates a tiny gap, making brake response much smoother. I've personally noticed no strange noises after parking, and the car feels more relaxed. This design improves overall efficiency, especially in urban driving with frequent braking, reducing heat buildup and extending component lifespan. Plus, the parking function becomes more reliable, preventing accidental lock-ups.