Modern vehicles
always equipped with
disc brakes on at
least the front two
wheels.
Rotor
Caliper
Brake pads
Disc Brake System (2 of 6)
Pushrods transfer
force through brake
booster.
Master cylinder
converts pedal force
to hydraulic pressure.
Disc Brake System (3 of 6)
Hydraulic pressure
transmitted via brake lines
and hoses to piston(s) at
each brake caliper.
Pistons operate on friction
pads to provide clamping
force
Rotors are free to rotate due
to wheel bearings and hubs
that contain them The hub and hubless rotors.
Hub can be part of brake
rotor or separate assembly
that the rotor slips over and
is bolted to by the lug nuts
Disc Brake System (4 of 6)
Advantages
Greater amounts of heat to atmosphere
Cooling more rapid
Rotors scrape off water more efficiently
Self-adjusting
Dont need periodic maintenance
Easier to service
Disc Brake System (6 of 6)
Disadvantages
Prone to noise (squeals and squeaks)
Rotors warp easier
Not self-energizing
Hard to use as parking brakes
Disc Brake Calipers (1 of 11)
O-rings. A. Square cut O-ring and O-ring cut to show square section.
B. Square cut O-ring groove in caliper.
Disc Brake Calipers (5 of 11)
Low-drag calipers
designed to maintain
larger brake pad-to-
rotor clearance.
Disc Brake Calipers (8 of 11)
Phenolic pistons
transfer heat slower
than steel pistons
Helps prevent
boiling of the brake
fluid
Bushings must be
lubricated with high-
temperature,
waterproof disc brake
caliper grease.
Floating calipers are
mounted in place by
guide pins and
bushings
Disc Brake Calipers (11 of 11)
Inspect brakes at
regular intervals.
Wear Indicators
Spring steel
scratchers
Warning lamps
Messages on dash
Disc Brake Rotors (1 of 7)
Types of rotors
Solid
Ventilated
Disc Brake Rotors (4 of 7)
Some ventilated
rotors are directional,
meaning they are
designed to force air
through the rotor in
one direction only.
Disc Brake Rotors (5 of 7)
Disc brake tools. A. Brake lining thickness gauges. B. Brake wash station. C. Caliper
piston pliers. D. Disc brake rotor micrometer. E. Dial indicator.
Diagnosis (7 of 12)
F. Parking brake cable tool. G. Caliper piston retracting tool. H. Off-car brake lathe.
I. On-car brake lathe. J. Dust boot seal/bushing driver set.
Diagnosis (8 of 12)
Diagnosis (9 of 12)