In this article, we learn what is disc brake, its construction, working, advantages, and disadvantages of discbrakes.
What is Disc Brake?
Discbrakes are more efficient and nowadays being adopted on large scale in the automotive segment.
It consists of a rotating brake disc mounted on the wheel and two friction pads positioned on either side of the disc.
The pressing of the stationary brake pads on the revolving disc causes friction, resulting in braking.
Construction of Disc Brakes
It consists of cast Iron or steel pressed disc bolted on the wheel hub.
The brake disc revolves along with the wheel.
The outer circumference of the brake disc is housed in the hydraulic caliper.
The hydraulic caliper consists of two sliding pistons.
The outer surface of sliding pistons is provided with a friction pad riveted on it.
Fluid lines connect the caliper to the brake lever or pedal.
Retractor springs are mounted in between the piston and caliper housing.
Working of Disc Brakes
When the vehicle is running, the brake disc revolves along with the wheel.
When the brake lever or pedal is operated, the braking effort is transmitted to the hydraulic caliper through the pressurized fluid.
The fluid pressure pushes the two pistons toward the brake disc.
The friction between the brake pads on the stationary pistons and the rotating brake disc causes the braking of the vehicle.
When the brake lever is released, the two pistons are pushed back by the retractor springs.
Advantages of Disc Brakes
The operation and assembly of the disc brake are much simpler.
As the friction pads are flat, the wear and tear are uniforms.
Heat dissipation is faster.
Disadvantages of Disc Brakes
The overall system cost is higher due to the hydraulic calipers and fluid lines.
The frictional area of pads is less, thereby requiring high-pressure intensity fluid.