Disc brake, function

W42.10-0012-01

1 Brake cylinder

2 Brake caliper

3 Brake pads

4 Brake disc

Design

A disc brake generally consists of a rotating brake disc (4) connected to the wheels, the brake caliper with brake actuating unit (2) which is either fixed or floating, the brake pads (3) and an actuating device, e.g. a brake cylinder (1).

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Disc brake variants:

 Fixed caliper disc brake

 Floating caliper disc brake

 Floating-frame disc brake

 Sliding caliper disc brake

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Function

When the brake pedal is pressed, the brake cylinder (1) moves out and, by means of the brake actuating unit, presses the brake pads (3) in the brake carrier against the rotating brake disc. The force of friction created between the brake disc and the brake pads brakes the vehicle. When the brake is released, the actuating device returns to its starting position. The specified clearance in the automatic wear adjuster ensures that the brake pads release the brake disc again when the brake is released.

Advantages of disc brakes compared to drum brakes:

 High thermal load capacity

 Low fading effect

 Resistant to fluctuations of coefficient of friction

 Good sensitivity of brake response

 High level of efficiency

 Low weight

 Easy to change brake pads