1. Brake Pedal Activation: When the brake pedal is depressed, it generates hydraulic pressure in the brake lines.
2. Pressure Transmission: The hydraulic pressure travels through the brake lines and reaches the brake caliper.
3. Piston Movement: The pressure within the caliper causes one or more pistons to extend outwardly from the caliper body.
4. Brake Pad Contact: As the pistons move outward, they push the brake pads against the spinning disc. This friction between the pads and the disc slows down the wheel's rotation.
5. Heat Dissipation: The friction generated during braking creates heat. Disc brakes are designed with ventilation channels in the disc and caliper to allow for efficient heat dissipation, preventing overheating and maintaining effective braking performance.
6. Brake Release: When the brake pedal is released, the hydraulic pressure drops, causing the pistons to retract and the brake pads to move away from the disc, allowing the wheel to rotate freely again.
The main advantage of disc brakes over traditional drum brakes is that they provide more efficient heat dissipation and improved braking performance, even in wet or muddy conditions. Additionally, disc brakes are less prone to brake fade, making them more reliable and suitable for performance applications.
