How Disc Brakes Work?

Car disc brake structure

The structure of a car disc brake consists of 4 main parts: brake disc, brake caliper, brake pads, and oil. This brake combination is designed in an open manner, the parts coordinate well with each other, helping the car stop or slow down effectively.

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Brake disc (Roto)

The brake disc is mounted directly on the wheel hub assembly. Currently, disc brake rotors have solid types, ventilated types, and drum types. Depending on the design intention, the brake disc will be perforated or slotted to optimize heat dissipation for the car disc brake system when operating.

Most rotors today are made from carbon steel. This is a material that has good heat resistance, good strength, and high durability. However, the brake disc can crack if the operation process is subjected to force that exceeds the allowable threshold many times. In case the brake pads do not meet standards, the brake disc will be scratched, reducing friction when operating.

Brake caliper (Caliper)

The brake caliper has the effect of holding and pressing the brake pads against the brake disc surface to create enough braking force to help the vehicle decelerate and stop without jerking. Currently, this part is designed in two main forms: floating or fixed.

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In particular, the floating design includes a piston and a seat. When an impact force occurs, the piston will press against the disc surface, creating a reaction force that pushes the brake shackles to move.

The fixed brake caliper has a more complex structure with 2 hydraulic pistons placed in a symmetrical position. When force is applied, the brake pads press against the brake disc, this process does not cause the brake caliper to move. Currently, fixed brake calipers are expensive to produce and are only suitable for a few high-performance sports cars.

Brake pads

Brake pads are a unified block made from heat-resistant materials such as ceramic, alloy, and Kevlar. This part of the car disc brake structure includes 2 pads that tightly grip the brake disc.

The slits on the brake pads help to release heat during operation. When braking, the driver hears a screeching sound, which is a sign that the brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced.

Oil (Piston)

The operating principle of disc brakes is to use specialized oil to transmit force. When the piston operates, it presses the brake pads against the brake disc, helping the vehicle slow down or stop. Disc brake fluid wears out during use and requires regular maintenance to ensure safety for people and vehicles.

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In addition to the above 4 main parts, disc brakes also have springs and air filters to help the disc brake system operate smoothly and effectively.

Operating principle of car disc brakes

When the driver steps on the brake pedal, the oil pressure in the oil pipe and wheel cylinder will increase, pushing the piston and brake pads against the brake disc, creating friction, causing the wheel to gradually slow down or stop completely.

When using car disc brakes, drivers should follow 3 steps: cadence braking, braking, deceleration combined with braking, and shifting to a low gear to stop the vehicle safely. This technique of using disc brakes can be applied to difficult roads, heavy loads, or when you are traveling at high speed.

In the state of brake failure, the oil pressure drops rapidly, causing the oil seal to deform, and the piston and brake pads release from the brake disc. Car disc brakes are parts that wear out quickly after continuous use. When the brake pads are worn down to only 2-3 mm, the driver needs to replace the brake pads with new ones.

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Along with the use of disc brakes on modern cars, most manufacturers equip optimal brake support technology such as anti-lock braking system, brake assist system… including VinFast. This helps shorten braking distance and limit situations where the vehicle’s brakes are locked.

However, auto experts affirm that those technologies are only supportive. Drivers should learn about the structure of car disc brakes, improve skills in handling situations, and periodically maintain and maintain the brake system to ensure safety for every journey.

Summary

In this journey of understanding disc brakes, we explored the mechanics of the braking process, the role of the brake pedal and the hydraulic system, how calipers engage brake pads, and the anatomy of the disc brake system. We also took a closer look at the role of brake fluid in the braking process.

Understanding the nitty-gritty of the disc brake system not only enhances our appreciation for the engineering marvel that it is but also equips us with knowledge that can help us better maintain our vehicles. It’s this knowledge that empowers us to ensure our brakes are always in top condition, keeping us safe on the roads.