| Now let's look at the mechanical components. When you remove your tire and rim, known collectively as the " wheel" , you are face to face with the mechanical portion of your brakes. Below are two diagrams, shown from slightly different points of view, with labels naming the individual components. |
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We saw the brake caliper with its hydraulic pistons before in the hydraulic system. When the hydraulic pressure, created by depressing the brake pedal, moves the pistons towards the brake pads the pads are then forced against the rotors stopping it from turning. The pad is made up of 2 major parts, the friction material and the metal backing plate that the friction material is bonded to. The view on the right shows the pads 50% worn away and the pistons slightly extended from the calipers to compensate for the worn away friction material. As you use your brakes the friction material is worn away. This worn material is what dirties your wheels over time. It is important to replace the pads before they wear down to the metal backing plate. Otherwise your brakes will go " metal on metal" meaning the metal backing plate has begun to rub against the metal rotor. When this happens the rotor is destroyed rapidly. Below is a animation showing the pads wearing against the rotors. |
