Disc brakes for more safety in road traffic

Brakes are one of the most important parts of a vehicle in terms of safety. If they do not work, the braking effect can be severely impaired and drastic consequences can ensue. Therefore, regular inspection of the brakes and the braking system is essential. Two types of brakes are installed in vehicles: disc brakes and drum brakes. Opinions differ as to which brake is the better one. Fact is: Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Here in the RP-TOOLS Shop you can get everything you need for disc brakes in vehicles.

The invention of the disc brake

The disc brake was invented at the end of the 19th century. Initially this invention was designed for bicycles. The first patents were granted in the USA. From the middle of the 20th century, it was then installed as standard in motor vehicles.

The structure of a disc brake

The basic principle of a disc brake is very simple: It is used to brake the wheels of a vehicle. For this function, it is attached to the wheel hub under a caliper-like housing, the brake caliper. This caliper contains one or more brake pistons, depending on the brake. The brake pads are located exactly opposite the brake pistons. These adhere to a carrier plate and are attached to the brake disc. A hydraulic connection is fitted to the brake pistons, which is connected to the brake hoses.

If the braking process is initiated by actuating the brake, the brake fluid exerts pressure on the pistons which are then pressed against the brake linings on the brake disc.

Fist-caliper brake and the fixed caliper brake

There are two main types of disc brakes in the automotive sector: the handbrake and the fixed caliper brake. The biggest difference between these two braking systems is as follows:

• In a fixed caliper brake, the brake caliper is immovable and usually has several brake pistons on both sides of the brake disc.
• In a fist-caliper brake, on the other hand, the brake caliper is movable. This brake has a floating caliper and a brake carrier as well as a large brake piston.

The brake carrier of the floating caliper brake is statically fixed to a component of the vehicle, while the brake caliper can move back and forth. Two guide bolts are attached to the caliper for this purpose. When the brake pedal is depressed and the mostly hydraulic pressure generated, the brake piston of the fist-caliper brake first presses the brake pad against one side of the brake disc. As pressure continues to be applied and since the brake disc itself is immobile, the brake caliper is displaced axially. This then presses the second brake pad against the brake disc on the other side of the brake disc.

So whereas in the fixed caliper brake there are brake pistons on both sides of the disc, which exert pressure on both sides of the disc via the brake pads, in the fist-caliper brake there is only one piston. However, this also leads to pressure on both sides due to its mobility.

In automobiles, the fist-caliper brake is usually used. In motor sports, for example in Formula 1 and for vehicles where a greater braking power must be achieved, the fixed caliper brake is usually used. As an alternative to the disc brake, the drum brake is also used in motor vehicles.

The advantages of a disc brake

Disc brakes are characterised above all by the fact that they are thermally very resilient and not very sensitive to friction value fluctuations. In addition, the brake pads wear evenly and can be easily replaced.

Brake tool for disc brakes and drum brakes at RP-TOOLS

Benefit both as a hobbyist and as a professional from high-quality tools for disc brakes. RP-TOOLS is your specialist dealer when it comes to suitable accessories for disc brakes, but of course also for drum brakes, brake bleeding devices, brake fluid testers, brake test stands, flanging devices, play testers and wheel alignment devices. Please have a look around our shop and order your disc brake set.

Do you have any further questions? We will be happy to provide you with comprehensive advice. Simply contact us during our service hours. We look forward to seeing you!