2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42
The main component of safe movement by car is, of course, the braking system. Its reliability allows the car to quickly slow down or stop in time. Accordingly, you need to constantly monitor the he alth of all parts of the brake system, in particular, pay attention to the calipers. After all, it is they who do the main job of converting the applied force from the brake pedal to the brake disc.
Caliper definition
A caliper, by definition, is a node designed to hold a tool with the possibility of moving it. This assembly includes a special mechanism and a tool holder. The design of the caliper ensures movement in the direction specified by the device. To understand what a caliper is in the brake system of a car, you need to understand the operation of the entire brake system of a car.
Here, the caliper is a hydraulic cylinder with a piston that forms the braking force of the car, and a bracket that holds the brake pads. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the pressure of the brake fluid increases on the pistons located in the caliper housing, which, in theirturn, press the brake pad against the brake disc or drum. Thus, the vehicle slows down or comes to a complete stop. Two types of brake calipers are currently in use: fixed mount and floating caliper.
Fixed caliper design
The caliper in this case is securely attached to the steering knuckle. In this case, the working cylinders are located on both sides of the brake disc. When you press the brake pedal, the pistons press the pads simultaneously on both sides of the disc. Brake pads in this design are held in a divorced state with the help of special springs. It is worth noting that such a braking system is very effective, therefore it is often used for sports cars or powerful cars with a large mass.
Floating Caliper
In this case, the working cylinder with the piston are located on one side, while one of the brake pads is fixed in a fixed position. When braking, the piston presses only one pad, while the second one is pressed against the disc gradually, moving along the guides. As a rule, this type of parts is cheaper to manufacture, so this type of caliper is common on most cars.
Working principle
The rear caliper has the function of pressing the brake pads to the disc. The resulting friction causes the car to slow down or stop. The front caliper performs the same function.
Both of these parts have a similar design. Since the calipers inare constantly subjected to heavy loads in their work (constant friction and, as a result, heating to high temperatures), they must be strong enough and have high heat dissipation.
Main signs and causes of malfunctions
Many car owners only find out what a caliper is when the first signs of their problems appear. Therefore, it is necessary to know the symptoms of caliper malfunction, which are most common: the appearance of a creak, blocking of the brakes, the car pulling to the side during braking, excessive smoothness or hardness of the brake pedal. As a rule, pads and brake discs wear out the fastest. This is due to the constant friction and heating of these parts. But do not forget that anthers, oil seals and a cuff inside the case also require due attention, because the tightness of the system depends on them. Due to the lack of proper care, some elements and parts may corrode and become rusty. This can cause the moving parts of the mechanism to jam.
Repair Calipers
Most automakers offer full caliper replacement instead of repair. However, this is a rather expensive procedure even for budget cars. It is possible to restore the caliper using a repair kit, which includes all the necessary elements for this, including anthers and cuffs. If the car owner clearly understands what a caliper is, he may well independently perform all the necessary manipulations to repair it.
First of all, the caliper must be disassembled and assess the degree of wear of each element. Particular attention should be paid to the guides, as they provide the necessary mobility of parts. In any case, traces of corrosion and rust, if any, must be removed from the caliper elements. To do this, it is enough to clean the right places with fine sandpaper. After that, it is necessary to treat the parts with a special lubricant and install them in place. For modern auto repair shops, it is also easy to replace the fittings and pistons of the caliper, which can significantly increase its service life.
So, if you are a careful and attentive driver, it will not be difficult to ensure the safe operation of the brake system, in particular calipers. The main thing is to know what a caliper is and to replace its consumables in time.
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