As a car owner, your brakes are arguably the most important feature on your vehicle. Keeping them updated and maintained is crucial for the safety of yourself and others on the road. That's why having a good understanding of the different brake systems and components is essential. In this blog post, we'll be discussing the rear brake system and its main component, the rear brake caliper.
Overview of Rear Brake System
The rear brake system is a crucial aspect of a vehicle's overall brake system. It helps slow down the car and stop it from rear-ending other vehicles, pedestrians, or objects on the road. The rear brakes typically handle only about 30% of the braking power, while the front brakes handle the rest. The rear brakes are less critical because most of the braking force is on the front wheels when the car is in motion.
The rear brake system Varies depending on different car models. However, most cars have either drum brakes or disc brakes. Drum brakes are typically found on older cars, while modern vehicles use disc brakes. A disc brake system consists of a brake rotor, brake caliper, and brake pads. The brake rotor is a disc that rotates with the wheels, while the brake caliper and brake pads sit on either side of the rotor.
What is a Rear Brake Caliper?
The rear brake caliper is a component of the disc brake system. It is a device that squeezes the brake pads against the rotor surface, creating friction and slowing down the vehicle. The rear brake caliper consists of two main parts: the piston and the caliper housing.
The piston is the most critical part of the rear brake caliper. When you press the brake pedal, brake fluid flows into the brake caliper, pushing the piston against the brake pads. The brake pads then squeeze the rotor, slowing down the car. The caliper housing is the outer casing of the brake caliper, which holds the piston and brake pads in place.
Different Types of Rear Brake Calipers
Fixed Calipers
Fixed calipers are the most common type of rear brake caliper. They are mounted to the vehicle's frame and have pistons on both sides of the brake rotor. The fixed nature of the caliper means that it is very stable and reduces the amount of lateral movement of the brake pads. This results in better brake performance and increased durability.
Floating Calipers
Floating calipers, also known as sliding calipers, have one piston that sits on one side of the rotor. The caliper is mounted on a frame and can move in a lateral direction to allow for even wear on the brake pads. Floating calipers are more affordable than fixed calipers.
Why Choose High-Quality Rear Brake Calipers?
Choosing high-quality rear brake calipers is fundamental for your car's performance and safety. Cheap, low-quality calipers can fail in extreme conditions, leading to further damage to your car or worse, a severe accident. High-quality rear brake calipers are made of more durable materials, better designed, and more reliable in extreme conditions.
In Conclusion
The rear brake caliper is a crucial component of the overall brake system, responsible for slowing down the vehicle and ensuring safety on the road. When looking for a replacement, it is essential to choose a high-quality rear brake caliper that is durable and reliable in every driving condition. Choose CarParts.com for your next rear brake caliper replacement and rest assured that you have a trusted provider of durable and reliable auto parts.