en:Car Terms:D:Disc Brake GB/EN

SEAT Glossary

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D

Disc brake

The disc brake comprises a brake caliper with friction blocks on both sides. Compact and low in weight, it achieves a more uniform effect and better control with respect to drum brakes.

There is a difference between a fixed caliper disc brake and a floating caliper disc brake, depending on the type of guidance or caliper mounting.

Fixed calipers encompass the disc brake with a rigid housing. This means the position of the caliper to the disc brake is fixed. Opposite pistons press the brake pads against the disc brake. Fixed caliper brakes are known for having a precise pressure point and very high braking performance.

In the floating caliper disc brake, the piston acts directly on your car’s mounted brake pad. The movable caliper presses the outer brake pad when braking. Some benefits include its space-saving design and favourable thermal behaviour.

Although the temperature of disc brakes may increase up to 500° C, they are unlikely to fade. Internal ventilation is often used to cool the front disc brakes more effectively.