2. Operation of Disc Brakes
•Brake pedal is depressed
pushing fluid through the
system
•A piston is then forced out
•Brake pads are forced
together
•Friction between pads and
rotor cause the car to slow
down
3. Factors in Material Selection
Coefficient of friction
Heat fade
Thermal expansion
Hardness
4. Brake Pad Materials
Organic and Asbestos - health
issues, softer composition, low heat
fade resistance, small range of use
Semi-Metallic -
40% metal by content wt(steel wool, iron,)
hard surface, high friction
Towing, larger vehicles
Low heat concern, wears rotors fastest
Ceramic
Ceramic fibers, <15% metal by wt. Ct.
High hardness, more advanced technology
High heat operation, less heat fade
Long life