Automotive Terminology

Brake Pads
 A photo of the Brake Pads

Brake Pads are made up of two parts, a backing and a lining. The backing is a metal plate that holds the lining. The lining is made of a special material. The lining contacts the rotor during application of the breaks. This causes friction. This friction prevents the rotor from turning.


Brake Caliper
 A photo of the Brake Caliper

Brake Caliper are made of a few parts, a piston, and housing. This assembly is called the Brake Caliper. The Brake Caliper holds the Brake Pads around the rotor. When the brakes are applied, pressure builds in the housing. This pressure forces the piston out of the housing. The piston forces the brake pads against the rotor. This causes the brakes pads to press against the rotor.


Brake Hose
 A photo of the Brake Hose

This is a flexible hose that transfers the break fluid to the caliper. It must be flexible to accommodate the up and down movement of the wheel.


Brake Line
 A photo of the Brake Line

This is a ridged tube that transfers the break fluid from the Master Cylinder to the Brake Hose. This line is mounted to the frame of the car.


Brake Rotor
 A photo of the Brake Rotor

The Brake Rotor is a round disk shaped metal plate. The brake pads squeeze the rotor, which causes the car to stop.


Master Cylinder
 A photo of the Master Cylinder

This is a reservoir for brake fluid, and supplies the caliper with fluid when the brakes are applied.


Wheel Bearing / hub assembly
 A photo of the Wheel bearing / hub assembly

The Wheel bearing and hub assembly contains the bearing in a one-piece unit.




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Rotherforth ESC Fall 2006