How Does Brake Pads Work?
Brake pads are designed to absorb heat as they create friction against the brake rotor. The brake pads ride against either side of the brake rotor and are held in place by the brake caliper that is typically mounted to the spindle or backing plate. Hydraulic pressure is provided by the brake system via a brake master cylinder. When the brake system is activated the brake pads are forced against the brake rotor causing it to slow down, in turn slowing the motion of the car. Heat is created and dissipated through the brake pad and rotor. If a bake pad or rotor become overheated it can hinder the brake operation until cooled. Unlike the shoes on a drum brake which convert motion into heat, pads on a disc brake literally hug the wheel. The amount of pressure a driver applies to the brake pedal is a relative amount of force that will be applied to the brake pads. This means that the driver can feel how much pressure he is applying to the brakes. The driver may also apply a pumping motion t...