CALIPER

What are calipers?

A brake caliper is a brake part which houses the brake pads as well as a hydraulically or pneumatically operated piston.

When braking, hydraulic or pneumatic pressure is used onto the piston via the braking liquid in the brake hose. The pressure pushes the piston onto the brake pads which in turn are pressed onto the brake discs.

This results in friction between the brake pads and discs causing the vehicle to stop.

In general a caliper house only one piston, however heavier vehicles with larger brake discs can also have calipers with room for two pistons.