
One or two pistons to push the brake pads against the rotor when you brake.


This creates a lot of hydraulic pressure, generating a much bigger force than that of the small effort of pressing down on the pedal. A piston compresses brake fluid inside the master cylinder located under your vehicle’s hood near your engine.Braking starts with a mechanical force - your foot pressing the brake pedal.

We explain how they work, how they’re different and alike, why you may have both types on the same vehicle, what kind of wear to expect and what parts will need maintenance.ĭisc and drum brakes are both based on a hydraulic pressure system. Here’s a guide to the two types of passenger-vehicle brakes, disc and drum. When it comes to driving safety, nothing is more critical than your tires and brakes. Complete Guide to Disc Brakes and Drum Brakes
