200 Auto Brakes
Figure 12-16. This shows the operation of a single-piston,
floating caliper. As the piston is forced outward, hydraulic
pressure (which is equal in all directions), forces the caliper to
float (slide) inward. This movement applies the outboard pad.
(Cadillac)
Housing retainer pin
(locating pin) does not move
with caliper
Shoe
and pad
assemblies
Piston
Piston
seal
Caliper
housing
Bleeder
Caliper
fluid
inlet
Sleeve
Inner bushing
Steering knuckle
Outer
bushing
Dust
boot
Applied
direction
of travel
Released
direction
of travel
Figure 12-14. A single-piston, sliding caliper assembly. This
caliper bolts onto an integral cast extension of the spindle.
(Ford)
Integral spindle
and anchor
plate
Caliper
assembly
Combination
caliper
locating and
attaching pin
Figure 12-15. Exploded view of a one-piston, floating brake caliper that bolts to the adapter. (Chrysler)
Bolts
Spindle
Splash
shield
Brake
hose
Adapter
Inboard
lining
Guide
pin
Positioner
Bushing
Bleeder
screw
Caliper
Anti-rattle
spring
Bushing
Piston
seal
Piston
Dust
boot
Outboard
lining
Hub and rotor
assembly
Fixed Caliper Construction
Fixed calipers are usually made of cast iron. Some
fixed calipers are a one-piece design, Figure 12-17, while
others are split so they can be disassembled for easier pis-
ton removal and honing. Fixed calipers are not commonly
used except on heavy equipment and military vehicles.
Some makers of high-performance brakes offer two- and
four-piston calipers as replacements for original equipment
calipers.