The caliper is an essential component of the disc brake system. He must hold and guide the brake pads. With the help of one or more pistons, the caliper transforms the hydraulic pressure in the braking system into a mechanical force that presses the brake pads on the disc.
When you press the brake pedal, a higher pressure than the atmospheric pressure is created in the hydraulic system. This pressure is transmitted to the calipers via the brake lines.
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When this pressure reaches the caliper, it causes the piston or pistons to press the brake pads on the disc. As a result, rubbing the pads on the brake discs slows or stops the car.
When you take your foot off the brake pedal, the system pressure drops and the valve in the central brake pump returns to its original position, allowing the brake pads to retract and release the disc.
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There are several models of calipers, with one piston or more, with only one moving part or with both moving parts. The more powerful the car, the more complex the braking system.
For sports cars or heavy equipment, the calipers come equipped with at least 4 pistons that operate, on both sides, the disc brake pads.
The caliper has the role of braking a car while driving and stopping it, but in addition it is also used in all modern handbrake systems. It has the role of locking the rear wheels to prevent the car from being moved when parked.
The caliper can be controlled electrically or mechanically, by a pulley system, which goes from the inside to the caliper, when you lift the parking brake lever.
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There are two common types of calipers. One is the fixed one, found on the rear axles, it has two pistons that operate the brake pads on either side of the brake disc and a mobile one, which has only one piston that acts the brake pad inside the disc, the other plate following -without being pressed by a piston.
Photo source: liveabout.com, dfwsbr.com, carfromjapan.com