2 August 2019

Advantages and disadvantages of disc brakes

A disc brake is a type of brake that uses callipers to squeeze pairs of pads against a disc to create friction that slows the rotation of a shaft, either to reduce its rotational speed or to hold it stationary. One of the biggest advantages is that it can generate and transfer greater amounts of heat to the atmosphere because most of the friction area of a rotor is exposed to air so cooling is faster than drum brake makes them better suited for high-performance driving or heavy-duty vehicles. Let us have a deep insight into the pros and cons of disc brakes to know more about it. 

Advantages of disc brakes :

  • Disc brakes require less effort to stop the vehicle.
  • It generates less heat.
  • The disk brake is simple to install and service.
  • The disk brake is easy to control.
  • Disk brake can never become self-locking.
  • Disk brake has high torque transmitting capacity in a small volume.
  • In the disk brake, the braking torque is linearly proportional to the actuating force.
  • The disk brake is equally effective for both directions of rotation of the disk.
  • Disc brakes will keep working after you bent your rim.
  • Disc brake doesn't wear down the rims.
  • Disc brakes are that the wheels must be built strongly and they must be able to take high torque stresses between the rim and the hub.
  • It is less likely to skid in wet condition. 
  • Disc brakes increase the aesthetic value of your bike. 

Disadvantages of disc brakes : 

  • A disc brake is much more prone to noise so timely service required. 
  • The rotors wrap easier than the drum brake system. 
  • Disc brakes are not self-energizing thus need higher clamping forces, which requires a power booster. 
  • Expensive as compared to a drum brake. 
  • Too many components used in this brake so increases weight. 

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