by 
The Curious Bag
-
The rotor is one of the most important parts of a disc brake. It gives the brake pads a surface to clamp down on to stop the wheel. Disc brakes are used on cars, motorcycles and even bicycles.
History
The first disc brakes were used in 1902 on Lanchester automobiles, specifically the Legacy.
Function
The rotor is a surface that spins with the wheel between two brake "pads." When the disc brake is actuated, the pads squeeze the brake rotor, slowing the wheel.
Materials
Many disc brake rotors are made of solid cast iron. Some, like those used on motorcycles, are drilled or "veined" to disperse heat built up by brake friction.
Fun Fact
Though cast iron is the standard material for disc brake rotors, some high-powered sports cars use reinforced carbon or ceramic rotors, which can withstand immense amounts of heat.
Common Problems
The disc brake rotor can sometimes become warped, which will cause a pulsing in the brake. Disc brakes also do not fare well after getting wet and can develop a high-pitched squeal when the pads make contact with a wet cast iron rotor.
Source:
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC