Caliper

Hydraulic disc brake systems utilize brake calipers to hold and actuate the brake pads. The brake pads are held in place so that the brake disc is positioned between them. The caliper has one or more pistons which use hydraulic pressure to push the brake pads against the brake disc which in effect squeezes the rotating disc connected to the wheel and creates the braking action. Calipers are filled with brake fluid and are connected to a master cylinder by the way of a brake line. The master cylinder supplies the hydraulic pressure. It is important to routinely inspect and even rebuild the brake calipers on a motorcycle or ATV. The word “caliper” can also be used for a type of measuring tool that clamps around the component being measured, much as the brake caliper clamps around the brake disc. These measuring calipers can be Vernier, dial or digital types.