Which component serves to compress and activate the brake pads in a disc brake system?

In a disc brake system, the caliper is the component responsible for compressing and activating the brake pads. When the driver presses the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder is directed to the caliper. This action causes the caliper to move, which in turn pushes the brake pads against the rotating brake disc (or rotor). The friction created by this contact slows down or stops the vehicle.

The caliper's ability to exert pressure on the brake pads is crucial for effective braking performance. It is designed to accommodate the thermal expansion and varying loads during operation, ensuring consistent and reliable performance. This makes the caliper a critical part of the braking system, as it directly influences how well the vehicle can slow down or stop in response to the driver's inputs.