How to Make Your Car Last Forever: Avoid Expensive Repairs, Improve Fuel Economy, Understand Your Warranty, Save Money

Steel brake lines: The brake fluid travels through the braking system by
means of an infrastructure made up of the steel brake lines.
Proportioning valve: This valve regulates and adjusts the amount of fluid
that goes to the front brakes and to the back brakes. It is a necessary function
because each set of brakes requires different volumes and pressures in order to
apply equal braking power and stop the vehicle.
Brake calipers: The brake calipers are nothing more than powerful “C”
clamps that are activated by hydraulic pressure produced when you depress the
brake pedal. They slide on a mechanism (usually pins) that positions them so
that they straddle the rotors. The calipers contain large pistons that act directly
on the brake pads. The hydraulic pressure created in the master cylinder by
pressing the brake pedal forces the pistons out of their bores and squeezes the
brake rotor between the pads, slowing the vehicle.
Brake rotors (discs): Brake rotors or discs are flat round steel discs found
behind the car’s wheels. The calipers straddle them, and when you depress the
brake pedal, the calipers clamp down on these rotors. The result is that the brake
pads (which are attached to the calipers) make contact with the rotors, creating
friction and stopping the car.
Brake pads: The brake pads are attached to the calipers. These pads are the
friction material that’s needed to stop the forward motion of the wheels. They are
made of steel backing with friction material affixed to it (either by the use of
industrial grade glue or steel rivets). Spring-steel clips are attached to the brake
pads to keep them in place on the brake caliper. Without this anti-rattle
hardware, the pads would make clicking and squealing noises when the wheels
move.