Brake Discs

A Disc Brake is a particular sort of brake which uses the calipers to force pair of pads against a disc which is also called as a rotor for friction production. The hydraulically actuated disc brake is the most widely used brakes of vehicles. It mainly consists of disc master cylinder calipers on both sides of the disc.

Working:

Brakes are required to slow your car and are crucial for you and others on the road and car’s safety. Disc brakes were first invented in 1917 have undergone drastic changes since then. Advances in the materials and better manufacturing disc brakes are much more efficient and safe. The working principle is the same for almost every kind of break when the force is applied a metal wire squeezes the calipers which produce friction between the pad on the rim that helps to stop the vehicle.

In a disc brake, the brake pad squeezes the rotor which is used in place of wheel and the hydraulics act as a conduit for the force transmission. The energy released from your car’ motion is converted into heat energy. Friction production causes the disc to become hot. It is mostly used in front wheels but can be used in all four wheels.

The optimum time to change brakes:

Brakes are an integral and vital component for a vehicle and keeping them in their best shape is necessary for a safe and serene ride. So it is necessary to keep checking your brakes health condition. This takes all of your senses to work. But there are certain signs that indicate that its time to change your brakes.

Squealing Noise:

If you hear any sort of unusual noise coming out of your brakes, then that may be a sign you need to change your brake disc. Some brakes use a semi-metallic layer within layers or a sensor to give the signal when the brake is required to be changed. This noise can be heard even if you are not driving your vehicle around. You would be required to change your disc immediately or else the brakes would be torn out completely and could endanger your safety.

Safety Lights:

Some advanced cars have a warning or safety light on their dashboard which blinks in case of any problem with brakes. But it is best if you stick with the manual checking instead.

Car pulling to one side:

If you feel like your car is pulling to side as you brake while you drive it probably means that your brake pads or disc has worn itself out and needs to be replaced.

Vibrations:

If your car vibrates as brakes, it indicated that discs are probably worn out and have suffered enough damage to stop them from working efficiently.

Changing the Brake discs for a Ford Focus:

This guideline to the brake disc change for ford focus can be applied to different variants for Ford Focus as well. You need to replace the brake disc in a complete set for front or rear axis to ensure even braking.

Picture taken from autopartspro.co.uk

Follow these steps:

• Open the bonnet and unscrew the brake fluid reservoir.
• Put the wheels on chocks.
• Loosen the wheel mounting bolts.
• Unscrew the wheel bolts.
• Remove the wheel.
• Spread the brake pads.
• Use a wire brush to clean the brake caliper bracket fasteners.
• Unscrew the caliper bracket fastening.
• Remove the brake caliper together with its bracket.
• If required, use a rubber mallet.
• Clean the hub using a wire brush.
• Treat contacting surface with copper grease.
• Install the brake disc.
• Remove anti-corrosion grease from the new disk.
• Install brake caliper together with the bracket
• Tighten the brake caliper.
• Install the wheels after treating the contacting surface of the wheel rim.
• Screw-in the wheel bolts. Tighten wheel.
• Remove jacks and chocks.
• Tighten the brake fluid reservoir. Close the bonnet.

Brake Discs fit for Ford Focus:

Brake discs with these specifications are duly fit for a Ford Focus...

For Rear Axle:
Diameter(mm): 253
Brake Disc type: Solid
Centre Ring Diameter(mm): 63.7
Rim Hole Number: 4
Bolt Hole Circle(mm): 107.9
Brake disc thickness(mm): 10.3
Height(mm): 33
Weight(kg): 3.5

For Front Axle:
Diameter(mm): 258
Brake Disc Type: Vented
Centering Diameter(mm): 63.5
Rim Hole Number: 4
Bolt Hole Circle: 108.0
Brake Disc Thickness(mm): 22
Height(mm): 43.5
Weight(kg): 5.35

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