TSE T50 BWRC, Owner'S Manual, Page: 70 / 129

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Disc Brakes
Dexter Axle manufactures two types of disc brakes, the floating
caliper and the fixed caliper brake. With both styles, the disc
brake uses friction pads astride a ventilated rotor which is
attached to the wheel hub. When the brake is actuated, the pads
are pressed against the sides of the rotor causing drag to slow
the rotating disc. This action converts the kinetic energy (motion)
into heat. The heat is dissipated rapidly by the ventilated disc.
The floating caliper brake uses piston(s) situated on one side of
the brake rotor. Hydraulic fluid pressure pushes against the
piston(s) to apply the inboard brake pad. As the inboard pad
exerts force against the rotating rotor surface, the caliper moves
laterally towards the trailer frame and in turn applies an
equivalent force to the outboard brake pad against the rotor
surface. As the lining material wears, the caliper will automatically
maintain the proper lining to rotor clearance. The floating caliper
design is used on Dexter 3,500 lb., 10,000 lb., and 12,000 lb. axle
models.
The fixed caliper method uses pistons situated on both sides of
the rotor. During actuation,
hydraulic pressure pushes against
the pistons to apply the inboard
and outboard brake pads equally
to decelerate the rotating rotor.
The caliper is fixed and stays
stationary during brake actuation
and brake adjustment. Brake pad
to rotor clearance is maintained as
lining wear occurs via the brake
piston and internal caliper seal.
The fixed caliper design is used on
the Dexter 6,000 lb. and 8,000 lb.
axle models.
Disc brake effectiveness is the same going either in a forward or
reverse direction. All Dexter disc brakes should be actuated with
a braking system that is capable of providing a maximum
hydraulic pressure of 1,600 psi.
Braking Systems - Hydraulic