Document GmKM4z3v1XJ72Q8aYEk2xVGQn
DISC BRAKES
BRAKE SYSTEM
1902, although the first American car so equipped rear. (Exceptions are the Corvette and one model of
was the 1949 Crosley Hotshot. Since the early units the Camaro, which have disc brakes on all four
were never improved from an engineering standpoint, wheels).
vehicle applications ceased. In late 1962 a Dunlop Advantages
Bendix disc brake was standard equipment on the Since most of the surface of the disc rotor is exposed
Studebaker Avanti, and in 1963 was made optional to the air, disc brakes can cool much faster than drum
throughout the Studebaker line. American Motors brakes,, preventing fade. Disc brakes are not affected
introduced disc brakes on their Ambassador and by water and moisture. The higher operating temper
Classic models in 1965. General Motors offered disc ature of the disc dries the surface almost immedi
brakes as standard equipment on the 1965 Corvette. ately. Dust and dirt are wiped off by the brake pads
In the same year, Ford made them standard on the which lightly contact the disc at all times. Since the
Thunderbird and Lincoln, as well as an option for the brake pads directly oppose each other on the rotor
Mustang. To illustrate the growth of the disc brake faces, great pressure can be applied without distorting
market, all popular models now offer disc brakes as the rotor. Disc brakes require no adjustment and the
standard or optional equipment.
pads are easy to replace.
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