Which braking system involves a caliper forcing brake shoes against a rotating disc?

The braking system where a caliper forces brake shoes against a rotating disc is known as disc brakes. In this system, the caliper contains one or more pistons that, when activated, push brake pads against the surface of the disc (also referred to as a rotor). This contact generates the friction needed to slow down or stop the vehicle.

Disc brakes are widely recognized for providing effective stopping power and improved heat dissipation compared to other types of braking systems. They are typically found on the front wheels of many vehicles and increasingly on the rear wheels as well due to their superior performance, especially in high-stress driving situations, such as on steep descents or during emergency stops. This design helps to prevent brake fade, which can occur when brakes overheat.

In contrast, drum brakes work by expanding brake shoes against a drum, hydraulic brakes refer to the mechanism that utilizes hydraulic fluid to transmit force, and parking brakes are designed to hold the vehicle stationary and may use either drum or disc brake principles.