Which brake component is responsible for clamping onto the rotor to create friction?

The brake component that is responsible for clamping onto the rotor to create friction is the brake caliper. The caliper houses the brake pads and includes pistons that push the pads against the spinning brake rotor. When the driver presses the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure is applied through the brake lines to the caliper, causing the pistons to extend. This action clamps the brake pads against the rotor, generating the friction necessary to slow down or stop the vehicle.

Understanding the role of the brake caliper is essential in grasping how the braking system operates. It is a crucial component that translates the hydraulic pressure into mechanical force, effectively engaging the pads onto the rotor, which is the surface that spins with the wheel. This process exemplifies how friction is utilized to decelerate the vehicle, making the caliper an integral part of the braking system's function.