Disc Brakes
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 1990 Pontiac Bonneville, 1990 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight, 1990 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight, 1990 Cadillac Fleetwood, and 1990 Cadillac DeVille. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Caliper is a single casting with 1 large piston inboard of disc rotor. It is mounted on the steering knuckle or a support bracket attached to front suspension. Brake rotors are cast iron with most models having ventilation fins separating the 2 braking surfaces. Some models use a groove machined in the braking surfaces to help control brake noise.
Disc brake pads are stamped steel with riveted linings. Most models use a wear sensor, a piece of spring steel riveted to the rear edge of inner or outer brake shoe. The sensor produces a high pitched squeal when lining needs replacement.