Delco Floating Caliper

NOTE: Delco floating caliper disc brakes are used on all gasoline engine models except those equipped with Bendix Hydro-Boost power brake units and/or 4-wheel disc brakes. All other models use Bendix sliding caliper disc brakes.

Delco floating caliper disc brake assembly uses a single piston caliper. The caliper is mounted to an anchor plate which is bolted to the steering knuckle. The caliper assembly floats through 4 rubber bushings on 2 steel guide pins or 2 mounting bolt and sleeve assemblies. Inboard brake pads have spring retainers which fit into caliper piston. Outboard pads either have tabs which are clinched to caliper or spring retainers which hold pad to caliper housing.

The pins or bolts are threaded into caliper anchor plate. When brakes are applied, hydraulic pressure is passed to caliper piston. This force pushes inner brake pad against inner rotor braking surface.

Pressure then moves caliper inward on guide pins or sleeves, thus forcing outer disc pad against outer rotor braking surface. When brakes are released, pressure is removed from cylinder. Rotor runout moves piston back off of rotor to maintain sufficient rotor-to-pad clearance.