Abstract: This invention relates to a pad retraction spring for use in a disc brake assembly. The pad retraction spring is operative to move the friction pads from engagement with the rotor when the friction pads are in a non-braking position. The pad retraction spring is effective to apply a first force against the friction pads when the friction pads are new, and effective to apply a second force against the friction pads when the friction pads are worn. The second force is greater than the first force, and at least one of the first force and the second force by itself is not sufficient to move at least one of the friction pads from engagement with the rotor when the friction pads are in the non-braking condition.

Abstract: A disc brake piston includes a body formed from a plastic material and a cover formed from a metallic material. The body of the piston is molded from a synthetic resin material and is generally hollow and cylindrical in shape, defining an axis and including an opened end and a closed end. The body defines an inner cylindrical surface and an outer cylindrical surface which extend axially from the opened end toward the closed end. The cover is formed from steel and is integrally molded to the body of the piston. The cover extends about the opened end of the body and extends axially inwardly toward the closed end along portions of both the inner and outer surfaces of the body.

Abstract: A disc brake piston includes a body formed from a plastic material and a cover formed from a metallic material. The body of the piston is molded from a synthetic resin material and is generally hollow and cylindrical in shape, defining an axis and including an opened end and a closed end. The body defines an inner cylindrical surface and an outer cylindrical surface which extend axially from the opened end toward the closed end. The cover is formed from steel and is integrally molded about the open end of the body. The cover extends about the open end of the body and extends axially inwardly toward the closed end along portions of both the inner and outer surfaces of the body.

Abstract: A vehicle disc brake caliper assembly which includes an improved structure for supporting a caliper relative to an associated anchor plate. The disc brake caliper assembly includes an anchor plate including first and second spaced apart guide rails, and a caliper slidably supported on pins secured to the anchor plate. A pair of friction pads are carried by the guide rails and are adapted to be disposed on opposite axial sides of an associated rotor. The friction pads define a pair of notched first ends and a pair of notched second ends. An actuator is carried by the caliper for selectively moving the friction pads into frictional engagement with the rotor. The caliper is provided with a lift stop which is located above each of the guide rails and which functions to provide additional support for the caliper relative to the anchor plate.