Abstract: A disc brake comprises a caliper housing 10 having a body member 12 and an arm member 14 connected to one another by a bridge 16. A leading side of the arm member 14, that is the side which the rotor of a disc brake reaches first during normal rotation thereof, is more rigid than a trailing side thereof. A set of stiffening fibers 28 is provided in each of first and second bridge portions 22, 24 of the bridge 16 to produce the difference in rigidities between the leading and trailing sides of the caliper housing 10, wherein the first bridge portion 22 comprises a greater density of fibers 28 than the second bridge portion 24. This difference in rigidities reduces uneven wear of the brake pad and, as a consequence, reduces brake squeal and noise.

Abstract: A disc braking (10) for a motor vehicle comprising a rotor (12); inner and outer brake pads (14,16) disposed on opposite sides of the rotor and movable into brake engagement therewith; a caliper (18) comprising a piston (26) for urging one of the brake pads against the rotor, a caliper housing (28) having a cylinder (32) positioned on one side of the rotor within which the piston is slidably movable under the action of fluid pressure in the cylinder, and a fluid line (34) in the caliper for supplying fluid to the cylinder for movement of the piston; and a proportioning valve (44) in the fluid line and integral with the caliper for preventing fluid pressure above a predetermined level acting on the piston. Reduces risk of wheel lock on braking. Provides a unitary caliper and proportioning valve prior to installation on a motor vehicle.