Abstract: A wear adjuster, securable to disc brake caliper structure includes, a stem extending along an axis about which the stem is rotatable in opposite directions, a spindle driver securable to an axial end of the stem to transmit rotational motion of the stem to an adjusting spindle, and an input element receiving input force supplied to the wear adjuster to produce rotation of the stem. A running clearance element is rotatable together with the input element to a limited extent, and a ratchet arrangement, located between the input element and the running clearance element, initiates any necessary adjustment for wear after rotation of the input element beyond the limited extent, and completes such adjustment during return rotation of the input element. To avoid transmitting an excessive amount of the input force received by the input element, a lost motion connection is defined between the ratchet arrangement and the input element.

Abstract: A wear adjuster, securable to disc brake caliper structure includes, a stem extending along an axis about which the stem is rotatable in opposite directions, a spindle driver securable to an axial end of the stem to transmit rotational motion of the stem to an adjusting spindle, and an input element receiving input force supplied to the wear adjuster to produce rotation of the stem. A running clearance element is rotatable together with the input element to a limited extent, and a ratchet arrangement, located between the input element and the running clearance element, initiates any necessary adjustment for wear after rotation of the input element beyond the limited extent, and completes such adjustment during return rotation of the input element. To avoid transmitting an excessive amount of the input force received by the input element, a lost motion connection is defined between the ratchet arrangement and the input element.

Abstract: A cast iron brake caliper with improved fatigue life, and a process and process equipment for pre-stressing a cast iron brake caliper to provide improved fatigue life, is provided. In the process, a load is applied to a cast iron caliper, where the load is high enough to locally yield and plastically deform the cast iron material, but not high enough to cause material failure, such as cracking. Upon load removal, residual compressive stresses in the cast iron caliper lower the mid-point of the stress range the plastically-deformed region of the caliper sees during in-service use, and thereby lowers the peak stress seen in this region, increasing fatigue life. The process permits a cast iron brake caliper to be designed to use less material and thus fit within constrained wheel rim envelopes, without the need to resort to high cost materials or other alternative design strategies.

Abstract: A cast iron brake caliper with improved fatigue life, and a process and process equipment for pre-stressing a cast iron brake caliper to provide improved fatigue life, is provided. In the process, a load is applied to a cast iron caliper, where the load is high enough to locally yield and plastically deform the cast iron material, but not high enough to cause material failure, such as cracking. Upon load removal, residual compressive stresses in the cast iron caliper lower the mid-point of the stress range the plastically-deformed region of the caliper sees during in-service use, and thereby lowers the peak stress seen in this region, increasing fatigue life. The process permits a cast iron brake caliper to be designed to use less material and thus fit within constrained wheel rim envelopes, without the need to resort to high cost materials or other alternative design strategies.

Abstract: A cast iron brake caliper with improved fatigue life, and a process and process equipment for pre-stressing a cast iron brake caliper to provide improved fatigue life, is provided. In the process, a load is applied to a cast iron caliper, where the load is high enough to locally yield and plastically deform the cast iron material, but not high enough to cause material failure, such as cracking. Upon load removal, residual compressive stresses in the cast iron caliper lower the mid-point of the stress range the plastically-deformed region of the caliper sees during in-service use, and thereby lowers the peak stress seen in this region, increasing fatigue life. The process permits a cast iron brake caliper to be designed to use less material and thus fit within constrained wheel rim envelopes, without the need to resort to high cost materials or other alternative design strategies.