When the brakes are applied, fluid pressure behind the caliper piston(s) increases. Pressure is exerted equally against the bottom of the piston(s) and also against the bottom of the piston bore(s). The pressure applied to the piston(s) is sent to the inner brake pad, forcing the brake pad against the inner brake rotor surface. The pressure applied to the bottom of the piston bore(s) forces the caliper to slide towards the inner side, or toward the center of the vehicle. Since the caliper is one piece, this movement toward the vehicle causes the outer section of the caliper to apply pressure against the back of the outer brake pad, forcing the brake pad against the outer brake rotor surface. As line pressure builds up, the brake pads are pressed against the brake rotor surfaces with increased force, bringing the vehicle to a stop. When the brake pedal is released, line pressure is released and the piston seal(s) causes the piston(s) to retract slightly. This results in less drag on the brake rotor by both brake pads.

The outward movement of the piston(s) and inward movement of the caliper automatically compensates for brake pad wear. As the brake pads wear, the increased volume behind the piston(s) is filled with brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir.

The front disc brake caliper has dual pistons in an aluminum housing which is suspended in the mounting bracket on two guide pins.

The rear disc brake caliper has a single piston in an aluminum housing which is suspended in the mounting bracket on two guide pins.

Hydraulic pressure created by applying force to the brake pedal acts equally against the pistons and the bottom of the caliper piston bores to move the pistons outward and to slide the caliper inward, resulting in a clamping action on the brake rotor. This clamping action forces the brake pads against the brake rotor, creating friction to stop the vehicle.