I jsut visited howstuffworks.com and im even more confuzzzed. how exactly do disc brakes work? basically, how does the caliper grasping the rotor slow the car down? does the rotor move with the wheels? please help...

 

yes the rotor moves with the wheel. caliper is stationary

 

OH REALLY???????? that clears things up! thanks man..

 

If you really want to blow your mind, figure out how a clutch works...

It's kind of neat really... Alot like an inboard disc brake..( like on a Jag or lotus )

 

Ask details to the mechanics, but basically...
1. push on the brake pedal
2. it pushes brake fluid down the brake lines
3. brake fluids pushes on the piston(s) of the calipers which is in contact with brake pads
4. brake pads are pushed towards the rotors
5. pads and rotors meet and friction occurs
6. enough friction = slow -> stop

what boggles my mind is how ECU and ABS can modulate the brakes... some crazy engineering on cars these days.