How is equal pressure on both sides of a Cleveland disk brake's rotating disk assured?

The mechanism by which equal pressure is assured on both sides of a Cleveland disk brake's rotating disk is through the design that allows the caliper to float. In this system, the caliper is not rigidly fixed in place; instead, it can move slightly as pressure is applied. This ability to float ensures that as braking force is applied, the caliper naturally adjusts to equalize the pressure exerted on both sides of the rotor.

When the brake pedal is pressed, hydraulic pressure activates the brake pads against the rotor. If the caliper were fixed, any slight misalignment between the brake pads and the rotor could lead to uneven braking force, which could cause uneven wear or reduced braking efficiency. The floating caliper design mitigates this risk by permitting slight lateral movement, thus facilitating automatic equalization of forces and ensuring that both sides of the rotor receive consistent pressure.

The other choices do not contribute to equalizing pressure effectively. A fixed caliper design would restrict movement and could lead to uneven pressure application. Increasing pressure on one side would only exacerbate imbalance. Mechanical linkages between brake linings might assist in coordination but do not inherently achieve the goal of pressure equalization.