Brake Experts - ?

GeorgiaSnake · #1 (**permalink**) 12-18-2002, 04:41 PM

While driving home this evening I was looking at the front caliper location on every car that passed. Does anyone know if there is an optimal location. It appeared to be split 50/50 between the 9 o'clock and 3 position. Does location effect the forces, rotational to linear, transferred to the suspension? Just curious here and know that someone will have the answer.
Randy

Bob Putnam · #2 (**permalink**) 12-19-2002, 04:24 AM

It makes no difference whether the caliper is on the front or back. In the front, its position is usually dictated by whether the car is front or rear steer.

GeorgiaSnake · #3 (**permalink**) 12-19-2002, 05:22 AM

Bob,

I assume you meant to type front or rear drive - not steer. If so I'm not sure about that - it seems to be split about the same 50/50. Guess it makes no difference - just one engineers preference over another. It does seem one position would lift the car slightly while the other would pull it down.

Randy

Mike Braddock · #4 (**permalink**) 12-19-2002, 05:37 AM

No, Bob means front or rear steer--whether the steering rods are mounted to the front of rear of the spindle. The calipers are typically on the opposite side.

Mike

GeorgiaSnake · #5 (**permalink**) 12-19-2002, 05:49 AM

Thanks Mike

Jack21 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-25-2002, 11:14 PM

The position of the caliper on the rotor makes no difference on the behavior of the braking system, or the car.

The caliper, however, must clear, and not interfere with other suspension and/or steering components, as some of you who have attempted to install aftermarket, or non-OEM braking components have learned.

And some aftermarket suppliers (Baer, Wildwood) are more willing to work with you with resolving your caliper/control arm/strut rod/ wheel (etc) component interferences than others (SSBC for one).