Brake callipers....

[Thrasher]

After visiting the optician today I was walking back to the car and noticed something rather odd. All non-4x4's seemed to have their front brake calliper (and sometimes rear) on the *front* of the disk (i.e. nearer the front of the car), whereas every 4x4 had them on the rear. Is there a reason for this?

*confused*

[Disco Matt]

I've always thought it was a case of trying to protect them from mud and indeed anything you might hit?

[Rasbo]

I've always thought it was a case of trying to protect them from mud and indeed anything you might hit?

theyre actualy more vunerable to ingress. its also got alot to do with heat displacment.4x4s generate more heat in their brakes compared to the average road car because of thier wieght. they're designed to get max airflow to the pads.  if you take a look at highperformance cars alot of them have them on the rear aswell.

atho slotted brakes also cool the pads down, they can clog up the pads. this is the reason landrover left them out and went for the cheap option of moving the calipers.

[Thrasher]

I run the Brembo's on the front, and know that Ferrari etc models also have them (the same calipers in fact) and the placement is the same. I'm guessing that primarily it is the mud/crap issue though, as the backs won't be suffering the same issues with heat as they rarely even generate brake dust ;-)

[carbore]

The performance car theory is "ok" but one exception, just checked the "fleet" and

Elise and S2000 both at the rear.
Golf 1.6 at the front

Freelander FRONT

Series just has an anchor we throw out the window.

[beast5680]

well i just googled your question as i,m curious (and sad) and this discussion came up
http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=101874&page=7 makes quite interesting reading

[Rasbo]

i hate inertial effects. got an exam next week on it :(