physics of disc braking
 

just something that has been bugging me all day.
does caliper placement play a part in braking? i've noticed that on most disc brake setups i've seen the caliper is to the back top of the disc. is there a reason for placing the caliper there? or is that just sort of an industry standard?

good question. I don't think it matters, though. On 4 wheel disc systems, at least on my 'Burb, the calipers are on the front of the rotor in the rear.

anybody else have any insight on the subject????

I was informed years ago that the rear placement had to do with protection of the brake components. Supposedly, all the hardware (control arms, axles and whatever) in front of the caliper and hose should provide some protection from debris about to be hit in off road conditions, front end collisions, etc. If any of the mentioned occured, you might possibly still be able to make some kind of controled stop and not have to just go along for the full ride, even if there was considerable damage to the front of the vehicle. Sounds good anyway! Ought to be some testimonials from some crash test dummies out there somewhere!

I think it is all about where the steering linkage is in relation to the kingpins and ball joints. Usually the steering is connected to the kingpin/ball joints at the front and the caliper is at the back where there is room for it on a lock to lock position.

One of the earliest and hughest disc brakes on a production vehicles (iron - four piston - 1969 AMC Javelin) is positioned at the very front of the rotor, if I am correct. A lot of smaller FWD foreign cars are at the top or front because the steering rack is BEHIND the center of the wheel.

I'll second hdgapeach's statement. I've also heard on the rear on some exotics they are placed so that cooling ducts are easier to route toward the rotor. I know I've seen camaros with forward calipers on the front brakes, though, so I guess it isn't mandatory either way.

I'll go along with Rebocardo's explanation, but Hdgapeach has a point too.

thanks for responding guys, i thought my post was dead, i really appreciate yall taking the time to chime in.