BRAKE-CALLIPER LOCATION

I have noticed that run-of-themill vehicles frequently have the brake callipers mounted in front of the axle centre, whereas on performance vehicles, the calliper is mounted aft of the wheel centre. Please explain the reasoning behind the mounting position. IAN DU RAND Port Elizabeth

From a functional point of view, the torque moment generated by the brake pads inside the calliper on the spinning disc during braking is independent of the mounting position. The same applies to the torque reaction as a result of the braking torque. Therefore, packaging, cooling and cost are more important. We suspect if there was a clear optimum

position, it would be employed on all cars, so any bene t is insigni cant.