Brake pad position

[Atny286]

Can anyone tell why different make/models have different brake pad positions? Would one position be better than other positions?

E.g. our M3 have the position on the 'inside', while an Audi A6 has it on the 'rear' side and VW on the 'front' side. A picture may help to better understand the question.



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[Periokid]

I don't think it matters. They probably set it up depending on where suspension components are located.

[AP Racing - Chris_B]

Originally Posted by Atny286

Can anyone tell why different make/models have different brake pad positions? Would one position be better than other positions?

E.g. our M3 have the position on the 'inside', while an Audi A6 has it on the 'rear' side and VW on the 'front' side. A picture may help to better understand the question.

As already stated, the decision to go with leading or trailing calipers has a lot to do with packaging the various suspension components. In F1, they are now using "underslung" calipers, located at or near the lower "ball joint". This is to keep every ounce of weight as low as possible.

Detailed stress analysis has revealed that the best location for street/track vehicles is trailing in the front (behind and slightly below wheel centerline) and leading in the rear (ahead and just below wheel centerline). Of course, since most vehicles also need to have steering, this has to be factored in!

Chris

[Atny286]

Originally Posted by AP Racing - Chris_B

As already stated, the decision to go with leading or trailing calipers has a lot to do with packaging the various suspension components. In F1, they are now using "underslung" calipers, located at or near the lower "ball joint". This is to keep every ounce of weight as low as possible.

Detailed stress analysis has revealed that the best location for street/track vehicles is trailing in the front (behind and slightly below wheel centerline) and leading in the rear (ahead and just below wheel centerline). Of course, since most vehicles also need to have steering, this has to be factored in!

Chris

So you'd say the M3 position is better than the VW or Audi for positioning? I see the C63 has the same position as M3 btw.

[AP Racing - Chris_B]

Originally Posted by Atny286

So you'd say the M3 position is better than the VW or Audi for positioning? I see the C63 has the same position as M3 btw.

Not being on the design team for the M3, all I can really say is that it is in the right position for that car after all parameters were considered. Same would hold true for the other vehicles you mention. The Audi/VW platform must consider the Quattro/4Motion systems. Those cars use rear steer (the rack is located behind the front axle centerline), where the BMW uses front steer. Tie rod location does influence caliper location, especially on front steer vehicles.