Caliper location

[Paul69camaro]

Hey guys, I wanted to get your opinion on something. I've noticed that most front disc brake setups have the calipers mounted in the upper right part of the disc. Why is this? I figure location has no effect on braking and since a lot of the cars have the steering linkage on the same side, would'nt it make more sense to put the calipers towards the front of the car where there is more space? Do you guys think it's due to the way it looks or what?

Paul

[MrQuick]

Theories...for the front its been thought that the brake force would cause downward pressure on the wheel causing a negative effect on steering.

As for the rear,most high end builders position the caliper to the front of the car to aid in increased tire to surface pressure using these same braking forces.

[jeffandre]

Don't forget about the race cars positioning their calipers in the best possible way for weight considerations: front caliper mounting position towards the rear, and rear caliper mounting position towards the front. Will this gain us anything on a street car? Not really, but it fits in with what we are trying to do to our cars in the overall scheme of things: make them handle better (helps to move weight away from the ends fo the car where practical), brake better, and to many of us look better.

[Skip Fix]

Pontiac put the rear 4WD calipers one in front one in the rear on the 79-81s. I've seen 3rd and 4th gens with some in front some in the rear. Probably just to fit around other chassis pieces like staggered shocks.

[Paul69camaro]

I guess everyone has their theories but all of these make sense.