Lets Talk Brake Kits

[The GMR]

Hey, don't be silly, you're not being abrasive. I've simply a boundless curiosity for these things and a need to know what makes things better.

You don't have to disclose the design of the crossover tube, it's in patent 5515948.So it's steel bridging then, and the the two steel tubes at either end are hollow and held by a bolt on one side and then by a nut on the opposite end so as to allow the fluid to get in. I see that the claim is that the two transfer tubes increase the rate at which the fluid can get through to the opposite end of the caliper. Which is interesting, as it implies that the typical transfer tube is small enough to act a a restriction in the brake line. But I've been the victim of leaving the bleeder open before and must note that there is precious little braking force available when that is the case.





I'm guessing the pad retention/c channel bridge on either end is also made of steel. Which makes sense as I've always wondered why there were additional bolts low on the caliper. It seemed odd to make the two lower parts of the c channel units seperate entities from the main bodies when they wouldn't contribute to stressed bridge strength anyways. But then it's not the same as an bolt stressed aluminium bridge, due to the material it doesn't need to be.

Yes the Bridges are Steel, very specific material selection along with manufacturing process.

The only patent I can find by him is the one previously listed though, and that doesn't cover the c channel bridge nor any metallurgical specifics. I suppose it may be defensible as it is already in the design, but I still think if there was a major advantage to that bridge it would've been copied by now.

The Cross Over Tubes, Bridge Design / implementation, and the Hurricane rotors (U.S. patent number # 5,626,211) are Three patents I know about... mainly because I was actually looking into building calipers but my machinist stumbled upon the caliper patents about a year back.

Don't forget, racers dealt with flexy calipers for years because the advantages of a bigger rotor and a notable decrease in the ratio of sprung to unsprung weight was worth it. What I'm saying is that flex may make for a reduction in feel and an increase in pad taper, but if it comes with reduced bridge height the gain in rotor size may be worth it.

Just like most I was very skeptical when first introduced to Brake man, after spending time talking over everything with Warren, and doing my own research I concluded that he does have the knowledge to back up his statements. When I get the new items complete and pictures taken I will be sure to post. But the OP does have MANY options on the table. Most of which will work out just fine for his desired application as long as everything is setup correctly.

jason