Front brake calliper Mounting position

[finney]

I can't figure out if this is a stupid question or not… so please help me with a answer and the reasons behind it.

 

I am just about to build some brackets to mount  some Toyota pickup callipers on my 520 spindle. Does it matter where the calliper is mounted on the disk? Most front brake callipers seem to be located on the rear of the rotor at about 10 o'clock. Some cars seem to have the calliper about 2 o'clock on the front, does it matter where they are mounted? 

[finney]

Found my answer on Pirate4x4.com

 

Apart from issues of clearance, protection from debris and damage, and ease of bleeding, there is no reason you can’t mount a brake calliper at any position around the circumference of the rotor.  The 3 ‘o’ clock and 9 ‘o’ clock positions are the most common (i.e. in front of, or behind the rotor), as this affords good protection and allows the calliper to be mounted with the bleed-screw up (highly recommended), for ease of bleeding.  Mounting at 6 ‘o’clock would almost certainly make the calliper far too vulnerable, rob ground clearance, and imparts no particular advantage. However, there’s no reason you can’t mount the calliper at 12 ‘o’ clock ,provided you are prepared to remove the calliper (to orient the bleeder screw up) to bleed the brakes. If you do, be sure to insert a block of wood or other spacer in the calliper while bleeding.

[mklotz70]

How big is the rotor you're using?  The bigger the rotor, the easier it is to clear everything.  You have to watch that your bracket doesn't hit the fulcrum pin nuts at the bottom of the dogbone or it will drastically limit your turning radius.

 

I've got a bunch of vids up on brakes for the datsuns.  This one should give you some idea of some of the clearance issues.  Keep in mind that a good bit of my clearance challenge is caused by trying to run a 720 hub/rotor.....which makes everything fit really tight.  If you're using a big rotor like beebani's kit, you can probably put your caliper in the same position as he does.....you'll just have to adjust the bracket to put your caliper centered over the rotor.  You'll also have to match up the mounting holes on your bracket to the caliper.

 

Otherwise, like finney posted.....any position that fits, just be aware that bleeding them may be a challenge in some positions.  Mine are clocked where they are on the back side because of the steering arm in the front and the fulcrom pin at the bottom.

[mklotz70]

LOL!!!  Didn't notice that both of the previous posters were the same guy!  I'm just not that bright sometimes!! :)

[wayno]

I think this thread is just perfect the way it is, with every ones answer.  :thumbup:

[finney]

yeh i thought it was better leaving the post than deleting.

 

Thanks Mike - running Toyota pickup rotors and callipers on the 520 spindle. Looks like if i mount it between 11 and 12 o'clock i can make a much better bracket back to the spindle as most the mounts look to line up. with minimal spacing/offset. will update in my build once i start the bracket