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Overview of Disc Brake Calipers:
Wilwood Engineering manufactures an extensive
line of disc brake calipers covering applications from
professional competition to the sports driving enthusiast.
Choosing the right caliper for a specific need is crucial to
the overall performance of any brake system. Disc brake
calipers are essentially sophisticated hydraulic clamps
designed to house a specific set of brake pads. The size,
shape, and total volume of the brake pad friction material
are key factors in the caliper selection process. This
overview will identify many design characteristics and
specific features of various Wilwood models.
Wilwood Calipers are manufactured from specific and
proprietary aluminum alloys. Calipers may be forged from
premium grade alloy billets, machined from blank billets, or
formed using close tolerance casting processes. The
manufacturing process for any given caliper is based on
style, shape, size, volume, and the intended application of
the finished product.
Many caliper models are offered with a choice of piston
sizes, construction and material. Combined piston area, not
caliper size, is the primary influence on a caliper's
clamping power. The piston volume must match the master
cylinder bore size and pedal leverage to realize peak
performance from the system. Rotor diameter will also impact
the system's effectiveness. Different piston sizes provide
the car builder with options to maximize the overall balance
and brake system performance.
Piston material is selected based on the
caliper's intended operating environment. Stainless steel
pistons are used most often in calipers intended for high
performance or competition applications. Stainless steel is
selected for its low heat transfer properties and high
resistance to corrosion. For extreme temperature
environments, Wilwood's exclusive multi-piece insulated
Thermlock® pistons provide ultimate protection against heat
transfer from the brake pads into the caliper body, piston
seals, and brake fluid. Aluminum pistons are only used in
low to medium temperature applications, usually in
conjunction with rubber piston boots that protect the
pistons from corrosion and debris.
Wilwood incorporates a variety of innovative and time proven
performance enhancements in its caliper designs. They
include radial mounting, differential piston bores, high
temperature seals, SRS Squeal Reduction and bridge
reinforcement plates, internal heat shields, quick access
pad retention, shock dampened fluid tubes, and center bridge
bolts. A durable black anodized finish is standard on most
models, with some available in a polished finish for show
car applications.
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