Floating Disc Brakes??

Handling, suspension, and brake tuning discussions
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zionzr2
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Location: Austin, TX

Floating Disc Brakes??

Post by zionzr2 »

has anyone heard about these?? Dose anyone know about these??
Mr. Poopypants
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Re: Floating Disc Brakes?? (zionzr2)

Post by Mr. Poopypants »

A bartender is just a pharmacist with a limited inventory.
zionzr2
Posts: 3174
Joined: Tue Jul 27, 2004 4:59 am
Location: Austin, TX

Post by zionzr2 »

i think you misunderstood me.I'm familiar with standard disc and drumsi've heard something about a "floating" disc brake..... supposedly much lighter and better stopping power than current brakes
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joatmon
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Re: (zionzr2)

Post by joatmon »

most of what google returns for floating disc rotors deals with bikes, like this quote from http://www.wildwestcycle.com/f_disks.htmlQuote »There are three primary reasons for using floating rotors. First, although the friction area (the outer flat ring) is made of steel of some sort, the star is made of aluminum or some other lightweight alloy. This reduces unsprung weight in the wheel. Second, (and main reason on a Harley) is that the friction surface self-centers in the caliper when the caliper squeezes. Yeah, the caliper floats and ought to self-center, but having the disk float helps the whole process. The last reason is that in applications where the brake gets hard use (like racing, or coming down Raton Pass with a load of gear and the old lady) it keeps the heat from the outer section from passing to the inner section and causing the whole disk to warp. this seems to be for cars, from http://www.buybrakes.com/brembo/gran-turismo.htmlQuote »In most applications, a two-piece "floating" disc assembly is used, with a cast—iron disc specially mounted to a billet aluminum hat. One of the advantages of this type of construction is reduced weight. By making the center-section of the disc out of aluminum, a great deal of weight can be saved in a key location, as it is both unsprung and rotating. The greatest advantage, however, lies in the float itself. The brake discs must cope with extreme temperature levels. In the case of a non-floating disc, thermal stresses develop which lead to warping of the disc and cupping of the braking surface. With the full floating system, the disc is free to grow relative to the bell, and can remain straight and true.http://www.endlessusa.com/faq/ saysQuote »Q: What is a "Floating-Type" 2-Piece Disc Rotor as opposed to a "Fixed-Type"?For Floating-Type 2-Piece Disc Rotors, the mounting points (pin holes) between the disc rotor surface and the disc hat (or bell) are designed in a manner that allows for growth/expansion for a more stable system (approx. 0.3~0.5 mm gap). At very high temperatures, metal expands causing pressure, possible warpage and uneven wear between pad surface and disc rotor surface. A floating-type disc rotor may help to reduce these problems. Q: Which is better? A "Floating-Type" Disc Rotor or a "Fixed-Type" Disc Rotor?There are pros and cons to both. A "Floating-Type" has less heat transfer. But you may experience minor chattering (this is normal). Also maintenance is more frequent and pin life must be taken into consideration. A "Fixed-Type" tends to be easier to maintain and induces less noise. In terms of heat resistance levels, there is not too much of a significant difference between a "Floating-Type" and a "Fixed-Type." However, cooling is much superior with a 2-Piece (Floating or Fixed) Disc Rotor as opposed to a 1-Piece Rotor.
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Mr. Poopypants
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Re: (zionzr2)

Post by Mr. Poopypants »

Quote, originally posted by zionzr2 »i think you misunderstood me.I'm familiar with standard disc and drumsi've heard something about a "floating" disc brake..... supposedly much lighter and better stopping power than current brakesOH, you meant a floating rotor. OOPS, nevermind.
A bartender is just a pharmacist with a limited inventory.
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