Single vs multi pot brakes?

[Adey aka Ewok]

Can any one explain in laymans terms why a multi pot brake caliper is better than a single pot calliper? Say with a single 57mm vs a 38 and 42mm multi for example

[James5]

Can any one explain in laymans terms why a multi pot brake caliper is better than a single pot calliper? Say with a single 57mm vs a 38 and 42mm multi for example


Isn't it something to do with the size of the contact area the, the bigger the better so the bigger the piston or pistons the better the contact of the pad on the disc.

[SCHWARTZ]

I think with more pistons spreading the pressure over the pad there is a lot less flex in the pad also there is no friction where it would normaly need to slide. Only downside is more pedal travel but that can be sorted with a bigger master cylinder etc...

[HAndy]

yep more pistons in caliper the more surface area pushing against the brake pads:)

wilwoods do nice 4 pots ,thats are fairly well priced ,check out rally designs for spec and details;)

[Pete@Backyard Racing]

All of the above and the obvious weight saving of the materials Single piston front callipers are usually made from cast iron, where aftermarket multi piston callipers are usually made from aluminium so a good weight saving to be had.

[Andrew Cooke]

I fitted wilwoods with the same piston area as the single slider. Keeping the area the same stopped the brake balance changing, and didn't alter the pedal travel (maybe it was a little less).

Improvement came in weight and feel, the brakes seem to release quicker, so making it easier to brake on the limit of locking.