082: Brake Setup | It's MUCH More Important Than You Think [#POCAST]

Braking is an element of automotive performance that many enthusiasts tend to overlook, or potentially even worse, simply throw the biggest discs and calipers they can fit behind their wheels and hope for the best. In this episode, we’ve invited @alconcomponentsltd7208 's Steve Hodgkins to help us understand the ins and outs of performance braking systems and smash some myths in the process.

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Steve has been at Alcon Brakes since the mid-90s and has been a part of a massive technological shift towards ever-improving brake technology and performance. It’s this advancement over the last nearly three decades that we start the podcast with, discussing how and why motorsport braking systems are so much better than they used to be.

To get the full benefit of these advancements, though, we need to properly understand the system as a whole — and this is where the conversation gets into the nitty gritty side, covering everything from properly sizing discs and calipers, to brake bias, to selecting the right pad compound, bedding in brakes, and much, much more.

There are so many great tips and tricks in this episode, with plenty of potential for an “ah-ha” moment as you listen to Steve’s clear and simple explanations of all areas of a vehicle’s brake system. Even if you have little interest in brakes, the fundamental, common-sense knowledge found in this episode makes it an absolute must-listen for any self-respecting enthusiast.

#alcon #alconbrakes #highperformanceacademy #racebrakes #discbrakes #motorsport

[hpa]

NOTE: This is a re-release. Unfortunately, the first upload was missing 30 minutes of this epic conversation, which has been fixed. Enjoy!

[jacobwells]

Thanks I really appreciate the follow up. I was quite curious to finish this episode.

[piotrpaczuski]

Finally I'm up to speed with all the podcasts. I was listening to all of them with child level curiosity. So many interesting guests and topics make me hunger for more. This podcasts are probably the reason why I'm behind the schedule with courses I've bought at HPA. Thank you guys.

[andrewrigg]

I was hoping to hear it mentioned about the use of new discs with new pads for bedding in for the best performance. I guess it would be best practice to do so .

[onedayiwillmakesomecontent]

I wish I could put a screen shot of this thumb nail which popped up above Cleetus "destroying $1600 drag racing brakes" 😂

[phillyphil]

because: CORVETTE C8R <---- Alcon equipped.

[magnusdanielsson]

Its a quite interesting fact that in the formula for calculating braking force area is not part of the equation.
So for single brake ability size is irrelevant!
All else being equal what matters is the friction coefficient and clamping force(pressure).
So you could find yourself having less braking capacity going to a bigger caliper if it means less force going through the pistons in the caliper.