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Twin sliding callipers optimise braking
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01/03/2007
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The focus on the speed, torque and horsepower delivered by Mercedes Benz’s S 65 AMG sedan (612hp and 0 to 200km/h in 13s) quite naturally tends to put some its more important components in the background, writes Roger Bishop. However, its unique front disc brake design deserves attention.
Developed by Continental Automotive Systems, and designated 2FNRV-Evo, twin sliding callipers clamp down on extra large composite brake discs (390mm) using four pads per wheel.
“The design has two independent calliper housings installed in a common mounting component,” says Heinz Zingel, head of hydraulic brakes and safety systems at Continental Automotive Systems. “The brake pad surface is correspondingly large and pads come into optimal contact with the disc since they are controlled in the mounting.” According to Zingel, this optimises braking comfort in all operating states without chatter or other noises.
Thermal reserves are said to be significantly higher than in a fixed calliper design because there is no hydraulic cylinder on the outside of the wheel. As a result it is not necessary to route the brake fluid across the hot disc.
The design thus combines the advantages of a fixed calliper brake (good braking performance) with those of the floating calliper brake (fading resistance, comfort).
The friction ring surfaces of all discs are partially drilled. “The holes do not completely perforate the disc but are instead only a few millimeters deep. This is sufficient to improve response under wet conditions and it reduces the risk of cracking or the disturbing humming noise that is associated with complete perforation of the disc,” said Heinz.
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Author
Roger Bishop
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