Rear Brake Caliper compatiblity (Type 44)

[Dave C]

True ... there is about 10% less piston area at the rear brakes.  But
the front brakes are doing the lion's share of the work (90% ?) so the
overall effect on braking is not 10% but something much less than
that.

Other factors I considered in deciding the 36 mm swap would be OK for
me is that Audi used the 36 mm for many years and when they switched
to 38 mm they continued to use the same proportioning valve.  Also,
the OEM setup used the same brake pad compound front and rear.  I
suppose many (most?) cars no longer have the same pads front and rear
and this could result in a larger effect than the change in piston
size, possibly offsetting the effect.
- -
Dave C.


 

On 7/9/05, Jim Dupree <jdupree914 at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> They are interchangable but they have smaller pistons. You actually lose
> roughly 10% of your clamping force for the same brake pressure. You may not
> feel it but your front brakes will be doing more of the work.
> jim
> 
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Dave C" <dconner at gmail.com>
> To: <ovalking at yahoo.com>
> Cc: <quattro at audifans.com>
> Sent: Friday, July 08, 2005 10:41 AM
> Subject: Rear Brake Caliper compatiblity (Type 44)
> 
> 
> Gary asks...
> "Does anyone know the differences between the 36mm and 38mm rear brake
> calipers? Are they interchangeable?
> Car is an early 1988 A100 CD Avant with 38mm units (requiring the usual
> regular attention), but I've come across some new 36mm ones going cheap."
> 
> 
> Gary,
> My '89 100 fwd originally had the 38's but they were replaced with
> 36's a few years ago.  They are a direct fit with no discernible
> difference in function.
> 
> Go for it!
> - -
> Dave C.
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> 
>