Brake Calipers Leading or Following?

[Big Daddy]

How come some brake calipers lead, are in front of the wheel and some follow, are in back of the wheel? I have notice this many times on different models. Is any position better than the other?

 

[wileycoyote]

I've wondered about that as well. My guess is that depends on the suspension geometry. A rear caliper would put clockwise torque on the hub assembly, potentially lifting the tire (compress the suspension). A front caliper would do the opposite, and potentially extend the suspension. Throw a little caster in, some weight transfer under braking, and a hard left turn, and the behavior could change.

On most cars, I suspect that front or rear positioning is determined by where the brake caliper can be most easily mounted.