Wilwood Disc Brakes has raised the bar with the release of their new Aerolite series of four and six piston forged billet aluminum radial mount calipers. Aerolite calipers provide the next level in performance and durability delivering uncompromising and consistent stopping power for the road, track, or back country trail. Designed as an upgrade replacement for the W4AR and W6AR caliper models, the Aerolite incorporates purebred race technology into a five bolt, triple bridge body design that delivers unmatched strength and clamping efficiency in a caliper of this class and size. Base model Aerolite calipers use the standard .650”/17mm thick W6 and W4 type 6617 pads and use the same mounting dimensions. A new, wide body model has been added to accommodate thicker type 6620 pads with .800” / 20mm thickness for added endurance and wear capability in road racing, oval track, and all other types of extreme off-road competition. Radial mounting, optional piston choices, and the ability to work with rotors from 12.19" to 15.00" in diameter, give the Aerolite caliper series the versatility necessary to suit a broad range of performance driving and competition applications.
The Aerolite triple bridge forging is the product of FEA computer structural design and stress flow forging manufacturing technology. FEA technology allows the engineer to design and test the prototype model in a computer environment to determine the optimal structural design within the dimensional parameters of the component. From that design, prototypes can be built and tested in real world conditions. Once the machined prototypes have been built, tested, and approved, stress flow forging techniques are then applied to produce a part with an internal grain structure that fully optimizes the strength of the core metal within the contour of the caliper body. The results are a caliper with superior clamping efficiency and ultimate strength against fatigue, stresses, and distortion under load, and all at a very modest weight of only 6.7 pounds or less for all models.
The high strength body of the Aerolite, combined with a full range of optional piston sizes and configurations, gives builders, racers, and sports driving enthusiasts of all types the ability to optimize brake response and provide matched bias differentials with all types of OE and aftermarket pedal styles and actuation systems, including OE ABS equipped applications.
For custom street and intermediate level track use, standard model 17mm pad Aerolite calipers deliver big brake performance with matched volume stainless steel pistons in a choice of gloss red or black powder coat, or the newest Quick-Silver nickel plated finish. Stainless steel pistons are used for their high resistance to corrosion and low thermal conductivity. Fully captured internal bore seals keep pressure in and debris out and stay protected from brake rotor heat and other outside influences. All problems associated with OE style external piston boot seals are eliminated.
For dedicated competition, Quick-Silver S/T models feature the rugged durability and wear resistance of the nickel plated forgings, and the advanced heat control science of Wilwood’s Thermlock pistons. Thermlock pistons provide the highest degree of heat management efficiency of any piston material made. In addition to blocking up to 25% more heat transfer than conventional single cup pistons, the superior thermal dispersion characteristics of the Thermlock design further reduces potential fade and seal deterioration issues that otherwise could be caused by localized hotspotting near the pad contact end of the piston. Internal anti-knock-back springs provide additional piston control to help maintain a more consistent pedal feel in hard racing conditions. The Aerolite S/T series provides the ultimate combination of performance, strength, durability, and reliability for extreme, sustained heat competition.
The new Aerolite models feature all of the time proven Wilwood material and component enhancements. SRS bridge plates, snap-ring locked pad retainer pins, recessed two-piece bleed screw assemblies, and high strength steel torque-locking bridge bolts, have all been carried over into the Aerolite series. The similarities stop there. In addition to the strength and resistance to deflection offered by the reinforced center bridge of the new triple bridge design, all Aerolites now feature a single feed – single bleed internal fluid port design. Inlet fluid is internally routed to each piston bore, then routed to a single recessed bleed on the upper inboard body of the caliper for purging. One step bleeding, with additional protection against potential damage to outside bleeds or external fluid transfer tubes, only serve to add to the ease of use and reliability of this already very durable component.
Wilwood’s high performance calipers are loaded with features and technology built from decades of domination in world motorsports, and the proven reliability of Zero Parts Per Million (PPM) defect quality supply to leading OE manufacturers around the world. These calipers not only enhance the appearance of your vehicle, but offer years of care free performance.
For more information contact: Wilwood Engineering at (805) 388-1188 and request to speak with Erika Gordillo for marketing issues, or Andy Fritts for technical questions. Also, Wilwood’s website is accessible at www.wilwood.com or e-mail customerreply@wilwood.com.