top of page

Mid Engine AWD Braking Instability Fix

Note: even with the grip and control benefits of AWD, braking instability can still affect MR-AWD cars — especially under hard braking or during trail braking into corners. These cars carry their mass behind the driver, and with AWD systems involved, weight transfer and brake balance become critical to stability.

​

Causes

​

Rearward weight bias - During braking, weight shifts forward, unloading the rear, making it light and twitchy.

 

Too much rear brake bias - Causes rear-end instability, especially under trail braking or downhill braking zones.

 

Stiff rear rebound - Prevents smooth rear weight transfer = rear “snaps” or gets unsettled.

 

Excessive front dive - Causes pitching that destabilizes chassis balance.

 

AWD torque delivery under braking - In some systems, engine braking via the front wheels can create imbalance.

 

Aggressive trail braking - Can rotate the car too much if rear grip is low or suspension setup is off.

​​​​

  • moderate forward power balance (at high speeds, a light front end can cause instability. More power to the front wheels keeps them engaged — like “pulling” the car forward. This creates a more neutral yaw moment, especially during partial-throttle inputs in long corners)

  • increase rear aero (keeps rear planted under braking especially into fast corners and fast sweeping bends)

  • increase forward brake balance (reduced chance of rear lock up and keeps the rear more stable on corner entry)

  • slightly stiffen front springs (keeps front stable under braking)

  • soften (or balance) rear springs (allows rear to compress and follow weight shift and prevents rear lift and bounce)

  • soften rear damper compression (increases rear compliance during braking)

  • soften rear damper rebound (prevents rear from snapping back and unloading)

  • soften rear ARB (increases stability and grip during turn in)

  • stiffen front ARB (increases front end control under load) 

  • increase front negative camber (to increase grip under load)

  • increase rear negative camber (to increase grip under load)

bottom of page