115,000 km (+/- 71,500 miles) and into the 11th year of its life, it’s time to replace the rear pads and discs on my late 2004 L322 FF – for the first time as far as I can see.
I learn from the workshop manual that the front, ventilated discs (30 mm thick), are 344 mm in diameter, whereas the solid rears (12 mm thick) are slightly bigger in diameter, at 354 mm.
I had supposed that the fronts would be much bigger as I thought they bore most of the braking effort.
So, can any of our learned contributors kindly explain why the rears are bigger (in diameter)?
Thank you!  It's "bébéchoon", ackcherly, with accents. 'Steve' to my chums.
20 years ownership of Solihull products, ALL GONE NOW, sniff!
Current motor: Suzuki S-Cross 4WD auto, 1.4 petrol. Oh so reliable! 7 years now and no problems. Oh, all right then, a leaking shocker replaced under guarantee.
Previous:
TD6 HSE L322 Auto FF
2.5 TDi 4-door Classic
Disco II
And my 1st Rangie: in 1995, a 2-door VM 2.5 diesel Classic
Not to mention the Lada Niva before those. (I said not to mention it!)

Steve, Could it be to accommodate the handbrake shoes needing a larger internal diameter and the discs are larger to provide the same/similar surface area? Just a thought.  John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold

Yes, that would be a good explanation, John, thank you.
Unless anyone else has anything else to offer ...??? It's "bébéchoon", ackcherly, with accents. 'Steve' to my chums.
20 years ownership of Solihull products, ALL GONE NOW, sniff!
Current motor: Suzuki S-Cross 4WD auto, 1.4 petrol. Oh so reliable! 7 years now and no problems. Oh, all right then, a leaking shocker replaced under guarantee.
Previous:
TD6 HSE L322 Auto FF
2.5 TDi 4-door Classic
Disco II
And my 1st Rangie: in 1995, a 2-door VM 2.5 diesel Classic
Not to mention the Lada Niva before those. (I said not to mention it!)

I sort of wondered that, - I think the handbrake theory is true, as the overall pad area is smaller on the rear, therefore, the contact area is just spaced out a little more, . To me it balances the look (as a bonus -not a design) ....as you do see Corsa/saxo type cars with tiny little discs and huge wheels.