Brakes - impressions and upgrades

[Marwood]

There's lots about exhausts here but not much on brakes. I've had a chance now to 'push on' a bit - loving the turn in, rear traction and all that - but find the brakes a bit underwhelming. I just don't get that 'hand of God grabbing you' feeling I've had before (yes, in a German). I also find myself triggering the ABS rather early.

Now is this because…

1. I'm a numpty, and forgetting (because the steering is so light and engine is so effortlessly 'spinny') that its still a 1650kg bus being asked to haul down from 80+ into a 90 degree bend?

2. my car's brakes need some love (if so, what kind?)

3. they're all like that sir.

Thoughts welcomed.

 

[davy83]

Hi Marwood, the brakes illicit a mixture of opinions. A search will reveal a few threads on brakes. Generally i have found the brakes on my 3200 are more inspiring the faster you are going! However when cold and at low speeds they can feel a bit dead. i fitted grooved disks as i think these give it a little more bite although a little noisier. The calipers can become sticky with age which also reduces the immediate feel of the brakes, you can get them refurbished if you think they are sticking. Brake pad material is a common way of improving the bite and/or high temperature performance, and again there are many threads discussing red stuff, green stuff and whatever, there are quite a few options! generally brake pads that have more bite also wear out more quickly. Not sure if this rambling helps!

 

[hodroyd]

Hi Marwood,
If your ABS is kicking in what are your tyres like, what make are they and what pressures are they at..??
Brakes, check your discs are OK, vent holes not blocked and not past the minimum thickness. Pads can make a big difference to brake performance and it depends what you have fitted..!! If the discs are OK I suggest you change your pads, there have been quite a lot of threads on the subject, just put "Brakes" in to search and you should find a few..!!
Cheers
R

 

[CatmanV2]

A little from all three. New discs, EBC yellow pad and braided hoses. I'm happy with mine, but there's still some weight behind it.

C

 

[Chrisbassett]

Just had the EBC Yellows put on the front, and once they were bedded in they have behaved well both around town and at higher speeds. Yet to try them in real anger, but they feel very positive so far.

 

[Chrisbassett]

A little from all three. New discs, EBC yellow pad and braided hoses. I'm happy with mine, but there's still some weight behind it.

C

Chris, did the braided hoses seem to make a difference? Always looking for ways to stop better! Where did they come from, and would you go back there again?

 

[CatmanV2]

Yes, they improved the pedal feel, but bear in mind I was coming from pretty rogered discs and pads.
They were from a member on here, James, from a company called Amber Performance. He was super helpful and very reasonably priced.

He's not been on much of late but the website is still there. I'd give him a tinkle.

C

 

[outrun]

Hi Marwood

My GS has full AP Racing brakes which use 6 pot Keonigsegg calipers at the front with APs own discs and Ferodo pads and AP 4 pot calipers at the rear using the standard GS discs and also Ferodo pads. I also use APs own fluids and change it annually at least. It's stops well. Very well! I haven't done braided hoses but I will in the future.

I do believe that first step would be EBC pads, braided hoses and better quality fluid but if your discs are past their best, take a look at the AP system, it's amazing.