Front Brake Disks

[Kelvin]

As I recall they weighed much the same as a used set of EBC turbo thingmies on my mum's dodgy old weighwatchers scales.

Also you might find that rotor replacement isn't quite as cheap as you might expect and certainly as expensive as buying EBC turbo thingmies (well last time I checked that is)

In my view the EBC turbo thingmies are fine. The only reason I changed was because they kept warping after 2 track days which turned out to be quite common (this was 3 years ago) Apparently all is ok now. EBC Turbo thingmies and Mintex 1144 pads are a good combination if you are on a budget.

I've gone out and bought the Eliseparts ally bells. Bloody lovely (although they are not on the car yet) Theoretical advantages of lower unsprung weight and greater heat dissipation through the alloy bit. Also, rotor replacement is cheaper, as you just buy the braking surface.

Not 100% sure they are worth the cash though (bought while pissed )

Stu did manufacture similar, but I dunno what the current situation is with these.

For megabuck options, Geary also sells an AP setup - but that's just rediculous unless the car is running on track for hours at a time on slicks.

Re pads - technically, both ends should be the same. But if you're mixing, then the better pad should go on the front - so you'd get away fine with wacking Greens on the fronts (unless you have Padgids on the back - but I'm assuming you've still got standard pads?)

[Shug]

Yeah - in all honesty, I would not have bought them sober..... tit

Still, I'm sure inebriation is not a valid reason to return items.

As I recall they weighed much the same as a used set of EBC turbo thingmies on my mum's dodgy old weighwatchers scales.

Also you might find that rotor replacement isn't quite as cheap as you might expect and certainly as expensive as buying EBC turbo thingmies (well last time I checked that is)

In my view the EBC turbo thingmies are fine. The only reason I changed was because they kept warping after 2 track days which turned out to be quite common (this was 3 years ago) Apparently all is ok now. EBC Turbo thingmies and Mintex 1144 pads are a good combination if you are on a budget.

I've gone out and bought the Eliseparts ally bells. Bloody lovely (although they are not on the car yet) Theoretical advantages of lower unsprung weight and greater heat dissipation through the alloy bit. Also, rotor replacement is cheaper, as you just buy the braking surface.

Not 100% sure they are worth the cash though (bought while pissed )

Stu did manufacture similar, but I dunno what the current situation is with these.

For megabuck options, Geary also sells an AP setup - but that's just rediculous unless the car is running on track for hours at a time on slicks.

Re pads - technically, both ends should be the same. But if you're mixing, then the better pad should go on the front - so you'd get away fine with wacking Greens on the fronts (unless you have Padgids on the back - but I'm assuming you've still got standard pads?)

[MacK]

Resurecting this thread 'cause I've just got my new pads and disks from Stu and will be fitting them this weekend (weather permitting).

I ended up needing rear pads and scored a disk (inner pads wear quicker/more than outer pads ) so went for the full set.

Stu did the 'muts nuts grooves', and as you can see I'm trying out greenstuff pads...

Will post up any relevant pics I take of the operation for future reference for anyone.

Here's hoping it stops raining

[MacK]

Well what a day, got rained off after getting three disks and pads changed, just about to start the last one when the heavens opened, packed all my tools etc away and got soaked. Now the rain is off again and sun's out

Had problems getting the disks off, the retaining screws which are aluminium were seized and the alan key heads just rounded off. Had to drill them off, I don't have replacement ones but they're not 'essential' are they? Will get some from MMC or any other recommendations?

Also the rear pads were really stuck in the caliper and the locking pins were solid, had to take the calipers off to get the pads out..And the pads were down to the metal on one and near on the other, but just on the inside the outer pads still have 4-5mm. Fronts seem to be evener.

Does anyone know what torque the rear caliper bolts should be? Never noticed it in the service manual. And should I thread lock them like the fronts? Or would copper slip be better?

Anyway, hoping it's better weather tomorrow or Monday, so I get the last one done and take it for a test run, then MoT.

[Kelvin]

It is in the manual. From memory 45Nm (certainly for the front caliper retaining bolts) and it recommends using threadlock; I never have actually. For the rear discs the manual says something like it's the same as the front but you don't need to remove the caliper. Therefore, I assume the torque setting for the bolts and threadlocking to be the same.

Cheers
Kelvin.

Well what a day, got rained off after getting three disks and pads changed, just about to start the last one when the heavens opened, packed all my tools etc away and got soaked. Now the rain is off again and sun's out

Had problems getting the disks off, the retaining screws which are aluminium were seized and the alan key heads just rounded off. Had to drill them off, I don't have replacement ones but they're not 'essential' are they? Will get some from MMC or any other recommendations?

Also the rear pads were really stuck in the caliper and the locking pins were solid, had to take the calipers off to get the pads out..And the pads were down to the metal on one and near on the other, but just on the inside the outer pads still have 4-5mm. Fronts seem to be evener.

Does anyone know what torque the rear caliper bolts should be? Never noticed it in the service manual. And should I thread lock them like the fronts? Or would copper slip be better?

Anyway, hoping it's better weather tomorrow or Monday, so I get the last one done and take it for a test run, then MoT.

[MacK]

My understanding was that the front caliper bolts to the hub assembley which is aluminium, so the relatively low torque and thread lock are to prevent the steel bolt stripping the ali threads if overtightened, but the rear hub assembley is cast, so the torque on the retaining bolts 'could' be higher, I never saw a specific value for it in the manual because as you say it says you don't need to remove the caliper to remove disk, so it doesn't mention removing the caliper or replacing it..

[Kelvin]

I'd think if you torqued them to 45Nm and threadlocked them they'll be fine. If it is meant to be significantly higher it'd say so in the manual I reckon. If you have any doubts call Lotus and ask them they are normally quite helpful about such stuff although will sometimes refer you to your dealer.

Cheers
Kelv.

My understanding was that the front caliper bolts to the hub assembley which is aluminium, so the relatively low torque and thread lock are to prevent the steel bolt stripping the ali threads if overtightened, but the rear hub assembley is cast, so the torque on the retaining bolts 'could' be higher, I never saw a specific value for it in the manual because as you say it says you don't need to remove the caliper to remove disk, so it doesn't mention removing the caliper or replacing it..

[MacK]

Well that's all 4 disks and 8 pads fitted, got the last one done this afternoon.

Took car for short test and pedal feels harder and the stopping power is now excellent, and no grinding noises.

Booked in for MoT tomorrow and did a quick pre-test check, found the windscreen washer pump knackered, got a new one from Halfords. All well again, hopefully pass MoT with flying colours now..




John

[Stu160]

Stu

[MacK]

Stu, thanks for doing the disks, just back from getting MoT too, passed with flying colours.

Will post pics of fitted disks later..



John

[MacK]

Old rear disk and pads


Old front disk


New rear disk


New front disk

[Zippy]

Ordered a set of EBC Turbo Grooved & a full set of Pagid 42's. Will fit these and finish off fitting my braided hoses before KH/Mexi-Towers next Friday - if they arrive in time.

Cheers,
Iain.