Brakes Upgrade

[MadMan0]

Just ordered a set of EBC Greenstuff pads for the THP. As per the service guide, a couple of bolts should be replaced on the front calipers. The dealer couldn't find a parts code for them and said they only come with a) OEM pad set, b) rubber seal set or c) sliding pin (what's the term?) set and they cost about 100 eur each. So: does the EBC package include the bolts or if not, did any of you replace the bolts when changing the pads? Or any parts code for the bolts? And yes, I am getting the work done in the dealer so no DIY

I think the EBC pads came with extra bolts? I know they did for the Landrover, Everything you need comes with the pads and discs when upgrading them to the EBC ones :-)

You guys notice any difference in performance with drilled and grooved discs and different pads over OEM?
OEM seem pretty good to me, but do get pretty hot with constant use
ie- are they spongy when hot...do you know?

Simple answer, Yes. - almost threw my dad through the windscreen when he moved my car off the drive! Very noticeable at low speed. High speed is a lot more definite braking & I've not locked the wheels since replacing them. And... they make an awesome noise under braking :-)

[DaveB]

Just ordered a set of EBC Greenstuff pads for the THP. As per the service guide, a couple of bolts should be replaced on the front calipers. The dealer couldn't find a parts code for them and said they only come with a) OEM pad set, b) rubber seal set or c) sliding pin (what's the term?) set and they cost about 100 eur each. So: does the EBC package include the bolts or if not, did any of you replace the bolts when changing the pads? Or any parts code for the bolts? And yes, I am getting the work done in the dealer so no DIY

The reason the bolts should be replaced is because they have a threadlock coating (similar in function to Loctite) which should only be used once. I, & many other people, have reused bolts & never had one work loose.

Disclaimer: if you reuse the bolts you do so at your own risk!

[Toxic]

You can use you old bolts just get some blue loctite from you local part supplier

[pmatil]

Yeah no bolts in the Greenstuff package. Definitely going to say the dealer to use the old ones and put some threadlock in. Thanks for the answers.

[DaveB]

You can use you old bolts just get some blue loctite from you local part supplier

On most of the cars I've had nature's threadlock has done an excellent job!

A long time ago a mate had a Yamaha 350 Powervalve (only bike I ever wheelied!) which he rebuilt for racing using all stainless fasteners. He had no end of problems with things working loose as the stainless bits didn't rust in place.

[pmatil]

Seems like the bolts come with a variety of repair kits. Is the front caliper a Bosch? Because for Bosch there are (cheap) sliding pin sets, although if I'm going to use only the bolts they're a bit expensive (28GBP/both wheels). Also seems that the same bolts are used in many other cars and calipers (M12 x 30 mm). Only the sliding pins may differ.

But still weird that Bosch (or Lucas) do not supply the bolts as a spare, what if one must disassemble the brakes without changing any of the mentioned parts that include the bolts... Sigh.

[Superfly Guy]

Its a way of making more money, the same as saying only recommended parts are to be used. Its all horse trading in the industry.

[pmatil]

Greenstuff pads are in. Got the car back on thursday last week. Even if the brake-in coating is still on (I haven't driven that much) the difference in braking power is noticeable. BTW, the dealer managed to get new bolts somewhere for the calipers so no problems with the threadlock.

[DaveB]

Its a way of making more money, the same as saying only recommended parts are to be used. Its all horse trading in the industry.

People nowadays tend to buy solely on cost. A manufacturer who includes all the odds & sods desirable for fitting with replacement pads puts himself at a price disadvantage.

[Superfly Guy]

People nowadays tend to buy solely on cost. A manufacturer who includes all the odds & sods desirable for fitting with replacement pads puts himself at a price disadvantage.

Im not so sure, good service will mostly be rewarded with loyalty. Also as the internet has become a powerful portal for shopping, people find it easier to compare various items.

[MadMan0]

Thanks,
No I didn't get an explanation but I assume that 15,000 miles is just what the DS3 does per set of discs? It's less than expected but no too bad. :-)

Update at 30k miles. The EBC upgrades are still almost like new! They appear to last a hell of a lot longer than standard, MOT just passed with I think 8mm meat still on the pads? (don't have the paper to hand.)
Standard rears were done a few months ago at ~27k, still standard and still not lasting long. Can't wait for an upgrade bolt on from EBC, will save a fortune in brake maintenance at this rate!

[MadMan0]

Further Update if anyone is interested...
Now up to 36,600 Miles, Citreon garage reviewed the car at the service and noticed the following:
1. Front Pads had Excess of 9mm left on them... A.K.A Like New
2. Discs starting to show signs of wear, minor pitting only.
3. One side now slightly binding.
4. Rear brakes - replaced with standard previously are low and may need changing again late next year...

The Car passed an aggressive brake test afterwards which showed it was capable of 80-0mph in 4.5 car lengths without locking the wheels until very low speed...
Still feels tight on the braking, still sounds fab under braking, no squealing yet.

Verdict so far:
Still highly recommend this change, the EBC greenstuff pads with the EBC sport drilled and grooved discs have lasted more than 200% the life of the standard brakes
Personally i think this shows great value for money with braking performance gains ^^.

Can take pictures of the brakes if anyone really wants...


May be looking for some upgrades next year including the AP-Racing brake kit... Does anyone have exp with this sort of kit?

[Superfly Guy]

I concur with the above. My set up is far superior to the OEM it replaced.

[lfcrule1972]

Thanks you two, these are on my list for early next year to replace the 'like butter' OEM discs... That said I am on 36k miles now on my first set, despite the dealer trying to convince me 11k miles ago that they should be replaced.

[MadMan0]

First brake problems since i which to the EBC "turbo groved" drilled and slotted dics and green stuff pads.
Brakes stuck on at front, mainly left wheel...
result is a damaged disc not sure why it stuck on.
car fully loaded at the time, long motorway drive.

rear brakes (standard) need replacing due to being worn down, again..
the fronts look like they have more than 90% life left :/
but the front left disc is destroyed, deep grove around the edge of the pad, looks like it got stuck at an angle so i need to replace the fronts also.

30,000 miles on them and they have been brillant until now, will replace with the same unless i can find a 6 pot caliper with larger disc size as a kit.
(brakes still work though, intermittent sticking now i've continued with them for a bit).

If anyone has an uprated brake set like the AP Racing kit please post your opinons on value, experience and perfomance
pictures too if your willing to spend the time!