Is it the discs or the pads that are overheating?

[jonisginger]

If I repeatedly pile on the brakes from 80 or so while driving hard on my little S the brakes start to overheat and get shitty!

Is it the discs or pads that are overheating? I think it is the pads glazing over? Would better pads sort me out until I get a Cupra /find a cheap hub + disc and pad upgrade for my S?

DS2500s? Would they give me a noticeable improvement over standards? From "normal" temp and from hot while driving hard?

Also was thinking about braided hoses? How much are we talking?

Thanks a lot,

Jon

 

[lee_woollett]

braided hoses will just stop the hoses from flexing under hard braking as the hoses are harder, they won't stop brake fade which is what you are getting. This is where the brakes (pads and discs) become too hot and the friction between them lessens causing it to feel like your brakes are not working, keep doing it and the pads will be knackered and you run the risk of warping the discs. Also, you will boil the brake fluid. You could change the pads to fast road pads or change the discs to drilled / grooved or thicker vented items which help. Cupra or Cupra R (Brembos) would be better choice.

I've warped many sets is discs in the past by being too hard on the brakes. Change the fluid to dot 5 also as it's more resistant to boiling when the brakes are hot. Also, you could try to route some air pipe from the front bumper to the discs to aid cooling.

 

[jonisginger]

Yeah, but are they worth getting for the money? (braided hoses)

I can't easily upgrade the discs because the carries are fixed on the 1.6s.

Are fast roads worth me getting do you think?

Pipe sounds like an interesting idea.

Anybody upgraded just the pads?

Jon, thanks for you help btw.

 

[Willie]

Jon

TBH it sounds like you need to upgrade your car rather than just your brakes.
You sound like your driving your car too hard and its just not built or set up for this.
I have a friend that had the 1.6 16V, he changed the brake callipers to tarox ones with good discs and pads and used to track this car with quite good success.

You might be as well to look into the costs of changing to a more sportier model.

But as above if money/insurance is the problem get the brake fluid changed to a better spec, pads changed to a better spec with braided lines and all will feel better.

 

[lee_woollett]

if you can't go to bigger discs, look for tarox / black diamond / etc drilled or grooved discs. They will be the same size as your original ones but along with better pads (mintex / EBC / etc) you should notice a difference. New discs and pads shouldn't break the bank either.

 

[Ruddmeister]

Would better pads sort me out until I get a Cupra /find a cheap hub + disc and pad upgrade for my S?

I wouldn't expend any money on upgrading any braking components, put that money into the purchase of the Cupra.

without spending a significant amount you won;t notice any significant improvement IMO

 

[jonisginger]

Yeah. Basically the plan is to build up no claims through Uni and then buy an LCR or LC when I come out and I have a job

I'm 19 now and I have 1 year no claims. Three years down the line I'll be 22 and have 4 years no claims. Or I should have unless I bin it.

Braking has much improved since fitting Koni springs but I'm just looking for something to improve the bite. What about just new pads when my current OEM ones need replacing?

 

[Ruddmeister]

New pads will help a little and the ferrodo DS2500's or DS3000's are excellent (if they do them in your size)

Brake lines, expensive fluid, larger callipers + carriers & brackets etc, larger disks or 2 piece disks are all a big investment and would largely be a waste given you are planning to sell in a few years. Gets more expensive when you need bigger wheels and spacers to house the new brakes

 

[jonisginger]

Yeah. I think I might get some DS2500s when I need pad replacements. How much are DSs approx? If I ever get an LCR I'd definitely pay out for excellent brakes. The way I see it a £500 brake upgrade is better than a £1000 bodyshop payment or an insurance claim.

I agree big discs are a waste on my car.

 

[Ruddmeister]

Yeah. I think I might get some DS2500s when I need pad replacements. How much are DSs approx? If I ever get an LCR I'd definitely pay out for excellent brakes. The way I see it a £500 brake upgrade is better than a £1000 bodyshop payment or an insurance claim.

I agree big discs are a waste on my car.

Bill @ Badger 5 in the sponsors section does Ferrodo, put up a post in his section or give hime a call.

For the LCR some fluid and DS2500's are enough to keep the car in check even with a remap. The rest of your £££ should go on LCR suspension (anti-roll bars make the car 100% better)

 

[jonisginger]

I was thinking of picking up the front LCR strut brace and rear upper from somewhere next month, I've heard the back does a good job and isn't even that expensive! Like £20 for the front from a stealer or something.

Might invest in some DS2500s or DS3000s then, I'll speak to Bill now.

I have Koni springs but only standard dampers. Might get some matching dampers soon-ish, but then again maybe not.

 

[Ruddmeister]

I was thinking of picking up the front LCR strut brace and rear upper from somewhere next month, I've heard the back does a good job and isn't even that expensive! Like £20 for the front from a stealer or something.

Strut braces are good but not in the same league as the ARB's IMO

For LCR the Front Audi S3 Strut brace is Circa £50 from your local Audi dealer

 

[jonisginger]

Was gonna get the strut braces but how much are we talkin' 'bout for LCR ARBs? And can I get them from a stealer?

 

[jonisginger]

Will the S3 brace o.e. fit over the engine cover or will something have to be done about that?