Brake Servo

[Dave the Steam]

Hi all,

Anyone got a servo fitted to a std Escort Mk2 braking system? Do you get wheels locking up regularly?

I am fitting big tyres (215R14) and I want some more bite. However I don't want to do pirouettes on a regular basis.

Help/suggestions wanted. (only printable suggestions will be considered!!)

[IanA]

Hi Dave
Some mates on the Sylva list advocate Hawk Black pads in their Mk1/2 systems (without servo). They insist that the correct bedding in procedure be used but after that cannot be bettered. The cars in question are used for sprints, not circuit racing so there's no time for the pads/discs to warm up, they have to work instantly. I can forward more info...
Cheers
Ian

PS if you do fit a servo, get a tape of "The Skater's Waltz" for the stereo...

>> Edited by IanA on Thursday 21st July 15:33

[Dave the Steam]

Hi Ian,

Send me more details - I need to sort this.

I don't have the Skater's Waltz - I guess you are trying to hint at something here........

I've also been told a smaller master cylinder from a Fiesta will help, but I don't know if the fitting is the same.

[little jago]

i have 265+70+15 wheels and tyres on my jeep and it pulls up ok with out a servo on and ppl have been told not to put them on as if u stamp on the brakes hard u r lightly to put it on its bummper so dont fit one

[drseg]

i would strongly advise against fitting a servo
perform rod modification use better pads
but with a servo you WILL lock up!

[swizz...club sec]

Its quite easy to get out of a modern car (ok, I know its a Shitroen but the point is...) and into a Jago without a servo and think that the brakes are crap. The servo effectively reduces the effort needed to press the pedal making it easier to press too hard and cause the brakes to lock.
The extra effort required on a non-servoed car is often misinterpreted but can be disproved on a roller brake tester - mine gets 4 locks without a servo, but anyone new driving it always comments on the crap brakes!
Swizz...

[IanA]

This is what Rob Farley says about Hawk Black pads. He sprints a super quick Sylva Stylus and is a consistent top three finisher.

"They should be bedded in carefully exactly as the yellow sheet describes ---- 4 soft braking at steady speed and no complete stop , cooling as you drive (quarter mile or so between braking is how I do it) , then 4 hard stabs at simulated racing speed , same procedure as for soft then keep off the brakes totally , using hand brake if need be. Creep home or pull off in a layby and cool for not less than 15 minutes without brakes being touched or parked on. Also ideally discs should be used not new but cleaned off from other pad deposits before bedding in BLACKS. After that they are awesome immediately and don't fade. www.raceleda.co.uk 01789 772100 Bruce Irving."

Now Simon's comparison-

"I think EBC Greenstuff are a backwards step from Mintex M1144's.
Just changed to Blacks this last weekend and am well impressed. Got mine from Rally Design, I think they are about £45 + VAT"

You can change the master cylinder to a smaller diameter one. This increases pedal travel but also increases the amount of pressure you can apply to the pads.

Other suppliers: www.a-pp.com/ .... next day service ... or Questmead come recommended as well.

Bear in mind that you'll get more forward weight transfer on a jeep's relatively soft suspension and that will increase braking requirements, as will fitting larger wheels/tyres.

Hope all this helps.
Ian

[drseg]

same here swizz 3 mates all wanted a go and all said crap brakes all tried it again when i said press hard
they all skidded it [deliberately]
used to modern cars [amg merc, audi convertible and mini cooper s new type]
if it has the potential to lock how much better do you need? there are advantages too in that on a modern car no pressure will lock it [hence the need for abs] on an unservoed car theres a bigger range between 0 pressure and the pressure it takes to lock it giving more brake control - as long as pads are good discs are relatively good and all are adjusted and un seized theres nothing wrong with geep brakes

[v8 jago]

I looked into getting a servo manny years ago and everyone i spoke to told me not to bother and said jagos are dangerous with them. My jeep has a brake bias fitted so i can alter weather i want the front or the rear to brake the most but i find my front locks up with ease and at low speeds, So like what everyone advised me, Dont fit one..

[driftwood]

...."I don't have the Skater's Waltz - I guess you are trying to hint at something here........" unquote

seemed to remember having the sheet music for Skater's Waltz as a kid.....'could always knock you the tune out on my Yammy Keyboard if you can't get it on tape lol

[Dave the Steam]

Hi all,

Thanks for all the info and suggestions. I won't be fitting a servo, I'm convinced. I will give the Black Hawk brake pads a try.

I know I am spoilt (??????) with the literally huge srvo on my Rover, but it is a great difference in pedal pressure. I'll try the smaller master cylinder as well if the pads need a bit of help. I am hoping to compensate for more travel (or reduce the normal travel) by fitting stainless steel braided brake hoses instead of the stretchy rubber ones.

Don't worry about the Skaters Waltz music thanks drifwood, I hope I won't now be needing it.

Thanks again.