Anyone used Kwik Fit, ATS or Halfords for Brakes?

[blueyonder]

Before everyone starts saying 'do it yourself' I have to point out that I'm not the most mechanically minded....I understand how things work, but I don't trust myself to get the spanners out as much as I would like to!!

My Chim is due for an MOT soon and whilst my brakes are OK it was pointed out at the inspection by Levens when I bought the car in January that the discs were slightly worn. Now whilst this may not be an MOT fail I do fancy getting the brakes sorted and if possible get a bit more bite from them Not really in a rush to get the top notch drilled/grooved discs that some of you guys have but the Ford discs/pads, that I think are standard on the Chim, should be OK...anyone got an opinion on the most reasonably priced disc/pad combo that they can recommend or have used?

In addition has anyone had any experience of using the high street brake fitters such as ATS, Halfrauds Service Centres or the Kwik Fits of this world? Did they do a good job? Will they stock the correct discs/pads for a 97' Chim? Are they cheaper than using a TVR Dealer/Indie for example?

Any help is greatly appreciated

Edited by blueyonder on Friday 1st June 12:13

[That Daddy]

Dont do itfind a friendly local garage.

[jimothy]

One of those three (mentioning no names cos of name and shame rules) did some work for someone I know, and although they were kwik to fit the wheel back on, they didn't do the wheel nuts up properly...

Go to a good indie/specialist

[britdan26]

Can't believe I'm typing this with the problems I've just had changing brakes but it is a simple job. If you don't fancy it a local garage will be more than capable.

If you are going to source the parts yourself, I have always found tvrcarparts.com very helpful. When I first used them they were competitive on price but to be honest don't really check anymore.

[blueyonder]

britdan26 said:

Can't believe I'm typing this with the problems I've just had changing brakes but it is a simple job. If you don't fancy it a local garage will be more than capable.

If you are going to source the parts yourself, I have always found tvrcarparts.com very helpful. When I first used them they were competitive on price but to be honest don't really check anymore.

Thanks for that britdan26.

I have also looked at tvrcarparts.com and racetechdirect.co.uk and the discs/pads seem to be roughly the same price.

Does anyone use the aftermarket discs? They seem a lot cheaper but are they any good? Is it better to go for solid or vented discs?

[Andy JB]

Don't do it - the parts they use are inferior mass produced items even those offerred by mainstream brand names (eg Mintex) but won't be of sufficient quality for performance cars and likely to cost more anyway than sutable parts from an idie. I learnt the hardway with a previous car.

If it helps I have a pair of o/e discs and pads which are barely run in with <2k on them. They are 260mm diameter and £49.00. Just get a good indie to fit them, save you a packet. You could always fit yourself its quite easy really I would be happy to talk you through it which ever way you go.

[burriana]

blueyonder said:

Does anyone use the aftermarket discs? They seem a lot cheaper but are they any good? Is it better to go for solid or vented discs?

So long as they are a recognised manufacturer they should be fine.

I had discs and pads on the BM a few months ago ... £240 fitted using OE parts ... £145 using Lockheed.

Find a little tyre/brake place that look like they know and care what they are doing and it is a straight forward job. It is not all Kwik Fits and the like that are bad ... it all depends on who does the job. If they know that you are stood there watching them like a hawk, and keep sticking your nose in and asking questions, they are more likely to take care over the job.

[aidanbree]

My brakes are going to need redone over the next few months. My local mechanic has asked me to find out where the brakes were 'borrowed' from. Would I be right in thinking they are the same as a Ford of some kind?

Thanks

Aidan

[leemarkadams]

Do the brakes yourself.....not hard at all!

I know I will be doing all that sort of stuff on my 5.0 Chim myself, as refuse to pay someone money for something I can do myself.

Lee

[fastandcurious]

aidanbree said:

My brakes are going to need redone over the next few months. My local mechanic has asked me to find out where the brakes were 'borrowed' from. Would I be right in thinking they are the same as a Ford of some kind?

Thanks

Aidan

Be careful when cross referencing Ford brake pads with TVR as there are several that are very similar. Some that will fit in but be to loose or to tight.

[Bomber Denton]

What Chimaera have you got? It's all Ford based, Proven Products in Tavistock are superb for availabilty and price.

It's either going to be 240mm or 260mm get in touch with Kev at PP 01822 613200 then just get a trusted mechanic to do the rest, easy job.

Edited by Bomber Denton on Sunday 3rd June 10:50

[aidanbree]

I have a couple of options. The guy (who is a friend of my brothers) that I bought the car from, has been using a local performance car specialist to look after the car. It is a Chim 400. I suggested that I would source the parts to get him to fit them but he wasnt keen. He said for the difference I might save I would be better to have the full warranty of stating that he had done everything and therefore if anything was wrong I brought it back to him and he would rectify it.

I also have a mechanic friend that services my VW Golf who I have used for years. He is a great guy but can often be bogged down in other cars to get the car back to me in time. He has offered to take a look / assist me with things that need done in exchange for my IT skills.

Either way, I will need to know what parts I am looking to buy. I am thinking maybe I am better going with option 2 and finding out yet more about the car.

What parts do I need for the complete overhall? 4 disc and 2 pads? Where should I go and what will it cost?

Cheers

Aidan