Focus ST Brake pads

[matt-ITR]

What brake pads would you recommend for Focus ST brakes (actually on a Mondeo TDCI) for improved road use?
Currently have the standard Ford pads which are OK at best.

Current thinking is either DS2500 or EBC Yellow Stuff. Any others to consider? Pagid don't seem to make a pad, otherwise I'd go for them.

[lemonslap]

I have DS2500 on our ST170, great pads once you bed them in properly. Do they make yellow stuff for st170 calipers? When I checked last it was just Green stuff . Remember the DS2500 aren't R90 road legal...

[matt-ITR]

I'm talking about the ST 225 "ASBO", not the ST 170.

[Justin S]

I put standard Mintex pads in with grooved discs and seem to be better than standard Ford stuff. Got the front and rear discs and pads for £200.Had EBC's on other cars and always not got on with them. DS pads are recommended but until some heat in them maybe a bit iffy, which is why I went for a road pad.

[matt-ITR]

Currently swaying towards the Yellow stuff pads, although I do need them to work from cold - which they say they do, but not sure how well.

[Podie]

When I upgraded the ST220, I wanted the same all round.

The two options were Ford OEM or EBC Reds. I went with the Ultimax discs and the Red Stuff pads - and they've been great. No issues from cold, ahul up well and no fade.

[lemonslap]

matt-ITR said:

I'm talking about the ST 225 "ASBO", not the ST 170.

Sorry my bad, Much better setup!!

[Lurking Lawyer]

I hadn't had any issue with the OEM so just had the dealer replace the front ones when they need replacing.

[matt-ITR]

I find they fade badly.

[rb5er]

matt-ITR said:

I find they fade badly.

I never had brake fade on mine when i had it for 2 and a half years from new. It got driven hard but never took it in track. Maybe yours are badly worn or not oem?

[Justin S]

I would consider changing the brake fluid with fresh if you are having fade issues. They shouldnt fade. More coefficient of friction pads will give better bite, but the brakes are good enough to not fade in road use.

[matt-ITR]

Fluid is quite new. Pads and discs are OEM with life left. Hoping new pads will sort it out.

[Kidders]

Must be something wrong with them, never got even close to cooking my ST225 brakes..

[KingNothing]

Only time I noticed the brakes were bad is when I was slinging it round Silverstone a bit too fast, lol, every other time on road though the standard brakes have been fine for me. Come February though, the car will be getting it's AP's put on the front

[rb5er]

Kidders said:

Must be something wrong with them, never got even close to cooking my ST225 brakes..

This is what i reckon too.

[matt-ITR]

Well perhaps something is up then.

If so, then I guess OEM or RedStuff pads will be fine as replacements. Also changing the discs to Ulimax - unless there is anything better?
Maybe even get the callipers rebuilt then new brake fluid and hopefully all will be good.

[Podie]

matt-ITR said:

Well perhaps something is up then.

If so, then I guess OEM or RedStuff pads will be fine as replacements. Also changing the discs to Ulimax - unless there is anything better?
Maybe even get the callipers rebuilt then new brake fluid and hopefully all will be good.

I had my callipers rebuilt by BiggRed (and the rears), put in EBC reds and Ultimax discs, braided hoses and new fluid. Never had a problem.

[GaryST220]

matt-ITR said:

Well perhaps something is up then.

If so, then I guess OEM or RedStuff pads will be fine as replacements. Also changing the discs to Ulimax - unless there is anything better?
Maybe even get the callipers rebuilt then new brake fluid and hopefully all will be good.

It could be the fluid, or it could be the brakes aren't suitable for your driving style.

I for one do not think the Focus ST conversion is infallible, they are "okay" but they do fade quickly if you exploit your Mondeos capabilities (something which I'm willing to bet most people don't).

AP's are the only way forward.

[Ecosse RM]

I've had ST170 and currently ST3, fluid change made a big difference on both. I'm just getting ready to get pads on my Asbo and had thought of upgrading them as they do seem to fade on long runs... Not sure if it's just because they're old (late 2008) but just don't seem the same as they did at first. Always feel I get used to my car so if you know someone with the same car / set up might be worth letting them take it for a spin for a second opinion. I also have a Capri with a YB and getting a mate with a turbo technics to drive it has given a good insight to how it works in comparison.

Dealer prices vs upgrades always a hard choice when considering longevity.

[Kidders]

GaryST220 said:

It could be the fluid, or it could be the brakes aren't suitable for your driving style.

I for one do not think the Focus ST conversion is infallible, they are "okay" but they do fade quickly if you exploit your Mondeos capabilities (something which I'm willing to bet most people don't).

AP's are the only way forward.

Do you have Focus brakes then? I thought you were still on standard.