Wedge brakes

[JMF894]

Hiya all. I was wondering, although I know wedge brakes are a hot topic and I have gone through the FAQ's on the subject, but..............

My winter project is to fully refurbish and upgrade the brakes on the 450, however, in the meantime is there a quick and relatively inexpensive way to improve them until then?

I'm expecting the answer to be 'pads' but i'll wait to hear from you experts...........

Jimbo

[mrzigazaga]

JMF894 said:

i'll wait to hear from you experts...........

Jimbo

Carefull mate..you can get shot down for using language like that..Thats like treading on hot coals with shoes made of chocolate..

[JMF894]

mrzigazaga said:

Carefull mate..you can get shot down for using language like that..Thats like treading on hot coals with shoes made of chocolate..

Ha! Ok then how about.................'Those more knowledgeable than I'?

[grahamw48]

Pads.
Change brake fluid.
Anticipation.

[Number 7]

I would echo what Graham says: New pads both front and rear (whether you plan to track the car may have an effect on your choice here, but I've been using Ferodo DS2500 and am happy with them). Change the flexible rubber hoses (all three) for braided type lines. Flush the fluid (pressure flush) and replace with good quality stuff (dot 5.1, although I've now changed to a dot 4 rating racing fluid from Motul which exceeds dot 5.1). If you're feeling adventurous, you could overhaul the front calipers with new seals and maybe pistons. Also check that the rotors are within the minimum thickness spec.

Edited by Number 7 on Thursday 23 June 09:46

[adam quantrill]

Use them regularly and hard.
Mintex 1144 pads
Brake fluid...

[keatsie]

If your going to replace pipes and fluid, it would be worth checking the calipers. Make sure the seals are in good order otherwise the increased pressure will find all those little areas to weep out.. speaking from experience

[Tasmindevil]

Run some ducting to the rears, I gather a few have done this and I did this on the previous wedge, never faded once under severe braking on alpine roads. Mean't to do it to the pseudo 500 but never got around to it but regretted it after a few circuits of a track and lost all braking power . Oh and as noted DOT 5.1 or the racing DOT 4 mentioned.

[Big Daft Lad]

grahamw48 said:

Anticipation.

Sound's about right!

[mikeb]

Braided hoses.

MikeyB

[JMF894]

Can anyone tell me what braided hose kit I would need please? There seems to be several around. Goodridge I presume would be the default choice? Anyone know part numbers? 1989 450se.

3 front and 1 rear hose?

Cheers Jimbo

[grahamw48]

I got mine from Richard Thorpe at RTracing (Wedge/TVR specialist).

Correct for the car, and cost about 40-50 quid a set.