Custom Brake Pads
Discussion
Anyone know of anywhere that can make brake pads to spec?
Im looking at fitting some Metro Turbo AP Racing 4-pot calipers to my Fiat Cinquecento with 240mm vented discs, and am rather concerned about availability of parts....i.e.: will a manufacturer stop making OE pads soon based on low demand?
It looks to be a fairly easy although not direct swap - the calipers will need their mounting centres ovalising and these will be mounted onto threaded studs (drive fit, although I forget the basis) that are pressed into the hub carrier (should I ever feel the need to revert to standard). Any extra room needed by the disc (in terms of the axis that the wheel rotates around) or wheel will be taken up by spacers or slight caliper machining (2mm at absolute most).
I could be ordinary, and just go for the common swap for this car - Brava, Bravo or Punto GT calipers on vented 257mm discs, but that means larger wheels - something which I'm keen to avoid at the monent, as I like the drivability of the car
Im looking at fitting some Metro Turbo AP Racing 4-pot calipers to my Fiat Cinquecento with 240mm vented discs, and am rather concerned about availability of parts....i.e.: will a manufacturer stop making OE pads soon based on low demand?
It looks to be a fairly easy although not direct swap - the calipers will need their mounting centres ovalising and these will be mounted onto threaded studs (drive fit, although I forget the basis) that are pressed into the hub carrier (should I ever feel the need to revert to standard). Any extra room needed by the disc (in terms of the axis that the wheel rotates around) or wheel will be taken up by spacers or slight caliper machining (2mm at absolute most).
I could be ordinary, and just go for the common swap for this car - Brava, Bravo or Punto GT calipers on vented 257mm discs, but that means larger wheels - something which I'm keen to avoid at the monent, as I like the drivability of the car
Design modifications to safety critical components should only be undertaken by experienced, qualified, professionals. The implications on the safety of yourself and others not to mention liability/insurance issues don't bare contemplating!
Judging by your writings you have spent some time thinking this through which is a good start but I would implore you to get this designed by a company who specialise in such things. There is always a lot more to these things than first meets the eye.
Even the pros can get it wrong the first time but they are covered by insurance, it's a steep learning curve so don't risk your neck (and others).
If a pad manufacturer obsoletes a set of pads it's probably time to move on to a newer caliper.
How common are the Metro Turbo AP 4 pots?
Are the pads used in other installations?
If the pads are used in a high enough volume the future supplies should be secure.
If not I'm sure that owners clubs or specialists can negotiate small batch production runs to satisfy the demand.
Judging by your writings you have spent some time thinking this through which is a good start but I would implore you to get this designed by a company who specialise in such things. There is always a lot more to these things than first meets the eye.
Even the pros can get it wrong the first time but they are covered by insurance, it's a steep learning curve so don't risk your neck (and others).
If a pad manufacturer obsoletes a set of pads it's probably time to move on to a newer caliper.
How common are the Metro Turbo AP 4 pots?
Are the pads used in other installations?
If the pads are used in a high enough volume the future supplies should be secure.
If not I'm sure that owners clubs or specialists can negotiate small batch production runs to satisfy the demand.
leorest said:
Design modifications to safety critical components should only be undertaken by experienced, qualified, professionals. The implications on the safety of yourself and others not to mention liability/insurance issues don't bare contemplating!
Judging by your writings you have spent some time thinking this through which is a good start but I would implore you to get this designed by a company who specialise in such things. There is always a lot more to these things than first meets the eye.
Yeah I agree totally, liability is the main problem....most people I know dont appear to have even given it a second's thought, but I appreciate that If I do the work myself it is me liable.
leorest said:
If a pad manufacturer obsoletes a set of pads it's probably time to move on to a newer caliper.
How common are the Metro Turbo AP 4 pots?
Are the pads used in other installations?
If the pads are used in a high enough volume the future supplies should be secure.
If not I'm sure that owners clubs or specialists can negotiate small batch production runs to satisfy the demand.
The Calipers arent particularly common...like hens teeth really. They were used on the Mk1 Metro GTi and the Mk2 Turbos and GTA spec I think, but even then they are hard to find, but Mini people like them on those as ou can make the little things stand on their noses!
I dont know anything about the availbilty of pads Im afraid...it was just a suspicion Id had that they were going to discontinue soon due to inability to get a decent EBQ.
If I do continue with this idea...I was gonna run the designs past a specialist and get them to check the work, brake dyno the car and sign it off anyway. The last thing I want is a car that won't stop!. It might reach a point where I may need to take professional indemnity cover anyway...just no time soon I hope!
They were also used on a plethora of other metros including a lot but not all MG metro NA engine, metro Automatics? I assume not all but a lot of them, basically a hell of a lot of metros had the 4 pots, so don't stress, there are thousands of the bloomin things out there.
Pads aren't going to be discontinued in the cars lifetime so I wouldnt worry.
Pads aren't going to be discontinued in the cars lifetime so I wouldnt worry.
Bit late with this but it might be useful.
Although they can't do complete custom brake pads, Carbotech can reline old pads in higher performance material and because they're basically hand done might be able to make a few slight mods as well.
Found Tim at Carbotech very helpful regarding uprated Fiesta shoes for the back of my Quantum, so might be worth a chat.
See www.carbotecheurope.com or tel 01768 885000
Although they can't do complete custom brake pads, Carbotech can reline old pads in higher performance material and because they're basically hand done might be able to make a few slight mods as well.
Found Tim at Carbotech very helpful regarding uprated Fiesta shoes for the back of my Quantum, so might be worth a chat.
See www.carbotecheurope.com or tel 01768 885000
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