Brake refresh

[Luigi_S]

Hi, after getting my new Westfield back on the road after 7 years of no use  the brakes calipers need replacing. I believe I have M16 type callipers fitted with solid discs. What do people recommend to do? I just replace for like for like, I've seen vented upgrade- is that worth it? The car will see no track work just some spirited driving at weekends etc 

thanks 

[CosKev]

What engine/how heavy is the car?

99% of kit cars manage fine on solid discs with some decent pads,the light weight of the cars don't create much heat in the discs

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

No benefit in vented disks what so ever. (A small number of very enthusiastic owners have found it necessary on very hard driven track days to go vented, but that's about it!)

These day's, you can pick up fully refurbed calipers from the likes of Big Red for such reasonable money, it's barely worth doing the refurb yourself.

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

4 minutes ago, CosKev said:

What engine/how heavy is the car?

From memory, the O/P has talked about having a cross flow into other posts.

[CosKev]

11 minutes ago, Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - WSCC AO Rep said:

From memory, the O/P has talked about having a cross flow into other posts.

Deffo no need for vented discs then!!!! 

[6carjon]

As others have advised but from my experience choose good quality pads for great feel and don't forget good rear brakes too. Although there is little effort from these I notice a significant good response feel when these are in good order. Parts are so cheap it's worth doing both ends 

[Thrustyjust]

As Dave says, Big Red, exchange them and not to worry about them again. Vented discs weigh 3 tons and not needed. In fact go for lighter cortina discs from various places if you want to change them.

[Luigi_S]

Thank you all for your replies! It is indeed a crossflow  you have all pretty much confirmed my thinking on the matter and I will just renew my current set up. does anyone recommend a particular brake pad? Also has anyone got part numbers for the M16 calipers, discs and pads.  Also as someone mentioned I need to renew the rear wheel cylinders aswell but have no idea what they are? Is it case of removing and trying to match up at a factors.

[TAFKARM]

I've got a pair of M16 calipers Im about to put up for sale (used) - £30 + p&p

[Rory's Dad]

There's plenty of posts on choice of pads. I have Mintex 1144s and they are great although they squeal a bit.

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

Yeah, though prone to squealing, Mintex M1144's are very highly regarded pads for fast road use in a Westfield and the odd track session.

[corsechris]

FWIW.

I went down a bit of a rabbit hole with a brake 'upgrade'. The motivation was to get away from persistent problems with the rear drum brakes going 'lumpy'. No doubt due to the way we use the car, but they would quickly develop an annoying pulse when braking gently at low speed. Replaced drums, shoes & cylinders at intervals over the years but it never lasted.

so, did a disc brake conversion at the back using some VW pattern calipers and Escort discs plus some DIY adapter plates I had laser cut. Then realised I had screwed up the balance so went for Powerlight calipers and bigger discs up front. Saved weight on the calipers but lost it on the discs. Ended up with vented purely because they were the only ones I could find with the right fitment and diameter. We have absolutely no need for a vented disc.

the brakes work fine and have good balance, but ever since the conversion I've been trying and failing to cure the brake squeel. 

With the benfit of hindsight, might have just stuck at the rear disc conversion and used a rear brake pressure limiter instead.

 

maybe you could consider one of the M16 replacement calipers in alloy if you want to make a change? Good saving on unsprung weight.

 

HTH

[Luigi_S]

Thank you for your suggestions. Today I have replaced both calipers with new M16 type and mintex pads.... BUT in doing so I've now got a leak coming from one of the braided hoses actually from inside union (calliper side) does anyone have any idea of what kit I need to replace the goodridge hoses? 

[Stephen W]

Where did you get your new calipers from? I need a pair. Are they alloy?

[Luigi_S]

15 hours ago, Caterfield said:

Where did you get your new calipers from? I need a pair. Are they alloy?

Hi, I got a set from my local factors jayar previously bucks autos £40+vat each just standard replacements.