Front Brake Upgrade 278mm Discs - Ford Callipers
Discussion
887 & 888 callipers have now become a rare and expensive option for a simple bolt on upgrade.
Well, I took a punt on a set of mk6 Fiesta ST front callipers, carriers and discs.
This kit bolts straight on to the front of an S. 11mm spacer required if you use the 48mm high discs. 1mm washer if you use 58mm discs.
Carriers bolt on with M10 bolts so no drilling the upright.
Brake pipe is long enough to stretch to the front crossmember where the pipe union is.
ST disc, although 278mm in diameter, is slightly off in the height/offset. They are four stud with the same pcd but you'd need to add an extra 1 or 2 washers to space the calliper out. They are heavier than the Cougar discs I have with the 888 set up. By 250g! So maybe stick with the Cougar ones.
If you're going to fit 58mm high discs then you'll need to grind a bit off edge of the carrier next to the top fixing bolt. There's loads of meat here so integrity should remain uneffected.
You can pick up a set of s/h callipers , carriers and pads off evilbay for around £70.
I shall add part numbers and model names for all the bits once I have fully collated them.
Well, I took a punt on a set of mk6 Fiesta ST front callipers, carriers and discs.
This kit bolts straight on to the front of an S. 11mm spacer required if you use the 48mm high discs. 1mm washer if you use 58mm discs.
Carriers bolt on with M10 bolts so no drilling the upright.
Brake pipe is long enough to stretch to the front crossmember where the pipe union is.
ST disc, although 278mm in diameter, is slightly off in the height/offset. They are four stud with the same pcd but you'd need to add an extra 1 or 2 washers to space the calliper out. They are heavier than the Cougar discs I have with the 888 set up. By 250g! So maybe stick with the Cougar ones.
If you're going to fit 58mm high discs then you'll need to grind a bit off edge of the carrier next to the top fixing bolt. There's loads of meat here so integrity should remain uneffected.
You can pick up a set of s/h callipers , carriers and pads off evilbay for around £70.
I shall add part numbers and model names for all the bits once I have fully collated them.
Just to underline the point for those who don't know - you must use hardened bolts with brake callipers. Normal bolts, or toughened bolts with standard heads, can and will shear off, as I found out en route to a sprint day last year.
Luckily
1. It didn't let go under heavy braking near barriers on the sprint day.
2. I had a Phazed following me, and there was a friendly garage in East Leake where the old boy who owned it was very happy to lend us air tools and give us bolts to repair the problem. Moral of the story - always drive in tandem with someone who has a clue.....!
Luckily
1. It didn't let go under heavy braking near barriers on the sprint day.
2. I had a Phazed following me, and there was a friendly garage in East Leake where the old boy who owned it was very happy to lend us air tools and give us bolts to repair the problem. Moral of the story - always drive in tandem with someone who has a clue.....!
magpies said:
and in 'fairness' - or safety as some say
4 individual bushes is nowhere near as good as a solid ring with 4 holes in it - think wheel spacers
there is a great deal of force in operating brakes and slowing a car.
The words 'fairness' and 'safety' are not connected / unrelated in the context of my post.4 individual bushes is nowhere near as good as a solid ring with 4 holes in it - think wheel spacers
there is a great deal of force in operating brakes and slowing a car.
I've also addressed the point you've raised twice before earlier in the thread. As a third option, a plate spacer could be used in lieu of bush spacers.
magpies said:
the principle is the same.
Not really, your set up seems to be turning the mounting bolts through 90 degrees?Two chunky spacers or one big block, I can't see what difference having a lump of metal between the two holes makes? The caliper is a big solid chunk as is the hub carrier it's mounted to, what can flex?
Hi Mike
Just have to point out that that type of spacer is not very good, I have seen them with cracks in them and looking like they have been hit with a hammer. What happens is, if there is any vibration with the discs the spacers start to rock from side to side, this also happens with out of ballance wheels and uneven worn pads.
I do think a solid piece of steel has over twice the contact area of bobbin type spacers made from soft aluminium.
Alan
Just have to point out that that type of spacer is not very good, I have seen them with cracks in them and looking like they have been hit with a hammer. What happens is, if there is any vibration with the discs the spacers start to rock from side to side, this also happens with out of ballance wheels and uneven worn pads.
I do think a solid piece of steel has over twice the contact area of bobbin type spacers made from soft aluminium.
Alan
Alan Whitaker said:
I do think a solid piece of steel has over twice the contact area of bobbin type spacers made from soft aluminium.
But it doesn't!on the hub carrier there are two threaded "lugs" to bolt the caliper to so nothing in between for added contact area and on the caliper there are two raised and machined areas about the diameter of those spacers so again the one piece spacer would be in free air!
Soft aluminium would be a concern to me but it is to be hoped the guy who puts these kits together knows his stuff and uses a suitable grade of aluminium?
Out of balance wheels are not good for brakes, suspension, steering joints or a pleasant driving experience
QBee said:
you must use hardened bolts with brake calipers. Normal bolts, or toughened bolts with standard heads, can and will shear off
Not sure what a hardened or toughened bolt is? Bolts should be high tensile, marked 10.9 or 12.9Gassing Station | S Series | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff