Upgrading brakes on a V Reg Fiesta

[minimac]

Hi there, on my 1.25 fiesta I've noticed that the brakes are pants compared to the Kia Picanto I had a courtesy car, I've got new pads on my Fiesta, but I didn't get round to doing the shoes on the back.

What I was wondering is, is it possible to put disc brakes on the back of my fiesta? How much do you think it would set me back? Got my Fiesta back this morning after 2 weeks, almost plouged into the back of the car in front because the pedal pressed in a mile before biting, plus it wasn't as effective. Is this a realistic idea?

Is it possible to fit a cruise control to it? I dont want to have to spend ages looking at my speedo as I have 3 points on my licence already.

Thanks

Edited by minimac on Thursday 9th August 15:33

[plfrench]

I wouldn't bother with discs on the back. A car as light as a Fiesta doesn't need them, and due to weight transfer whilst braking, 90% of the stopping force comes from the front wheels anyway. Sounds like you might need to bleed the system as you may have got some air in there when you changed the pads. Alternatively it might be worth investigating some different pad types.

The other things is that new cars are often very over servoed, so you only have to brush the pedal to get full power! Older cars brakes will often work fine, but need more of a shove on the pedal.

With regards to cruise control, I wouldn't bother! It'd cost way more than the cars worth! Although I agree it is very useful for keeping to a speed limit without having to sit there watching the speedo rather than where you are going.

Paul.

[minimac]

Hi Paul, thanks for the pronto reply

I'll have a look into bleeding the brake system, cost etc.

[Ricky_M]

Bleeding them is easy, there is a bleed nipple on each caliper, get someone to pump the brake pedal until the fluid coming out of the bleed nipple is free of air, keep topping up the brake fluid whilst doing it.