Corroded disks - 111R

[PaulB81]

Ever since I got my 111R the disks have been a bit of a mess. I drive it and the disks obviously clear up but after 3-4 days of not using them they are really corroded again. When I took it in to a dealer to have something else looked at they said they are too far gone to fix and need replacing. I dont feel like its stopping anywhere near as quickly as it should which is not a good thing.

Is this common with the OEM disks? The car is only 07 so I wouldnt expect them to be so badly ruined.

Would I be better off replacing them with something after market (dont want to spend a fortune) or new OEM ones. Dont want new OEM ones if they are just going to do the same thing. The car is kept outside so its going to get wet when it rains and driven in the wet.

Would something like this be comparable to new OEM: http://www.hangar111.com/web-store/235-elise-111r-...

They seem a bit on the cheap side.

Cheers guys

[Hollywood Wheels]

I used to have those EBC disks on my S1, they were really good for the road.
When you say corroded what do you mean? Most discs will look 'rusty' after even a shower of rain. Do you mean the surface is pitted? Is there a lip on the disc? Maybe the pads aren't alighned properly and aren't covering the discs fully?
And are they seriously the original discs? Thats FIVE years old!!!!

[pac1uk]

I need to change the discs on my Europa, that's a 07 car. I have got inner corrosion flagged up on the MOT. Discs will rust, doesn't do that many miles so the discs don't ware as quick.

As previously stated 5yrs on discs I think is really good. You can get cheaper OEM discs:-

http://www.eurocarparts.com

Or http://www.seriouslylotus.com/ if you want to spend more on some nice big discs and AP Calipers.

I would say the choice of Brake Pads is probably more important than the discs, I have gone with Mintex 1144.

Paul.

[PaulB81]

I dont know if they are the originals. Ive only had the car 6 months. They dont look worn but main dealer I took it to are convinced they are totally fcked (due to corrosion) and need replacing and I really do think it should be stopping a lot better than it does.

[Hollywood Wheels]

When was the fluid last changed? Some fresh pads and fluid would probably improve the braking no end, especially if you do a proper bedding-in proceedure (which most people overlook). As long as there isn't a big 'lip' on the edge of the discs I don't see why the dealer should be convinced the brakes have had it?

[PaulB81]

Just read over the paperwork they gave me. There is no visible lip, the paperwork says 'Extremely corroded on inside edge, pads at 50%'. I just went out and had a look. I cant see anything but then I cant really see the inside of the disks.

Are they just trying to get some money?

[Hollywood Wheels]

At that age, and if you think the brakes aren't strong enough, I'd just replace the lot. Europarts or motorfactors for the discs, some mintex 1144 pads or similar, and a fluid change. Get a local mechanic to do it if you're not confident. I'd never take a car near a dealer for routine stuff, you'll just get ripped off. Discs and pads are an easy job on the Elise, any grease monkey can do it.

[Frimley111R]

Mine are like that. The edges and holes get very rusty. Not sure what can be done about it tbh.

[PaulB81]

Do you find it stops ok? Ive only ever driven my own so I don't know how well these are supposed to stop. It just feels like it takes longer than it should to scrub off speed then I can feel the ABS kicking in

[Exige77]

How old are your tyres ?

If the ABS is working, probably means the brakes are working but if you are nearly locking up maybe you are lacking grip from your tyres.

If one side was not braking well you would soon know as it would be pulling.

Ex77

[JACK6284]

You need new discs, pads and probably a brake fluid change. It's easy to do yourself and you can save pounds by using the SELOC Wiki.

If cost is still an issue you may need to think about swapping for a Mx5

[PaulB81]

JACK6284 said:

You need new discs, pads and probably a brake fluid change. It's easy to do yourself and you can save pounds by using the SELOC Wiki.

If cost is still an issue you may need to think about swapping for a Mx5

Thats rude, im not short on cash.

[Captain Muppet]

PaulB81 said:

Just read over the paperwork they gave me. There is no visible lip, the paperwork says 'Extremely corroded on inside edge, pads at 50%'. I just went out and had a look. I cant see anything but then I cant really see the inside of the disks.

Are they just trying to get some money?

To see the inside of the disc just take a wheel off - takes five minutes.

[PaulB81]

When it comes back from having the gearbox fixed (struggling to go in 3rd, thats going to be expensive) I will just get new disks and pads anyway I think. Then at least I know where I stand with it.

[tertius]

Honestly standard (not necessarily OEM) pads and discs are consumables and cost peanuts, what is the issue?

Pagid do an OEM spec solid disc for the Elise that is only about £20. ECP sell them.

[PaulB81]

Where is the best place to get those? Elise parts or hanger 111 is where I normally look for these bits

[Toaster]

PaulB81 said:

Thats rude, im not short on cash.

Hmmmm could I have some please ;-)