Changing MMC for steel question

[foxbat]

I've been informed by elise-shop.com that the replacement front MMC pads are likely to take some weeks to arrive. So my question is, is it safe to replace just the front discs/pads with steel or do I have to do all four? I've got loads left on the rear pads and would rather wait if I can.

Also, can I keep the original front calipers if I replace with steel discs? I rather like the Lotus originals.

[dragstar]

foxbat said:

I've been informed by elise-shop.com that the replacement front MMC pads are likely to take some weeks to arrive. So my question is, is it safe to replace just the front discs/pads with steel or do I have to do all four? I've got loads left on the rear pads and would rather wait if I can. Also, can I keep the original front calipers if I replace with steel discs? I rather like the Lotus originals.

I cant see why not (changing front disks) but i wouldnt. Braking could be adversely effected, if say it is very wet as steel and MMC disks/pads behave differently. The front and rears could deteriorate more unevenly as they normally do. this is just my opinion though.

As for the calipers, i believe that you can keep them, as only the pads are different (but the same size). Just dont get the wrong pads in

Best off at a specialist

[Martin_S]

foxbat said:

I've been informed by elise-shop.com that the replacement front MMC pads are likely to take some weeks to arrive. So my question is, is it safe to replace just the front discs/pads with steel or do I have to do all four? I've got loads left on the rear pads and would rather wait if I can. Also, can I keep the original front calipers if I replace with steel discs? I rather like the Lotus originals.

I wouldn't risk it - the two different types of disc/pad will have different characteristics and so you risk running into problems with front-rear balance. Sod's Law dictates that any imbalance will show itself at the worst possible time, which might mean spinning into a motorway barrier or under an artic, just when you nees to take emergency avoidance action!

[foxbat]

Cheers for the advice guys, looks like I'll have to wait. Can't afford to do new discs/pads all round!

[aromaT]

definitely do not mix steel and MMC.

I will have the pads in stock in a week or so. (I have rears now)

[adrianr]

I know people who have run steel front/MMC rear, including on track days with no problems. Weight transfer means the rear brakes do very little anyway, which is why the pads can be smaller and still last longer.

Don't think I'd try it the other way round tho.
AdrianR