Standard front brakes for 420R

[Stickman-69]

Does anyone know what is used for the 420 front disc and pad set? I presume Caterham buy them in from someone else. I have a horrible front brake squeal so it looks like it's time to replace my existing set... thanks in advance for any tips.

[fergus]

Stickman-69 said:

Does anyone know what is used for the 420 front disc and pad set? I presume Caterham buy them in from someone else. I have a horrible front brake squeal so it looks like it's time to replace my existing set... thanks in advance for any tips.

Have you tried a few very hard stops (without locking the wheels, and giving enough time to allow things to cool prior to the next application)? Do you know what pads you are using? If it's just a low speed squeal, from light applications and coming up to junctions, it may just be down to pad compound.

[slime bomb]

I've had my 420r for a over a year now and it still does it occasionally but only at slow speed; approaching junctions/traffic lights etc. As Fergus says, try a few hard stops. That does seem to work, for a while.

How are you liking the 420?

[Stickman-69]

Thanks for the replies. I was hoping someone would say it’s just the Fiesta disc/pad set and I could save a few quid! I’ve had the 420 for 2 years and what’s not to love about it?! It’s a fantastic pleasure to drive (if wholly impractical). I’ve definitely tried a few hard stops in the past (isn’t that the point of the car?!) before the brakes were squealing. It’s only in the last few months and only at low speed approaching junctions/lights that the squeal has started.

[Sobrut799]

When my 420r was just a few months old and around 300 miles I had exactly the same issues with braking at traffic lights etc at slow speed.

I tried appropriate bedding in of the brakes and intermittent hard breaking to no avail. Then at the first service I mentioned to the dealer who fixed it (I think they changed the pads). Never had the problem since. Oakmere (Northwich) are a great dealer btw...better service than Caterham manufacturer.

Oh and after circa 18 mths my 420r is fantastic...such an occasion to drive it :-)

[mickrick]

Put some coppaslip grease on the back of the pad, and clean out the dust. That will stop it.