15 replies to this topic

[R1 nur]

My tyres are being replaced shortly and I would like to change the brake pads at the same time. The tyre fitter has said he has no objections to me doing it but will not fit parts not supplied by himself. So I figure if I can get some pads before Friday I will fit them when the car is jacked up and wheels off anyway. 1. How easy is it to do? 2. Can I get some pads by Friday? Decent track Day Styleee ones! (Reccomendations welcome!) Thanks.

[Ricky2772]

I posted a full guide for the front pads, and steve for the rear pads....

http://www.vx220.org...and,replacement

rear:

http://www.vx220.org...and,replacement

both are easy enough to be done in 20 mins.

Edited by Ricky2772, 30 July 2003 - 11:36 AM.

[R1 nur]

Thanks Ricky. Do you have any experience of the Mintex 1144 compound brake pads?

[Ricky2772]

never used'em, but those who did (minime for sure) claim they are good. ebc greenstuff are an excellent, cheap alternative at 60€ front set

[B4D_VX]

Greenstuff are certainly good pads, and very good value. I'm going to try Redstuff on mine though. It might be overkill, but they should take some hard driving....

[B4D_VX]

Oh and if you do decide on either Green or Redstuff, if you need them quickly, give me a shout as I keep both on the shelf.

[Ricky2772]

about redstuff.... a mate tried'em on his elise s2....reported a substantial increase in discs wear, and not all that bite when cold. noisy. long lasting, he did 6 track-days! I read that are indicated for heavy sedans, 4x4 and offroaders.... I was tempted too by their 750C° rating, will be interested to hear your comments once you try'em! will bring a set of greenstuff at the ring and try'em on with my newly installed drilled discs and braided's

[R1 nur]

Oh and if you do decide on either Green or Redstuff, if you need them quickly, give me a shout as I keep both on the shelf.

Thanks again.

Would have taken you up on that but have now ordered the Mintex from Merlin. Next time.....

Still scared to fit 'em tho!

Edited by R1_NUR, 30 July 2003 - 12:48 PM.

[B4D_VX]

about redstuff.... a mate tried'em on his elise s2....reported a substantial increase in discs wear, and not all that bite when cold. noisy. long lasting, he did 6 track-days!

I read that are indicated for heavy sedans, 4x4 and offroaders....

I was tempted too by their 750C° rating, will be interested to hear your comments once you try'em!

will bring a set of greenstuff at the ring and try'em on with my newly installed drilled discs and braided's

I'll have to see how they go. They are normally for larger heavier cars, but are recommended for 200bhp+ motors also, and with a few tweeks hopefully B4 won't be far off that!

[PaulCP]

I have Mintex 1144 pads on the front & the braking feel is much better. Considering putting them on the rears as well. Paul

[jules_s]

after yesterday im VERY tempted to replace the pads on my NA. braking vertually non existent when wet and cold.....on another note do the alternate pads cure/improve brake dust deposits???

[cheeky_chops]

after yesterday im VERY tempted to replace the pads on my NA.

braking vertually non existent when wet and cold.....on another note do the alternate pads cure/improve brake dust deposits???

i though it was my imagination!! There was def. a lot of standing water so i put it down to cold, wet discs - i only usually brake once in the first 6 miles

[JimH]

I'd certainly recommend the EBC Greenstuff pads. As far as fitting them the fronts will take approx 5 mins a side (it takes longer to get the wheel off than it does to change them). The backs are a little fiddly so you should allow a bit more time. Don't do them if you are in a hurry to get somewhere. I would allow a bit of time to make a nice tool to wind the piston back into the caliper because this will save a lot of time when you do them again.

[ShinyAndy]

Do Pagid do a pad for the VX if they do then I'd definitely recommend them after trying loads of alternatives in loads of cars (both heavy & light) ? I know lots of people that run Pagid in their Elises and swear by them, to be honest I've generally not heard a good word said about EBC especially in the trackday scene

[Ricky2772]

pagids are surely good pads, money no-option, great pick.... for those on a "budget", you can buy 2 sets of mintex or ebc for one set of pagid's. in the past, EBC's green compound lasted very little. they improved the greenstuff a lot since 2001. more bite and way more durable. and the price is still ace.

[Steve Crisp]

Just to spur some of you guys on. Vauxhall will charge £430 to change your pads. You can do the job in an hour comfortably with a few sockets, some copper-ease, a pin-punch (or nail), a pair of long-nose pliers, and a jack and axle stand. You could pay for the best of all these items plus the pads, and still save half the money that goes into Vauxhalls hands if you let them do it! If you really aren't sure about it, then a local garage would be half price I'm sure.