Brake Pads Upgrade Mk2 Galaxy

[George106]

Hi guys,

 

I have quite sluggish brakes atm (Mintex discs & pads) and would like to get a bit more brake performance. I do not want to upgrade to bigger discs or change discs if possible. Would pads change make a difference? I was offered Ferodo pads also have seen EBC green stuff pads for affordable price. And finally would I have to let my insurance provider know that I have fitted EBC green stuff pads?

 

George

[Mirez]

Hi guys,

 

I have quite sluggish brakes atm (Mintex discs & pads) and would like to get a bit more brake performance. I do not want to upgrade to bigger discs or change discs if possible. Would pads change make a difference? I was offered Ferodo pads also have seen EBC green stuff pads for affordable price. And finally would I have to let my insurance provider know that I have fitted EBC green stuff pads?

 

George

 

Since the contact surface area remains the same you wont see a noticeable difference changing the pads only, the real benefit to pads is to reduce brake fade (brake efficiency decreasing with temperature, long downhill sections for example). The cooler the disc and pad then the more responsive the system will feel so grooved, drilled or better vented discs will also assist in this but again don't be surprised if you don't feel the difference.

 

Larger diameter discs and or calliper upgrades which increase the brake area and force distribution are the only way to see appreciable grains.

 

That said, I've never found a problem with the Galaxy brake system - how old is the fluid?

[Mirez]

Ohh and yes, insurance companies should be notified of anything that isn't standard equipment however normally, brake upgrades are considered a safety upgrade and thus don't attract a premium.

[George106]

Thanks Mark, mine current setup is braking worse than old vauxhall astra I had before and is not very safe. I have changed brakes in March last year and expected better performance but it's actually less efficient. Is there any brand/setup which you would recommend without size upgrade ( some fitted brembo, ferodo or EBC)....

 

George

[chrispb123456]

Hi guys,

 

I have quite sluggish brakes atm (Mintex discs & pads) and would like to get a bit more brake performance. I do not want to upgrade to bigger discs or change discs if possible. Would pads change make a difference? I was offered Ferodo pads also have seen EBC green stuff pads for affordable price. And finally would I have to let my insurance provider know that I have fitted EBC green stuff pads?

 

George

Hi George have you checked the vacuum supply to the servo? you may have a collapsed pipe

[George106]

 

Hi George have you checked the vacuum supply to the servo? you may have a collapsed pipe

 

Hi, didn't check but to explain, it brakes at certain level but doesn't improve with pressing pedal more (e.g.emergency braking). It went through MOT without advisory though.

 

George

[seatkid]

Try using OEM pads and discs instead of aftermarket rubbish.

[George106]

Try using OEM pads and discs instead of aftermarket rubbish.

 

Thanks guys,

 

I have seen combination of Brembo vented/solid discs and EBC green stuff pads with good result. Is there anyone who would recommend this option? I looked at grooved discs but I do not fancy splashing more than 200quid for parts.

 

George

[Mirez]

TBH George, from what you describe any "upgrade" is just masking a problem. The Galaxy system is more then adequate at stopping the car so if yours isn't able to do an emergency stop or put the ABS on then either:

 

Its lacking vac pressure

You have a servo problem

You have old fluid

You have air in the system.

 

Brembo discs are well regarded (although there is no way you should be thinking about a solid disc on the fronts) and EBC should go well together but as said, it won't effect the general performance just help with brake-fade (which you don't sound like you have)

[George106]

TBH George, from what you describe any "upgrade" is just masking a problem. The Galaxy system is more then adequate at stopping the car so if yours isn't able to do an emergency stop or put the ABS on then either:

 

Its lacking vac pressure

You have a servo problem

You have old fluid

You have air in the system.

 

Brembo discs are well regarded (although there is no way you should be thinking about a solid disc on the fronts) and EBC should go well together but as said, it won't effect the general performance just help with brake-fade (which you don't sound like you have)

 

 

Hi,

brake fluid (DOT5.1 Halfords) is approx. 2 years old, pedal is not spongy...

 

Can I check anything myself or do I need to go to garage?

 

George

[seatkid]

Its lacking vac pressure

You have a servo problem

You have old fluid

You have air in the system.

 

Add to that list:

 

The pads are contaminated

The pads/discs are glazed (as tends to happen with aftermarket rubbish)

The discs are badly grooved or worn unevenly - the inside surface could be much worse than the outer,

The caliper slide pins are seized.

The calipers are faulty

The ABS system is faulty/contaminated.

 

A combination of two or more of the above.

 

Standard discs/pads are more than adequate to trigger the ABS on an emergency stop.

[George106]

Be honest, I would have to brake really hard to activate ABS, it usually comes on only when wet. I had/have problem with brake squeal (since discs/pads change 03/2010 Mintex) and last month had all pads cleaned and anti-squeal grease applied therefore pins are fine. Discs are without groves except minor one on the o/s/r, also pads seamed to be clean and worn evenly.

 

When I changed pads, I didn't bleed brakes, just pushed piston slowly back when cap off. Also in the garage they checked all calliper (piston)seals for leaks. I have been offered Ferodo discs/pads by the garage I use for reasonably money, would I waste money choosing these and should I go for OEM ones?

 

George