Poor Brakes.

[Jaydee]

Hi, was wondering if anyone could offer any suggestions for poor braking on 1995 S2 ABY. The disk and pads were replaced with groved and dimpled discs, and Mintex pads approx. 500 miles ago as the original disks were rusty and scored. The pedal seems fine with no sponginess, however, I cannot lock the brakes, despite pressing hard on the pedal. I have also experienced brake fade after a spirited drive. I have not replaced the 6 flexible hoses with HEL braided hoses. System bled fine with no leaks. I still am unable to lock the brakes. I drove with the brakes on and all disks were shiny over the whole swept area, so I believe the calipers/pistons are all fine - they all moved easily when I replaced the pads.
I have read about the 'bomb', however, I am not sure if it applies to my car, or if it does, what I need to do to check it.
Any suggestions would be gratefully received.
Thanks in anticipation.

[Tonks4x4]

Unfortunately the standard setup on the S2 is poor and there are not really man enough for the job if pushed hard....

Options for upgrades that most members take are RS2 brembo calipers and larger disks

Or brembo's from a Porsche Boxter or larger ones from Porsche turbo

Or aftermarket AP's, XYZ, move it calipers etc etc etc.

Even as big as VW phaeton calipers and disks

Budget £600 + for a suitable setup.


Tonks4x4 - The Land Rover Specialist

[Jaydee]

Thanks Tonks 4X4, however, I would like to keep the car as standard as possible, so any improvement to the standard set up would be preferable to bigger discs/calipers/wheels - I may change my mind in the future though, if that is my only way to improve the brakes.

[Tonks4x4]

That is the only way to improve breaking,

If its because of resale as an original car it will not be frowned upon if you go for RS2 setup as its widely know the standard set is poor.


Tonks4x4 - The Land Rover Specialist

[Henkjan]

yep, std brakes are very poor. I could not get them to lock on dry tarmac.

I have the setup using boxter calipers and 312mm discs. I recently had the car appraised and it was complimented as a well done upgrade.

[irishs2]

Maybe a more abrasive brake pad might do, but the original s2 brake setup is shocking.

[bazburn]

I have green stuff in mine and altho it helps they still fade after a couple of hard shoves...

[Big Lee M]

Updated pads and discs will make a difference if you can't or don't want Porsches set up.

[diogocartier]

boxter calipers and 312mm discs will fit 16" wheels?

[Error404]

Try some more aggressive pads. Also remember brakes like to be worked hard occasionally, or the pad surfaces glaze over and they feel wooden, with no bite.

[Tonks4x4]

Try some more aggressive pads. Also remember brakes like to be worked hard occasionally, or the pad surfaces glaze over and they feel wooden, with no bite.

Mine never get glance to glaze over


Tonks4x4 - The Land Rover Specialist

[Monkeymagic]

i think the answer would be to get another. s2 owner to drive your car to give an indication if yours are functioning as they should. i don't recall mine being that bad they were better than i expected given all the bad press. however they are not up to the job of stopping the car when pushed.
i did the big brake upgrade and personally believe it was the single best mod i have done so far. kw coil over being the second.

[kulster]

I'm on my second set of genuine discs and pads on the front it's done about 22k on the last set, the brakes are poor, but then again the wife's always on the throttle followed by immediate breaking

[Cottis]

Agree with everyone above. Standard brakes are not fit for purpose in any way that I can tell. My S2 came with front Movit brake upgrade. It is possibly more excessive than is required but oh boy does it stop on a sixpence from any speed. Only problem is when you come to replace them cost wise but I have never, never never experienced any sort of fade and I use them a lot as my car is a toy rather than a mode of transport. It gets plenty of fast road use and I would think the brakes would stand up to track use no probs either.

Pretty easy to put it all back to standard for resale if it came to that but do you want your brakes to stop you or a tree? Brakes and tyres are the two things worth spending as much on as you can literally afford in my book

[Fat Audi 80]

I am running yellow stuff pads on some plain discs. This an a proper bleed has left the brakes very good. Okay they won't stand up to abuse but are perfectly adequate unless you are racing!

The brakes do need a few good long firm stops to keep them from glazing over, as already mentioned.

HTH