Brake Overhaul Guide

[rs48635]

Cheers loz.
On the lookout for some spare calipers, so I can rebuild mine. Or just put them on the shelf until winter.

 

[Emtee]

Well my brake pads arrived today from Belfast Brakes (Gary is a top bloke and in possession of THE most sunny personality I've ever had the pleasure of coming across) and so with the boot full of the pertinent tools, I thought I'd take advantage of a nice dry warehouse at work and spend the afternoon fitting them. I estimated three quarters of an hour per corner with a further hour for unforeseen's before our security start to do their rounds.

So first things first, Matt's photo how-to is spot on, as are the comments immediately following, however........

THANKS TO THE ABSOLUTE SMURFS THAT FITTED THE PREVIOUS PADS AND THEIR NOT FILING DOWN THE EDGES BUT INSTEAD WHACKING THEM IN WITH A BL00DY HAMMER.. I SPENT 4 HOURS ON ONE FRONT WHEEL JUST TO GET THE OLD PADS OUT! ABSOLUTE BAR STEWARDS!!

I NOW HAVE TO GO INTO WORK TOMORROW AT 6AM WHEN THE EARLY SHIFT ARRIVE AND FINISH THE JOB, WHICH COULD TAKE ALL DAY. I AM IN SUCH A BAD MOOD AND I'M GOING TO HAVE TO DRIVE COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF ALCOHOL!!!

Moral of the story.... Unless you fitted the previous pads yourself, or are certain the job was done properly last time around, do not assume this is a quick job 'cos potentially it ain't!!

Here endeth the rant..

Cheers, Miles.

 

[speedevilus]

Hi Guys,
Does anyone know the closest match to the rear shoes? I am not holding anyone responsble but I just need to look for something that matches close and adjust them to fit my 4200 2003 CC as mine are complete gone and I have no handbrake!

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Andy

 

[Parisien]

SV, you're talking about handbrakes shoes? If so, can get them relined, theres a thread on them!

P

 

[speedevilus]

Hi Parisian,
Yes I do mean the handbrake shoes. I can't be fussed with relining as it means taking them all out having the relined then fitting them again where by the sound of the original thread yu can buy brand new for approx £30 I just need to know what car they are referring to.

Have seen the same thread in 3 places but no one mentiones what car is this cloase match? Otherwise a trip to Halford with the shoes to see if I can find a match.

Cheers

Andy

 

[Parisien]

SV, I thought that theres a pair floating about...that can be sent and then when you get them, you send yours off for the next person to use, so you're not waiting unduly for them.....I didn't look at the other threads to see what actually happened!!


P

 

[conaero]

I am aware that you can use VW van/Transporter shoes and adapt them to fit. Not sure what you have to do but it probably drilling a hole of something, think these are the ones:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/EBC-Handbrake-shoes-VW-Transporter-Kombi-Camper-Van-2-/200440556442?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM#ht_4218wt_937

 

[davidhowson]

I'm several months into my Belfast Brakes Green Gripper pads and they are still performing really, really well. Good grip (as per the name) and very low dust.
However, I have developed a creaking noise from the front off side which I notice when I'm at a standstill and press the brake. Any thoughts what it might be?
Thanks
David

 

[Emtee]

Mine were doing that before I changed them David and given they were very tightly fitted I put it down to the pad liner scrapping. Good to hear your comments on the Green Grippers. Mine are obviously still bedding in, but hopefully not too long before they start to bite properly. Cheers, Miles.

 

[speedevilus]

Thanks Matt,
Just what I needed, drilling holes or filing would not be an issue as I am relatively good at fabrication.

As a side stroy but relevant I thought as Sunday was a nice sunny day and I had a set of new front brake pads it would be a good idea to change them. The process was relatively painless but as I took the pads out I noticed they are Brembo pads and since they have about 80% left on them I decided to put them back on. A bit of a waste of an excercize but at least I know they are ok for now.

But I really really really need to look at the handbrake shoes as I have no grip at all so no handbrake and although leaving in gear will do for now I am sure there would come a time that I shall need a handbrake. At least now I have an idea of a match I can start the process with.

Cheers for all your helps and advice.

Andy

 

[Emtee]

Don't suppose anyone has the part number for the rear pads do they? or a photo? Belfast sent me the wrong ones and are struggling to locate the right ones? MY04 4200 by the way. Don't know whether that makes any difference. Brilliant if you have as it'll save me taking mine apart to photograph said item. Thanks, Miles.

 

[Gullible]

looking at the VW rear shoes they do not look the same as the ones matt has had relined.
sure these are the correct alternative?

 

[speedevilus]

Hi Adam,
Good thing I haven't bought them yet then! Weather permitting I was hoping to take my shoes out this weekend and go to Halfrods/Eurospares/Motoserv to see if I find the right match.

the problem I find is the fact that the first question they'd ask is: What car is it for? and as soon as they hear Maserati they all panic and tell you that you need to buy it from a specialist. It would be easy if they were all on the shelf and you could go and find the right match! Not sure what to do now if these shoes are not the right shoes or not a close match!!!! hmmmm what to do what to do....

 

[Emtee]

Don't suppose anyone has the part number for the rear pads do they? or a photo? Belfast sent me the wrong ones and are struggling to locate the right ones? MY04 4200 by the way. Don't know whether that makes any difference. Brilliant if you have as it'll save me taking mine apart to photograph said item. Thanks, Miles.

Thanks for sorting me out with the photo op' Matt. Much appreciated. Cheers, Miles.

 

[conaero]

There are 2 different types of handbrake shoes, see here for a guide and the models they fit:

POST number 42

http://www.sportsmaserati.co.uk/showthread.php/2184-Handbrake-Shoes?p=39387

Also, here is another post that outlines the adjustment of the handbrake by way of the central adjuster, you need to do this periodically to take up the wear in the handbrake shoes:

http://www.sportsmaserati.co.uk/showthread.php/2296-Handbrake-cable-adjustment?highlight=handbrake

 

[rs48635]

Miles
Hope you got your brakes sorted, and the squeaking noise has gone away. Bearing in mind it took so long the extract the pads, it sounds possible that your front callipers suffer from "plate lift". The alloy calliper has SS plate where the pads sit, which lifts when corrision grows under the plate. Need to sort out mine after similar torture doing a "quick pad change". My other cars can be done both sides in about an hour.

Lots of stuff out there, this Porsche man has the best fix I've found. Different cars, but Porsche use brembo for years and universally acknowledged for brake performance.

Mine were doing that before I changed them David and given they were very tightly fitted I put it down to the pad liner scrapping. Good to hear your comments on the Green Grippers. Mine are obviously still bedding in, but hopefully not too long before they start to bite properly. Cheers, Miles.

 

[tonym3]

Really good write up on changing the brakes, it on my list to do as mine seem fairly soft.
What pads and discs are people using? I have. 2004 4200 CC. I normally go lazy and order from eurospares!! But would appreciate some recommendations.

Thanks

 

[conaero]

All coupe brakes are the same minus some variation with the handbrake shoes.

Best value appears to be the Ferrari 550 discs by far and as for pads stay away from EBC reds and cheap pads. Personally I would go for Ferrodos as they are OEM Brembo pads at a quarter of the price.

Ferrodo DS2500 is a great pad too if you want to pay a bit more.

 

[tonym3]

Thanks for that been having a look for the ferrodos, I had heard about the 550 discs.
The ones on the car at the moment look to be drilled, is that standard?

 

[CatmanV2]

As far as I know, Tony, yes. Mine are as well.

C