Having now decided to keep the 156 1.8 TS Sportwagon for another couple of years (or might be longer), as the engine is still purring like a kitten, the brake pedal feels a little dim witted or spongy. The brakes haven't been changed since I've owned it.
The MOT is due end of Nov so I'm having the fluid flushed.
I've read so many good things about Brembo discs and pads, but are they superior to other good brands?
After the MOT I'm going to spend a little on the cosmetics of car; it's crying out for a little TLC, but, obviously, first things first. Safety before looks.
Your thoughts on Brembos or other good makes appreciated.
I've used them (pads and rotors) on the rear of a 147, happy enough with the result. Not overly dusty, especially compared to my experiences with Valeo OEM level pads. Don't overlook the condition of your caliper slide pins on the rear brakes, anything less than free movement and you will often get a little light squeal.
There is nothing superior about the Brembo discs & pads. You might be thinking about Brembo 4 piston brake calipers which are used in conjunction with bigger discs & pads, they make a huge difference.
Does your 156 have solid discs or vented discs on the front? Early 156 1.8s have solid discs, they moved to vented later in the production life.
Not sure to be honest. Does it matter if they are vented or not? I'm not going to be attending any track days with it. I can understand why V6 models would have vented discs - it helps to disperse the heat, but on a 1.8 TS?
Not sure how long the current discs and pads have been in situ, and have read Brembo discs and pads outlast other brands.
As it stands my brakes aren't bad: They pull up without any vibrating and they don't pull to one side - the pedal, on the other hand, has more travel before the brakes bite than other 156s I've driven.
I'm not looking for brakes that'll pull your eyeballs out, something, however, that makes it feel more secure.
As you rightly state there is not much point in going for all out performance on your car,if you want to make the best of your OEM set up then I suggest fresh fluid a thorough bleed some vented discs, or you could go drilled and or grooved for even better heat dispersal.. and if you really wanted to maximise the fronts some performance pads like ebc yellow stuff would be a really worthwhile upgrade that won't break the bank
TBH it sounds like you probably want basic Pagid/Mintex parts, a general clean up and re-greasing of the calipers/pins, and some fresh brake fluid all around..
The point is my current discs are showing some score marks, although how deep they are I couldn't say as I've not taken the wheels off. If I need to replace the current ones I want a brand that'll last and won't leave a sack loads of dust over the teledials.
Euro Car parts are selling Brembo discs for £95 for the two. I suppose it's a case of whether to plump for them or go for a cheaper version. However, a flush will be my first port of call and see where that takes me.
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