When I upgraded my brakes the servo brace was on the list because they are not expensive but I never got round to it.
My bulkhead is solid and I figured I may just be improving the pedal feel but not the brakes.
Not having fitted one I can only guess!!
I fitted the Brace and S/S hoses. Made virtually no difference. Brakes were still poor.
Only plus is that it should prevent any future problems.
Yellow stuff pads helped but I expect the only real improvement will be bigger discs and better calipers.
BUT that could also mean higher unsprung weight and worse ride!
I'm currently experimenting with Philip's Cooper S option. (297mm discs) We'll see.
Thanks for that info Vince. I don't feel I missed out!
Good look with the brakes because you can get so many variations of pads for a Mini which is a great bonus.
Does anyone know if the three bolts at the rear of the snorkel have captive nuts or they standard loose nuts and bolts.
if loose how or what is needed to be removed to get at them?
I fitted the Brace and S/S hoses. Made virtually no difference. Brakes were still poor.
Only plus is that it should prevent any future problems.
Yellow stuff pads helped but I expect the only real improvement will be bigger discs and better calipers.
BUT that could also mean higher unsprung weight and worse ride!
I'm currently experimenting with Philip's Cooper S option. (297mm discs) We'll see.
The servo brace does nothing to improve braking, but it removes the "sponginess feeling" as the bulkhead flexes, it's the same with the braided brake lines. It's the same with brake pads, replacement brake pads have to conform to Regulation ECE R90 which means the have to attain a minimum braking efficiency of 85% of the OE pads. You will see performance pads advertised as exceeding ECE R90 but that's not a high bar to aim for. ADAC tested brake pads a few years ago, none of the "performance" pads matched the two OE manufactured ones.
Vince is experimenting to see if 15" wheels will clear the 294mm callipers, it looks tight but they might just do it, the downside is that the 15" TF wheels are heavier than the 16" MX5 wheels
"TA22GT post=223545 userid=26101
Thanks for that info Vince. I don't feel I missed out!
Good look with the brakes because you can get so many variations of pads for a Mini which is a great bonus."
The front callipers were fitted with ATE ceramic pads, they were the best performing brake pads when tested by ADAC and as I have stated before out performed the "performance pads", apart from the actual braking performance they leave an easy to clean golden brown dust on the wheels. Sadly ATE only make brake pads for ATE manufactured callipers.
For those of you who don't read ADAC tests you are missing out on the best independent reviews available, for instance the winter tyre tests normally take place in Finland and the summer tests at Pirelli's Nardo test track. For a typical tyre test they start of with up to fifty tyres of the same size and specification, after a quick short test the best performers (normally 10-15) plus one of the eliminated ones which under go a full test. It's interesting to see the Falken tyre in there and an almost 2kgs between lightest and heaviest tyre.
https://www.tyrereviews.com/Tyre-Tests/2026-ADAC-Summer-Tyre-Test.htm
https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/ausstattung-technik-zubehoer/reifen/reifentest/sommerreifen/225-50-r17-2026/
I do read the tyre tests because you learn a lot about tyres and what actually makes a good tyre.
There is more to it than just glancing at the "highest grip figure".
Pads I have learned about through experience over 50 years. They are a very important final piece to the puzzle.
Group 4 Escorts don't use std pads.
I have a friend who has a friend at a big UK brake company..Mmmm.. and he can get any brake material fitted to any old pad you give him.
My old TF pads will be coming back with a very nice friction material added. Much better than Yellowstuff. I can't give you the material number as it gives the game away!
Use common sense when modifying brakes. It is simple engineering spliced with a bit of nouse.
