Query: Ford Focus Discs and Pads Replaced

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Chris H - 05 Apr 2004 21:10 GMT

I've just had my discs and pads on my Focus replaced today after 50,000
miles. Anyway, driving the car home I've noticed that the new brakes are
lacking in byte. On closer examination of the brake pads, it appears that
the inner radius of the pads are closer to the disc than the outer radius of
the pads by a millimetre or two (with the brakes off). Is this correct, and
could it be the reason my brakes are now lacking byte? Or could it just be
that the new brakes take a while to bed in, and/or remove residue from new.
This is my first car I've had to get new brakes for, so I don't know which
is true. Any advice appreciated. It being the brakes, I'm a little reluctant
to take any chances!

Chris..

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Paul Giverin - 05 Apr 2004 21:24 GMT

>I've just had my discs and pads on my Focus replaced today after 50,000
>miles. Anyway, driving the car home I've noticed that the new brakes are
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>is true. Any advice appreciated. It being the brakes, I'm a little reluctant
>to take any chances!

The new pads will take time to bed in. Try not to use harsh braking for
the next couple of hundred miles. Of course the pad material on your new
pads may be different to your old ones, even though they are both Ford
parts. Ford may source its parts from different suppliers.

For what its worth, my original Ford Pads were much better than the EBC
pads I fitted as replacements. Don't worry about the gaps when the
brakes are off. They will be fine when you press the pedal.

Signature

Paul Giverin

British Jet Engine Website http://www.britjet.co.uk

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Chris H - 06 Apr 2004 07:53 GMT

Paul,

Many thanks for the info. I'll take it easy on the brakes for the next few
hundred miles.

Chris

> >I've just had my discs and pads on my Focus replaced today after 50,000
> >miles. Anyway, driving the car home I've noticed that the new brakes are
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> pads I fitted as replacements. Don't worry about the gaps when the
> brakes are off. They will be fine when you press the pedal.

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Chris Whelan - 06 Apr 2004 08:51 GMT

> Paul,
>
[quoted text clipped - 28 lines]
> > pads I fitted as replacements. Don't worry about the gaps when the
> > brakes are off. They will be fine when you press the pedal.

The technique I have used to bed new pads in for over 30 years on my own and
other people's cars is to find a quiet stretch of road, then drive in 2nd
gear whilst left-foot braking fairly firmly. I release and reapply the
brakes several times, the object being to get them really hot but obviously
not getting to the point where the pads start to smoke! I then drive around
to allow everything to cool down. The pads seem to bed in straight away, and
give excellent results immediately.

This technique was shown to me by a rally driver. They don't have the
opportunity of bedding in new pads gently of course!

The usual precautions when trying something different with your brakes
clearly should be taken!

HTH

Chris

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Remove prejudice to reply.

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Chris H - 06 Apr 2004 21:54 GMT

Thanks for the advice.

> > Paul,
> >
[quoted text clipped - 49 lines]
>
> Chris

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Dave Gower - 06 Apr 2004 12:59 GMT

> I've just had my discs and pads on my Focus replaced today after 50,000
> miles. Anyway, driving the car home I've noticed that the new brakes are
> lacking in byte. On closer examination of the brake pads, it appears that
> the inner radius of the pads are closer to the disc than the outer radius of
> the pads by a millimetre or two (with the brakes off

The mounting mechanism is designed to allow the pads a certain amount of
pivot so they always align properly with the rotors. This gap is irrelevant.
Pads and rotors come in a variety of designs and composition, and therefore
in feel. There is a difference between the initial feeling of "bite" ("byte"
is a computer term) and the total amount of braking power available in a
full stomp. You didn't say who installed the components, but if they were a
reputable shop you don't need to worry.

Cheers

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Chris H - 06 Apr 2004 21:53 GMT

Yep bite, not byte. Spelling was never my strong point!

I got them fitted by a Ford garage, so should be OK, and as should be at
?135 (incl VAT)!

> > I've just had my discs and pads on my Focus replaced today after 50,000
> > miles. Anyway, driving the car home I've noticed that the new brakes are
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> Cheers

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