Quick Brake Question
Turbo Mini Forums

What are the effects of running scored brake discs?

The reason for asking is my front brakes on my leon were grinding on the way to work today. Checked them in the car park and one of the discs is scored in 2 places. I assume some grit or something has somehow got in there, no idea how that would happen though.

Anyway, i replaced the discs and pads about 4 months ago and don't want to do it again unless it's absolutely neccessary as it's pretty expensive!! Hoping i can get away with just pulled them to pieces and cleaning pads and disc.

how deep are the scores?

if not under min thickness then they should be ok...

alex

AlexF

Sounds like you need new pads as a minimum.

The brakes on my Scoobie were rubbish when I changed the disks. but gradually got better. I reckon this was because a 'wobbly/scored' disk surface has a bigger surface area than a nice flat smooth one.

Wil

Fastest 998 mini in the world? 13.05 1/4 mile 106mph

any chance of a pic?

having run some pretty crappy disks on my daily hacks with no real problems i'd say leave them, as long as the feel ok and don't pull to one side.

If i decide to change the discs i will do the pads as well.

Sorry guys, can't get a pic.

I'll get the brakes in bits tonight, clean em up, take some pics and repost. Although before i can even take them to pieces i've got to do another 35 miles worth of damage.

Shit.

I guess it depends on how badly scored the disks are.

As whenever you fit new pads to old disks there is a bedding in period, I would never describe this period as lethal though.

If it's a bit of grit that's caused the problem then it's likely to have damaged the pad, which could also be a risk to the safety of the brakes.

I'd atleast inspect the pads. If your callipers are sticking then one pad could well have worn down to the metal in four months.

Wil

Fastest 998 mini in the world? 13.05 1/4 mile 106mph

Ric,

Do you want a 2nd opinion tonight?

Alex

AlexF

So from that comment Vegard, you are saying that it is not acceptable to just fit new pads? So you ALWAYS fit new discs whenever new pads are required?

Personally I'm with Wil, a bit of caution for the first 5 mins with the brakes to get them hot, then use them hard for 5 mins, and the pads are then bedded in to the contours of the used discs to a sufficient degree to provide adequate braking for road use. Further mileage will then improve the contact, and the brakes will improve, as Wil says about his Scoobydo.

As another comment, I changed the discs on my track car a few weeks ago, as the old ones were warped from hard use. I re-used the old pads, mainly because they are a special Ferodo compound that comes from Italy and costs £120 for a set of pads. Ask anyone who went in my car at Combe on saturday what they thought of the brakes, I doubt any of them will require the use of the word "lethal" in their description.

Thanks for all the replies guys.

Alex, thanks for the kind offer, that would be great. Will give you a call in a bit. :)

A big thanks to alexf and alexb for looking at the brakes yesterday.

The good news; brakes are ok. Bad news; CV boot is leaking and needs replacing.

Tom. No I don't but if the pads/discs are scored so much that it ooks bad, the five mins won't do it. It'll take a long time before they bed in. It depends on how bad matters are.