It seems almost a given on these forums that the brakes on the Fabia vRS could be better, hence all the 312 upgrades.

But I wonder if this is strictly necessary.

As the maximum braking force delivered by the calipers is a function of the pressure they can exert (limited by leg power) and the friction coefficient of the pad against the disc, one or both must be the weak link/s?

On the face of it at least, it would appear the calipers are feeble, otherwise the poor braking performance could be simply remedied by higher friction pads.

But can it?

I do, of course, realise that big brakes plus superior pads is the ideal solution, but I’m not really after that level of performance… for the moment at least.

A quick, feline-friendly search reveals that Mintex Extremes (though apparently discontinued) seem to be a worthy upgrade.

Are the ‘normal’ ones any good, as I don’t intend going round a track or trying to melt my discs?

Ferodo DS2500s generate praise too.

Any others that should be on the short-list?

And are any particularly dusty (constantly cleaning wheels = no fun)?

And if they are, is this the price you have to pay for better stopping power?

So many questions…

I ask as I am considering getting some Tarox Strada front brake pads (£78.66 inc vat) from Awesome.

The sales pitch certainly inspires confidence.

But then again, it should, shouldn’t it?

Here’s the blurb:

“These pads are ideal for fast road use and every day driving.

They work from cold and provide immediate response without pre-heating like an OE pad but at the same time offer a higher coefficient of friction for improved braking power, improved resistance to high temperatures and a longer service life than OE materials.

Provides excellent pedal feel and allows full control over braking for the driver.

Able to withstand temperatures of up to 600C this pad has an optimum temperature range of 150°C to 200°C, for best results do not exceed disc temperature of app. 400C.

Main features:

Low noise in most driving conditions

Low disc wear

Available for most applications

Gives a good pedal feel.”

Anyone tried these pads?

Thanks in advance.

I think you're right looking at Pad upgrades...

We run two cars in the vw golf mk2 championship where the regulations state that brakes have to be standard discs, calipers and carriers but pad choice is free.

I run DS3000 pads in my 8v (with smaller discs than a 16v) yet can still outbrake one of the slower 16v running EBC Yellowstuff pads...

DS3000's obviously wont last long in a road car, and dont think they're entirely road legal, but they do offer a flat co-efficient torque curve under pretty much all temperatures...

ive had numerous 'upgrade' pads on previous cars and they have all been better than OE, but not by a big enough amount, the difference was pretty small, thats why im looking at the 312 conversion using standard OE parts

I think you're right looking at Pad upgrades...

We run two cars in the vw golf mk2 championship where the regulations state that brakes have to be standard discs, calipers and carriers but pad choice is free.

I run DS3000 pads in my 8v (with smaller discs than a 16v) yet can still outbrake one of the slower 16v running EBC Yellowstuff pads...

DS3000's obviously wont last long in a road car, and dont think they're entirely road legal, but they do offer a flat co-efficient torque curve under pretty much all temperatures...

So, what would you recommend for purely road use?

I have the mintex pads on my car and have to say the offer alot more confidence in breaking! For the road they are ideal, do the job and do it better than standard ones.

It scares me how people say the standard set up is no good... how do you guys all drive on the road?! LOL

I don't find the brakes on my standard VRS very good at all and will also be looking to upgrade soon, wondering also if I should go for a bigger caliper or just get some good pads/discs.

the DS2500s i had on the 312s were excellent , so i would imagine they would be better than standard on the 288mm VRS discs

the expense is the issue with these , but they do last well

ive had numerous 'upgrade' pads on previous cars and they have all been better than OE, but not by a big enough amount, the difference was pretty small, thats why im looking at the 312 conversion using standard OE parts

Sounds like the calipers are underspecified then, as decent braking performance seems achievable with certain pads.

I have the mintex pads on my car and have to say the offer alot more confidence in breaking! For the road they are ideal, do the job and do it better than standard ones.

Were they the Extremes?

It scares me how people say the standard set up is no good... how do you guys all drive on the road?! LOL

I know what you mean.

Although the standard braking set-up does require as strong right quadricep/soleus/gastrocnemius/gluteus maximus, it nonetheless has the potential to lock the wheels in the dry as is evidenced by the ABS kicking in.

I don't find the brakes on my standard VRS very good at all...

Same here.

But, then again, I was spoiled by the simply superb brakes on my old Alfa 145 1.8 Twinspark.

That said, the brakes on the family Zaphira are much better that on my Furb.

In fact, at low speeds they are too good and often send me stotting off the windscreen until I get out of Furb Mode.

the DS2500s i had on the 312s were excellent , so i would imagine they would be better than standard on the 288mm VRS discs

the expense is the issue with these , but they do last well

Damn the expense!

How much are we looking at?

Mintex 1144's, grooved front discs and braided brake hoses worked very well for me. I would have gone down the 312mm route, but my car isn't a vRS and alas the hubs are different :(

DS2500s get my vote. As an all round brake pad they are awesome and I wouldn't really feel inclined to try anything else on my car.

The brakes are not bad but could be a lot better as standard. I have always been amazed that the 288mm is so non-standard. Considering it is non-standard size already on the Fabia, why not go for the 312mm ones that are fairly common across the VAG range.Still, that's how it is.

The big issue is the diving under braking making it feel like the car is not slowing down at all.Just gives a lack of confidence. Sure, it can fade if you use it hard all the time, but I changed it because of the lack of feel more than anything.

SWMBO and I don't have any issues with the performance of the standard vrs front brakes, what we have an issue with is the lack of feel/pressure on the brake pedal needed to slow down quickly/juddering where the disc's don't seem to clear the pad material properly.

We talked about upgrading the standard discs & pads to uprated ones but decided for cost/OEM look & pedal feel we would upgrade to 312mm using standard discs & pads as thats what I've upgraded my octi too and they feel so much more positive and just how we both like them.

I've got the Tarox Starda pads on my vRS for about a month now and cant fault them - they are definately better than the OEM pads I originally had but they are on my 312mm setup so couldnt say how much of a massive difference they actually make for sure. They do offer a good level of performance from cold though and have never felt as though they were'nt up to the job. I'm hoping to get a couple track days out of them this year so will know more then but for a bit of spirited driving, so far so good. I also bought them from Awesome and they're customer service is top notch IMO.

I dont have an issue with the brakes on my fabia under normal driving, however, if im giving it a bit of stick, i find after a couple of roundabouts, the brakes tend to lose the effectivness a bit. Im not sure how much this is the case, but i tend to hear the better the pads you use, the more you get thru discs?! Either way, for the extra cost over replacing the std discs and pads, i think i`ll just go 312.

Matt

I'm also running Tarox Strada pads, combined with OEM discs, albeit 312's, and they're great.

Next step for me would be G88 discs, and probably Stradas again.

If i only had 288's on, i'd probably go the G88/Strada or DS2500 route.

You think standard brakes are pap on a vRS, you should try standard on an Escort....

I used bogo Ferodo pads on standard calipers and when I upgraded to MK3 Mondeo calipers, and thought they were good pads. Never ventured into the performance pads territory though....

You think standard brakes are pap on a vRS, you should try standard on an Escort.....

Or a Mini with drums all round.

Whether 312s or 288s, I'd run DS2500s and change for some decent fluid.

Last time I needed brakes, I went to Motorsport World - Performance Car Parts

and Opie Oils - Oil Recommendations Specialists | Find the right Engine Oil & Performance Products for fluid.

Steve

Thanks, everyone, for all the feedback.

Actually, I've still got loads of pad left, despite the car still wearing the ones it left the factory with a month shy of five years ago, so there's no immediate need to upgrade just yet.

But when I do, I think I'll go for the DS2500s.

Y'know, I wonder if I've got the lowest mileage on a 04-plate Furb?

Currently reading about the 16, 250 mark.

Thanks, everyone, for all the feedback.

Actually, I've still got loads of pad left, despite the car still wearing the ones it left the factory with a month shy of five years ago, so there's no immediate need to upgrade just yet.

But when I do, I think I'll go for the DS2500s.

Y'know, I wonder if I've got the lowest mileage on a 04-plate Furb?

Currently reading about the 16, 250 mark.

Hello Mr Wobblytickle,

Have you bribed Skoda to keep mileage low when serviced. LOL

Considering I do not observe the speed limit as I should, in my 2005 Fabia VRS, the rear brake pads/disc's needed replacing because of rust/ for lack of use, at two years old.

As to the front less than half worn with disc's in excellent condition at nearly 4 years old.

I have yet to work out why the upgrades to brakes, if continuous high speed braking is required, seems poor driver abilities with late braking.

It's not as if the vehicle driven (Fabia VRS) can be classed as a high performance or racing vehicle ??

If it's for cosmetic and cool looks, I fully understand that, as looks are important. LOL

Best Regards.

Ian. 04/04/2009

Hiya guys, sorry to hijack this thread. I'm considering a 312mm upgrade, both for performance and looks and will probably be looking to upgrade my pads at the same time.

So far as purchasing 312s how much should I be paying and is all I have to buy a set of discs? And they fit straight on? Or is there something else I need to buy to make them fit?

Hiya guys, sorry to hijack this thread. I'm considering a 312mm upgrade, both for performance and looks and will probably be looking to upgrade my pads at the same time.

So far as purchasing 312s how much should I be paying and is all I have to buy a set of discs? And they fit straight on? Or is there something else I need to buy to make them fit?

I think you need calipers, carriers, discs and pads - the whole brake setup, in other words.