Brake Pads
Brake fluid should be bled annually and changed every 2 years as a minimum.
Last Upload: 31st January, 2002. V1.50a
Types & Prices
Stock pads are semi-metallic, good, but better are now available. Replacement
thickness is 1mm & rear callipers must be retracted via an allen-key at the
back, never a press retractor. For F355 owners pads all round costs over
1200$US but this does include a parachute for the lower mandible.
Raybests Semi-Metallic
Cheap but effective, a US favourite compared to dealer pads which is low dust.
Repco/Axxis MetalMasters
A better semi-metallic, surprisingly effective for general use and squeak
free, a good replacement for stock giving extra safety in both dry & wet. Dust free.
Prices are circa 39.95$US Front, 33.95$US Rear.
Porterfield R4S
A carbon road-pad, offering the best street stopping ability of all without
screeching or dusting, or taking time to warm up. "S" is for street. Codes are
AP583, 89$US for front and AP584, 69$US for rear. (714)-548-4470 voice,
(714)-548-7783 fax.
Stillen
Pads comparitive to Porterfields, 72$US for front, 64$US for rear (www.stillen.com).
Porterfield R4 & Blue Hawk
Track use only, and extremely noisy.
Braking Distances
Braking distance for 60-0mph is 111ft for MX6, 114ft for E36-M3, 122ft 626. At
track use distances will be indicated by overall rotor size (large = better).
Brake lines, Bleeding & Heat
If brakes feel spongy after repeated use or hot summer, have
the brake fluid changed & brakes bled. Brake fluid is hygroscopic,
absorbs water, which reduces the boiling temperature of the fluid
from it's high "dry" figure to it's low "wet" figure.
URL: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/dorothy.bradbury/probemx/p_sa3.htm