Brakes Incident

Macca1983

slyracoon wrote: »

The quick bit of research I have done suggests there are solid discs and vented discs available for the 1.2, its down to the trim level as to which are factory fitted.

The Dynamic trim level would have come with vented discs and the Active trim level would have come with solid discs from the factory.

Theres nothing dangerous about substituting the different disc types available for this car so long as they are fitted correctly and with the correct pads. Obviously vented discs will give higher performance but in a 1.2 car I doubt braking performance would be an issue.

Thanks for that advice. I suppose the Dynamic and Active are essentially the same cars but with one or two differences so if the brakes can be fitted to one they can be fitted to the other with no problems.

Gordon_Hose

Vented discs will be slightly thicker than non-vented. Hence why your car threw a brake pad.

slyracoon

Gordon_Hose wrote: »

Vented discs will be slightly thicker than non-vented. Hence why your car threw a brake pad.

Solid discs will be fine so long as they are fitted with the correct pads. My guess is they fitted pads designed for the thicker vented disc with the slimmer solid discs.

marlot

slyracoon wrote: »

The quick bit of research I have done suggests there are solid discs and vented discs available for the 1.2, its down to the trim level as to which are factory fitted.

The Dynamic trim level would have come with vented discs and the Active trim level would have come with solid discs from the factory.

Theres nothing dangerous about substituting the different disc types available for this car so long as they are fitted correctly and with the correct pads. Obviously vented discs will give higher performance but in a 1.2 car I doubt braking performance would be an issue.

It is just possible that a different caliper is fitted, depending on whether the disc is vented or not (ie. set slightly further apart for the vented ones).

Switching to plain discs may have been fine initially, but caused a problem when the pads and discs were worn, resulting in the brake piston pushing the pad out so far it fell out.

OP - sounds like you've got a good mechanic there.

Gordon_Hose

slyracoon wrote: »

Solid discs will be fine so long as they are fitted with the correct pads. My guess is they fitted pads designed for the thicker vented disc with the slimmer solid discs.

Yep, agreed.

skiddlydiddly

You're lucky it wasn't any worse really, with a thinner disc the caliper piston could have pushed itself past its seals and you could have lost all pressure.I've had it happen before when I wore a set of race pads out(on a track) in 30 minutes.

Macca1983

I've just been to pick my car up now and he's explained to me better the problem. Pretty much what has been said by yourselves.

The solid disc is thinner than the ventilated disc so the pad is having to be pushed further to contact the disc as the gap is bigger which causes problems with the pads slipping. He also said that the pad on the right-hand side had dropped halfway so was close to doing the same.

He's let me have my original disc brakes back should I need them.

What do we think to this? Is this a serious problem? I understand I may not get anywhere but I think this should be taken up with the dealer at least.

skiddlydiddly

I doubt you'll get anywhere unless the car came with some multi point inspection as part of the sale.Even then its too long ago and they could always claim you may have had the incorrect discs fitted yourself.
BTW give those discs to the nearest scrap man.

Gordon_Hose

You could write a letter explaining the situation. If anything it may make them double check their current forecourt stock, just in case.

Other than that, when you make them aware of the issue you faced, one of two things could happen... a) they may be genuinely concerned that this has happened and offer recompense, or b) ignore you completely.

Viper_7

I'm pleased to hear he let you have the parts back that the mechanic - after all they are yours!

As mentioned you can pull back a few quid now by taking them to the scrap yard.