Front brake options

[ian cox]

Hi,
My Front discs and pads need changing after 42k of use.
I would like to make them better without changes to the shocks like drilling for larger caliper options.

So I am gauging options on: -
1) Replace with Ford/OEM standard discs and pads.
2) Fit uprated discs and pads, I have seen options from Pumabuild and PumaSpeed.

Feedback welcome.

 

[yippeekiay]

I believe the Fiesta ST150 setup is a straight swap if my memory hasn't pulled that info from some recess :lol:

I went with the Mondeo/ST170 calliper & disc/pad upgrade but this does mean the calliper carrier holes have to be reamed out ever so slightly. Plus it's ideal to have 16" or 17" wheels for clearance.

Not sure about standard arrangement upgrades & how effective they are.

Oh...and also, if I remember correctly, the puma came as standard with a bigger front brake disc etc on the later models but can't remember which years they changed. I had the later ones which I found insufficient anyway & the Mondeo upgrade I fitted was in another league in comparison.

 

[Dal]

If you don't want to go to the expense of modifying anything, then simply replacing your worn items with better specified new items may give you some gain. Nothing wrong with Ford OEM stuff. The best gain will come from using better performing brake pads.
Another gain may come from changing the brake fluid especially if it's not been changed for some time. This will cure any spongy feel they have.

Some threads with useful info:
https://www.projectpuma.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=30226

https://www.projectpuma.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=7550

https://www.projectpuma.com/viewtopic.php?t=4637

[post]364606[/post] I believe the Fiesta ST150 setup is a straight swap if my memory hasn't pulled that info from some recess :lol:

ST150 conversion is indeed a straight swap:
https://www.projectpuma.com/viewtopic.php?t=30038

https://www.projectpuma.com/viewtopic.php?t=19694

https://www.projectpuma.com/viewtopic.php?t=13626

 

[gingerdave]

As stated above ,fluids pads and maybe new fexibles(not necessarily braided).Did our moodust some time age as above using EBC green stuff pads and for normal road use they are adequate.

 

[trublustu]

I`d recommend keeping the standard brakes (assuming they are the later 260mm ones)
Good quality pads and discs will stop a Puma just fine.
The Puma Cup race cars run standard brakes.

One thing no-one has mentioned, is the brake lines.
Upgrading to Goodridge style braided lines will improve the stopping power of any brakes (compared to OE rubber lines)

 

[gingerdave]

[post]364614[/post] As stated above ,fluids pads and maybe new fexibles(not necessarily braided).Did our moodust some time ago as above using EBC green stuff pads and for normal road use they are adequate.

 

[trublustu]

missed that

 

[MrNoisy]

Bit late in the day, but my Puma is a 2002 with the later 260mm discs.
We did a track day at Combe in driving rain on them and they held up admirably, but I still always like to have the best stoppers I can, so I swapped a few weeks ago to Fiesta ST150 calipers, 280mm discs and Pagid pads, with Black Diamond braided hoses and some Motul RBF600 fluid.
The conversion is simple, bolts straight on with no mods required.
Having done about 120 miles now you can start to feel the brakes are a lot more positive; did I really need to do it, no not really, but I had the pads leftover from my old ST150 I sold a few years ago, and a mate gave me the fluid that he'd bought but never used, so the whole lot cost me about £200, and so far seems very good.
Do note though the ST150 calipers are a little heavier due to the size increase, but I haven't found it negatively impacts handling yet.