280mm BRAKES

[willyphixitt]

Hi guys, I fitted 280mm brakes to the rear last summer (15 inch wheels), so now have 280mm discs all round with EBC Green Stuff all round as well. The previous owner had already fitted 280mm discs and EBC Green Stuff to the front. I've only just had chance to test the performance at higher than the max speed in Jersey of 40mph. I have to say I am pleased with the bit extra stopping power although it doesn't compare to having 4 pot callipers on the front. What I did find interesting is the fact that the rear wheels were dirtier with brake dust than the fronts after doing 1066 miles round trip (attending the Caledonian 25th bash based around Peebles - thoroughly enjoyable btw). See attached photos.

I was also pleased to achieve 42.90mpg - especially as I don't possess a light right foot.

willyphixitt

[mgtfnut]

Hi Bill. I know it's not really important, but your front brake discs might possibly be round the wrong way

Even if only for aesthetic reasons

[willyphixitt]

Hi Jerry, Well spotted - I need to go to Specsavers!! Penny didn't drop that the PO had put the discs the wrong (!) way round. Could be the reason that there's less dust on the front alloys. I doubt it would cause reduced braking under normal circumstances, though. I will swap them over when I get round to servicing the car in the near future.

Thanks for pointing that out.

[Rob Bell]

The other reason why the rears may be dustier is that with the pads being smaller, they get hotter?

Just check that they're in the slides fully square and the dimple aligns - they can wear in a wedge pattern (don't ask how I know )

[Kasper]

it is a usual view, rear brakes can get much more dusty using 280's, either only at the front or at front and rear.

Got the same issue on both my F and TF, allthough they have different set ups and I changed brake pads serveral times now (MGF green stuff - Mintex 1144 - Red Stuff. on Black Diamond -280 rear.

TF (complete set) with OEM pads. All have the same effect.
Could go with Rob's theory....

[Helsbyman]

Yes brake dust is the bain of my life, even tried a anti brake dust sealant on the wheels to no avail. Just have to clean them more often Ha Ha

[talkingcars]

Polish the wheels with decent car polish and seal with a decent wax polish.

[Reckless Rat]

Cillit Bang (orange top). Spray it on, leave 10 mins and sponge/rinse off.

[BodgeItAndScarper]

I thought I posted earlier about this, but apparently not. Isopropyl alcohol will take brake dust off nicely, as well as being a good general cleaner. It's available cheaply in many places, I'd pick Ebay, there's no need to get the lab-grade stuff.

[sniperpenguin]

Fallout remover is designed to remove this. Spray on, leave on for a few min then spray off the purple!

[MGFMania]

Can't find Sumitomo pads for MGF's? Genuine Mazda MX-5 pads are Sumitomo, designed to be dust free, no dust on my genuine Mazda polished wheels

As for our MGF's, yes we get dust from the Pagid pads, it just washes off...

Fantastic weather in Lanzarote, flying back on Sunday, ready to drive down to MG Live! on Friday

Lots of interest in our 280mm disc kits, even packed two kits whilst the taxi was waiting to take us to the airport!

Think they will be this years 'Show offer' at MG Live!...