RE: Brake Discs ...and Pads

[George Graves <gmgraves@domain.elided>]

> 1. are there original alfa brake discs still available and where can i find
> them?

Depends on WHICH Alfa (you didn't say) The original Alfa GTV-6 discs are
Brembo. Replacements are available from them. Many replacement discs are
made for Alfas of all models. Its even possible to replace the drums in many
pre-disc brake era Alfas with discs (but I wouldn't do it. The drums are SO
beautiful and work so well.)

> 2. is there a significant difference in the quality (which translates to a
> longer lifespan) of the original compared to the OEMs?

I don't think that longevity of the brake disc by itself can be said to be a
stand-alone issue. So much depends upon how one drives, what type of pads
one uses, etc. For instance, a hard race pad will wear discs faster than a
softer OEM pad. I use the International Auto Parts drilled, slotted discs on
my GTV-6 and they seem just as well made (maybe even  a little better) than
the original Brembos and they certainly perform better. I have no idea how
long they will last, but I will tell you this. The transaxel cars (Alfettas)
tend to break the rear discs long before they wear out. The failure mode is
strange. One caliper will seize-up in the handbrake-on position. You won't
realize this, of course, until you go to move the car. Then the brake will
drag for a few seconds and then with a loud pop, let loose. What has
happened is the center part of the disc; the part that attaches to the axle,
has broken loose from the swept part of the disc. When you see one, you will
hardly believe that it's possible for something to break like that, but Alfa
experts tell me its very common. So rear brake discs are more likely to
break than to wear.

>4. how about the sport discs - drilled and groved. would it improve the
> braking of the car?

They sure improved braking performance on my GTV-6.

George Graves

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