Re: Front Brake Pads

[David Luke <etlddle@domain.elided>]

Mike Wattam wrote:

> Dear All
>
> At long last, I have completed exhaustive tests in relation to the Stag
> 'front brake pad' objections recently raised by another club.
>
> Please note these tests took considerable time and cost, and are not to be
> taken lightly (but they did really annoy a guy in a Cessna!).  8 separate
> combinations of pad were tried in various conditions including roller brake
> tests and high speed braking (thus the runway) including pedal effort
> required.
>
> Below you can read a summary of the findings.  The complete report is also
> available (including pictures) on request from me.  It is a PDF file that
> should be downloadable by most modems/ISP's in a couple of minutes.  It
> will need Acrobat Reader to be able to read it (downloadable from the Adobe
> Website) as the file otherwise would be 5Mb long.
>
> Please note that neither the report itself nor the following remarks are to
> be reproduced in any manner either electronic or in paper format, for use
> by any other person whatsoever without obtaining specific prior written
> permission from myself.
>
> IHMO - Mike Wattam
> Chairman - Triumph Stag Register
>
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>
> Summary
>
> There are three different specifications of brake pads which have been
> supplied for the Stag.  The early type symmetrical pads operate well with
> the Stag and the later 'offset' specification 2 was only introduced to
> prevent brake noise and for no other known purpose.  The latest
> specification 3 is asbestos-free pads with a locating tag and offset
> linings.  The anti-squeal properties of the 'offset' brake pads is not
> proven as in one test with offset pad material, pronounced brake squeal was
> noticeable.
>
> There would need to be considerable imbalance in the braking from side to
> side of the car before any noticeable swerving under braking would result.
> With one front brake hose partially clamped to restrict force/response on
> that brake, the Stag was much more difficult to stop - obviously - but was
> perfectly controllable to stop in a straight line.  This may not be the
> case when the rear brakes are seized.
>
> There was no practical braking advantage discovered in rolling road or
> real-life tests for any permutation of pad configurations on the car.
> Therefore it was concluded that there was no evidence whatsoever to support
> the claim to that only 'offset' pads fitted the 'right' way up must be
> used.
>
> Further, the quality of pads supplied is very poor from many sources.  It
> is necessary to closely check the pads you purchase to ensure they meet
> specification 3 before attempting to fit to the car.  This is not for
> safety reasons as has been erroneously claimed without any supporting
> evidence - but if you continue to use the standard Stag brakes it is
> recommended that the current specification 3 is used, as otherwise
> responsibility for accidents arising from 'incorrectly fitted' brake pads
> may be voided by motor insurers.
>
> The Stag brakes when fitted with the current specification 3 asbestos-free
> pad linings do not stand up well to very arduous conditions.  This is the
> only really important factor to bear in mind from the tests, and is one
> which has not been documented before.
>
> Yet again, this raises the question of the importance of fitting uprated
> brakes such as supplied by Monarch and Brighton Stag Specialists.  These
> suppliers of uprated brakes have been 'rubbished' in another magazine for
> no proven justifiable reason.  I know what I'll be doing.  When I do and
> assuming I have time to do it, I'll let the results of proper tests be
> known.  Please note that neither the author nor the TSR has any vested
> interest in either of these companies.
>
> Mike Wattam
> Chairman - Triumph Stag Register

Hi Mike,

I have fitted pads (with tabs) from James Paddock Sportscars in England.

I've fitted them correctly but they squeal horribly after warming up a little.

They stop the car fine though!
This is a serious problem, what should I do???
Thanks in advance, Dave