Hi all,
I've been wondering about replacing my brakes on my 1999/T Bravo HGT as they don't look in the best condition:



Braking isn't as smooth as I'd like it, both the discs & calipers look rusted to hell, my question is do you think I need new Calipers and what kind of price am I looking at to get all 4 calipers replaced?

I had the Bravo RAC tested before purchase and they didn't say there we're any problems with the brakes, but the sight of them does make me wonder is all. I haven't noticed any steering problems when braking either, so maybe just the discs and pads that need replacing?

Also, what disc's & brake pads do you guys recommend?


TIA, James.

You need to check the thickness of the discs and how much the pads are worn. Rust on the surface of the calipers and parts of the discs is completely normal and will not affect brake performance. Rust on the brake surface on the discs is normal as well if the car's been standing a while, and'll dissapear as soon as you use them a bit.

Replacing the calipers and discs will only last a short while, until the new bits starts rusting as well

If you wash your car or leave it for a day or two in the rain and don't drive it you will get a bit of surface rust on the discs that will come off as soon as you brake! If it's not coming off I would say it's a good idea to chage the discs. You might aswell change the brake pads aswell!

You don't need to replace the callipers, just give them a paint...rust gone!

only replace a caliper if it is faulty (sticking/leaking)

only replace a disc if it is excessively worn or warped or has grooves worn into it.
your discs look as though they have nice flat surfaces, which is a good sign.

as said already the rust is normal.

try replacing the pads and bleeding all the brakes, that can make a hell of a difference and wont cost much.

jug said:

only replace a caliper if it is faulty (sticking/leaking)

only replace a disc if it is excessively worn or warped or has grooves worn into it.
your discs look as though they have nice flat surfaces, which is a good sign.

as said already the rust is normal.

try replacing the pads and bleeding all the brakes, that can make a hell of a difference and wont cost much.

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So yeah, it was just surface rust, but there are definite sharp grooves worn into the discs. The pads themselves we're replaced in 2003, but the discs appear to be the original ones so prolly best I replace the lot?

Now the question, which set do I get:
Fiat Original Discs with Magneti/Marelli Pads
£123.26 Delivered

Drilled & Grooved Brake Discs with EBC Greenstuff Pads
Front Vented & Rear Solid Discs
Gold Zinc Plated optional but included in the price
£242.96 Delivered

EBC Dimpled and Slotted Sport Discs with EBC Greenstuff Pads
Front Vented & Rear Solid Discs
Gold Anodised Zinc Finish as standard
£332.00 Delivered

Black Diamond Combi Discs 'Drilled & Grooved' with Black Diamond Predator Pads
Front Vented & Rear Solid Discs
£369.67 Delivered

Or should I just try replacing the Brake Pads @ £57.34 first with standard fiat ones even though the disc's have sharp grooves worn in?

I'd rather now spend too much money as I was hoping on getting a SS Exhaust fitted soon but I know the phrase "you get what you pay for" all too well.


TIA, James.

if the pads have not been changed in 5 years it would be a good idea to change them! your on a budget so just go to your local motorfactors and get pads and discs, will be far cheaper!

klemster said:

if the pads have not been changed in 5 years it would be a good idea to change them! your on a budget so just go to your local motorfactors and get pads and discs, will be far cheaper!

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Can't say i've ever heard of motorfactors before now, cheaper than £123.26 for a full set of New Discs & pads?

motorfactors...as in a shop that sells car parts! Forgot you've discs and pads all the way round..but should still be cheaper than Fiat!

klemster said:

motorfactors...as in a shop that sells car parts! Forgot you've discs and pads all the way round..but should still be cheaper than Fiat!

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Yeah I gathered they sell car parts, it's just I've never heard of em till now, I've always used either Kwik-fit or ATS in the past. Just located one fairly near me, and it's conveniently located, I'll give em a call 2moro morning for a quote.

FYI - I wasn't getting the parts from Fiat Direct, I just meant Fiat Discs, the £123.26 quote was from Shop4Parts.co.uk

Thanks, James.

Thor1980 said:

Can't say i've ever heard of motorfactors before now, cheaper than £123.26 for a full set of New Discs & pads?

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usually much cheaper.

for example on the front;

discs should be £16.80+VAT each (284mm vented), a set of pads should be £28.93+VAT

so no more than £75 in total for the front


kwikfit and ATS are robbing tw@ts, never go there!!

jug said:

usually much cheaper.

for example on the front;

discs should be £16.80+VAT each (284mm vented), a set of pads should be £28.93+VAT

so no more than £75 in total for the front


kwikfit and ATS are robbing tw@ts, never go there!!

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Yeah, I know kwik-fit r robbing B@$t@rd$, found that out on my first Tipo.

Once again, that £123.26 is for a full set of New Discs & pads, as in Both Front & Rear Discs & Pads.

Calling MotorFactors now.

remember shop4parts prices dont include VAT or delivery, go through the checkout to see what it will really cost you.

jug said:

remember shop4parts prices dont include VAT or delivery, go through the checkout to see what it will really cost you.

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OK, Last time, the TOTAL for a Full Set of both Front Discs & Rear discs and a full set of Front & Rear Pads, including VAT and Delivery from Shop4Parts comes to £123.26



I'm not having a go I'm just saying I'm not a complete numpty to not include VAT & Delivery in my price quotes, I always go to the Checkout for any added extras that might pop up when checking prices.

MotorFactors, engaged 3 times now. I'm thinking I might just get that full set off eBay with Greenstuff Pads, they should serve me better than the standard discs & pads anyway.

What’s the best option for a Brake Disc anyways:
Drilled & Grooved, Dimpled & Grooved, Just Grooved or Just Drilled?

Thanks, James.

Thor1980 said:

I'm not having a go I'm just saying I'm not a complete numpty to not include VAT & Delivery in my price quotes

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Nobody was implying you were an idiot, jug was just making sure you knew the full price before making comparisons.

Thor1980 said:

MotorFactors, engaged 3 times now. I'm thinking I might just get that full set off eBay with Greenstuff Pads

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Why don't you just hop in the car and drive over there. P+P for discs would be a bit expense anyway i'd say!

klemster said:

Nobody was implying you were an idiot, jug was just making sure you knew the full price before making comparisons.


Why don't you just hop in the car and drive over there. P+P for discs would be a bit expense anyway i'd say!

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I'll drive over there 2moro, 40 mile roundtrip so hope they have them.

40 miles...that's a pain! Mines 3 miles ! If they don't have them they will order them for you!

klemster said:

40 miles...that's a pain! Mines 3 miles ! If they don't have them they will order them for you!

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Yep, gotta go into Newport anyways and get me a 2nd key cut, so no major biggie if they don't have em in stock. 20 miles doesn't take long, especially in the HGT.