QUESTION
I have just purchased a Lotus Elise S1 complete with original Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) brake rotors and I have just ordered some replacement brake pads.
I assume what I have should be alright but I am still not sure about what's on the car
At the moment as if they were not okay, you would think the rotors would be stuffed ... or show some wear ... they are nice and flat
The existing brake pads squeal a lot .... do you know if the MMC is prone to that ?
I seem to remember that my first yellow Elise S1 had brakes that squealed a lot.
Car stops excellent now but if I changed to steel rotors, do I need new calipers etc ? ...
G.K. - Melbourne
ANSWER
The MMC brake rotors and matching pads are a great piece of technology.
This combination has proved successful in providing excellent high speed braking without fading.
In addition to this there is a useful reduction in un-sprung weight at each corner of the Elise.
However it it essential to use the correct matching MMC pad material.
Fail to do this and installing regular brake pads will damage the rotor surface.
If your existing brake rotor surface is smooth and flat, this indicates they are in good condition.
It is understood that replacement MMC pads now offer an improved compound that results in superior braking characteristics.
From experience of working on the Lotus Elise from when they were first released, there have been several notable vehicles that have been presented with squealing brakes.
There are three good options to help reduce this irritating external noise source.
EBC and other brake manufacturers supply self-adhesive pad material that is secured to the brake pad steel backing plate.
The theory is that the material will help cushion the vibration of the brake pad.
From experience, the self-adhesive material manufactured by 3M produces excellent results.
Another option is to coat the back of the brake pads with a quality anti-squeal compound.
There are a number of manufacturers including Wurth who make an anti-squeal spray in an aerosol pack.
This is simply sprayed on to the brake pad steel backing plate prior to installation.
A third option is to coat the area of the pad backing plate that contacts the caliper piston with a liberal coating of high temperature anti-seize.
Loctite Nickel Anti-Seize has proven to be effective in this application and has a maximum operating temperature of 2400 degrees Fahrenheit (1315 degrees Centigrade)
NOTE - It is not necessary to coat the entire backing plate, only the area that is in contact with the piston.
When applying Loctite anti-seize compound, be very careful not to contaminate the brake pad friction face or brake rotor surface.
Upgrading to cast-iron rotors (and having and extensive choice of brake pads) is a straightforward change over from the existing rotors to the new and its not necessary to change the existing calipers.
Copyright © 2012 Lotus Marques
I have just purchased a Lotus Elise S1 complete with original Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) brake rotors and I have just ordered some replacement brake pads.
I assume what I have should be alright but I am still not sure about what's on the car
At the moment as if they were not okay, you would think the rotors would be stuffed ... or show some wear ... they are nice and flat
The existing brake pads squeal a lot .... do you know if the MMC is prone to that ?
I seem to remember that my first yellow Elise S1 had brakes that squealed a lot.
Car stops excellent now but if I changed to steel rotors, do I need new calipers etc ? ...
G.K. - Melbourne
ANSWER
The MMC brake rotors and matching pads are a great piece of technology.
This combination has proved successful in providing excellent high speed braking without fading.
In addition to this there is a useful reduction in un-sprung weight at each corner of the Elise.
However it it essential to use the correct matching MMC pad material.
Fail to do this and installing regular brake pads will damage the rotor surface.
If your existing brake rotor surface is smooth and flat, this indicates they are in good condition.
It is understood that replacement MMC pads now offer an improved compound that results in superior braking characteristics.
From experience of working on the Lotus Elise from when they were first released, there have been several notable vehicles that have been presented with squealing brakes.
There are three good options to help reduce this irritating external noise source.
EBC and other brake manufacturers supply self-adhesive pad material that is secured to the brake pad steel backing plate.
The theory is that the material will help cushion the vibration of the brake pad.
From experience, the self-adhesive material manufactured by 3M produces excellent results.
Another option is to coat the back of the brake pads with a quality anti-squeal compound.
There are a number of manufacturers including Wurth who make an anti-squeal spray in an aerosol pack.
This is simply sprayed on to the brake pad steel backing plate prior to installation.
A third option is to coat the area of the pad backing plate that contacts the caliper piston with a liberal coating of high temperature anti-seize.
Loctite Nickel Anti-Seize has proven to be effective in this application and has a maximum operating temperature of 2400 degrees Fahrenheit (1315 degrees Centigrade)
NOTE - It is not necessary to coat the entire backing plate, only the area that is in contact with the piston.
When applying Loctite anti-seize compound, be very careful not to contaminate the brake pad friction face or brake rotor surface.
Upgrading to cast-iron rotors (and having and extensive choice of brake pads) is a straightforward change over from the existing rotors to the new and its not necessary to change the existing calipers.
Copyright © 2012 Lotus Marques
