[Viraj.515]

I drive a Ford Freestyle 1.5D T+. It is 7 months only and I’ve clocked 18k kilometres.

The brakes are decent for stopping the car from 110kph. However, I’ve noticed multiple times that the brakes struggle when the car is doing the speeds above 110kph. Whenever I try to shed higher speeds, I can feel on the pedal that the pads are not able to handle the situation the way they do till 100kph, which is obvious. I can feel that the pads are unable to maintain the same level of friction. In words, I feel as if a very small amount of pad surface is in contact with the rotors(only a small patch of the pads are performing the duty).

Recently I’ve been thinking of upgrading to a better braking setup once the stock pads wear out. What are the options for meeting this requirements?

[Kosfactor]

Originally Posted by Viraj.515

I drive a Ford Freestyle 1.5D T+. It is 7 months only and I’ve clocked 18k kilometres.

The brakes are decent for stopping the car from 110kph. However, I’ve noticed multiple times that the brakes struggle when the car is doing the speeds above 110kph.

Before you spend money and get into an expense loop, let's try a few things - pardon me if you have already done this.

1. Inspect the brake system, have the technicians test them.
2. Remove and clean the pads, rotor with sand paper which should ideally be done during servicing. If you have done a lot of agressive driving, replace the brake fluid and bleed the system as well.
3. Better tires - they make a lot of difference.

[Viraj.515]

Originally Posted by Kosfactor

Before you spend money and get into an expense loop, let's try a few things - pardon me if you have already done this.

I haven’t done any extensive research on the same. Currently, I’m completely involved in obtaining the necessary information.

1. Inspect the brake system, have the technicians test them.

I got the brakes inspected during the last periodic service and it is all fine. I don’t suspect any issue with the braking setup. But the setup has got its limits to perform with and it performs really well. But my requirement is the consistent performance.

2. Remove and clean the pads, rotor with sand paper which should ideally be done during servicing. If you have done a lot of agressive driving, replace the brake fluid and bleed the system as well.

I’ll get the brakes cleaned during the next periodic maintenance. I’ll surely look out for the brake fluid replacement. To what extent, an upgraded brake oil would help in braking performance to shade triple digit speeds? How the upgraded brake fluids would help aa compared to stock fluid?

3. Better tires - they make a lot of difference.

I’ve already set my mind on getting a set of upsized tyres with softer compound once the stock tyres wear out.

I was initially thinking of getting the stock tyres replaced with a set of Upsized better performance tyres as soon as I get the car delivered. I asked for the precious advice from BHPian Nikhilb2008. He advised me to first get the stock tyres wear out and during the replacement get the set of tyres of your choice. I highly appreciate his advice on the same after driving the car for 18k. I was underestimating the stock GoodYear Assurance Triplemax. It performs decently for its designated purpose. Only on rare occasions, I feel that I need a better set of tyres.

[sagarpadaki]

Check if the brake caliper slide pins are moving smoothly. If not, suggest you clean them,the rubber boots and the caliper guide hole with brake cleaner thoroughly to remove all old caliper grease and re-lube the guide pins with appropriate caliper grease. Ensure that you use a good quality caliper guide/slide pin grease.

You can use the one from Maruti since it is easily available in local stores.
https://boodmo.com/catalog/part-grease_boot-6777984/

Stuck/binding calipers cause uneven brake pad wear and un-predictable braking performance.

Check the below video for a detailed approach to caliper guide rod greasing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIg6Ttho0vY

Regarding brake pad upgrade, check if replacements are available from Mintex, EBC. They are usually better than the stock by a decent margin. Post the part number of the stock brake pads. We can check if a better replacement is available.

Lastly, upgrade to better grippier tyres

[Viraj.515]

Originally Posted by sagarpadaki

Check if the brake caliper slide pins are moving smoothly.

I’ll inspect it for sure. Thanks for the detailed guide.

You can use the one from Maruti since it is easily available in local stores.

Thanks for pointing a reliable product.

Regarding brake pad upgrade, check if replacements are available from Mintex, EBC. They are usually better than the stock by a decent margin. Post the part number of the stock brake pads. We can check if a better replacement is available.

Yes. I’m looking for the parts upgrades. I’ll procure the part numbers from FASS and get back for suggestions on the upgrades.

Lastly, upgrade to better grippier tyres

I’ve already set my mind on the same.

[Kosfactor]

Originally Posted by Viraj.515

I’ll get the brakes cleaned during the next periodic maintenance. I’ll surely look out for the brake fluid replacement. To what extent, an upgraded brake oil would help in braking performance to shade triple digit speeds? How the upgraded brake fluids would help aa compared to stock fluid?

I’ve already set my mind on getting a set of upsized tyres with softer compound once the stock tyres wear out.

I was initially thinking of getting the stock tyres replaced with a set of Upsized better performance tyres as soon as I get the car delivered.

Yep, a cleaning is certainly worth doing.

Brake fluid as long as its not too old \ has moisture in it due to leaks will work as intended, no need to change the brand \ type etc.

The stock tires (Good year Assurance if that is the case) are meant to last a lot of distance with normal driving, however they are not as good as a Continental MC5 for more spirited driving , a 195 section tire would be nice.

You will know what i`m talking about as you research further. Unless you are building a track \ race car, do not change anything from OE spec for brakes on a daily drive car.

[tharian]

Yes, the brakes are not all that great especially after a many rounds of high speed braking.
But saying that I wouldn't say it is bad above 100-110 kmph even after hard braking. From what I have experienced, it is confidence inspiring upto a ton and a half.

In my case, my car has 15 inch dia rims and 195 section tyres which I am sure makes a difference, but haven't thought of upgrading the brakes.

I changed my brake pads during the third service at 26k kms and the bite feels much better. Maybe you can try that first.

[Viraj.515]

Originally Posted by Kosfactor

Yep, a cleaning is certainly worth doing.

Brake fluid as long as its not too old \ has moisture in it due to leaks will work as intended, no need to change the brand \ type etc.

Sure. I’ll get it replaced during the next periodic maintenance .

The stock tires (Good year Assurance if that is the case) are meant to last a lot of distance with normal driving, however they are not as good as a Continental MC5 for more spirited driving , a 195 section tire would be nice.

Yes. Continental MC5 is of a completely different league. What I wanted to convey is that the stock tyre are primarily focused on delivering better fuel economy. However, it still offers a decent level of grip. On countable times, ABS had to takeover the situations.

You will know what i`m talking about as you research further. Unless you are building a track \ race car, do not change anything from OE spec for brakes on a daily drive car.

Yes, I’m researching on it and trying to find options which the car can easily adapt. It’s a daily driver and I’m hunting more confidence inspiring braking setup. I won’t be hitting triple digit speed all the times. But when I do, I want the confident brakes setup to back the car and me.

Originally Posted by tharian

Yes, the brakes are not all that great especially after a many rounds of high speed braking.

It is not something that I’m complaining about. It already has a decent setup. But I wish to have a more consistent setup which back my car and me during those occasional high speed runs.

In my case, my car has 15 inch dia rims and 195 section tyres which I am sure makes a difference, but haven't thought of upgrading the brakes.

Upgrading to better performing tyres is already on my mind. I’m planning to either get the 205/55 R15 or 195/55 R15 atleast. BHPian Karan561 recently upgraded from 195s to 205s in his Figo TDCi and he recommends it as a solid upgrade.

I changed my brake pads during the third service at 26k kms and the bite feels much better. Maybe you can try that first.

Yes, I follow your Rubicon Aspire S thread. I wish to get better performing pads and rotors if the car can accommodate it easily.

[happy.camper]

Originally Posted by Viraj.515

Recently I’ve been thinking of upgrading to a better braking setup once the stock pads wear out. What are the options for meeting this requirements?

Hello Viraj, i too drive a freestyle 1.5 TDCI (Remapped) . I have upgraded my Brake pads to EBC ultimax2. The Braking is slightly better than stock. Also brembo has replacement Rotors for freestyle and it costs approx 7K.

[Viraj.515]

Originally Posted by happy.camper

Hello Viraj, i too drive a freestyle 1.5 TDCI (Remapped) . I have upgraded my Brake pads to EBC ultimax2. The Braking is slightly better than stock. Also brembo has replacement Rotors for freestyle and it costs approx 7K.

Hello happy.camper,

Those are some functional upgrades from your side. Can you please share the source and price fir the EBC brake pads?

Also, can you share more details about the remap?

Regards,
Viraj

[happy.camper]

Originally Posted by Viraj.515

Can you please share the source and price fir the EBC brake pads?

Also, can you share more details about the remap?

I got the pads from Gt Motorwerks. Found their page on instagram. I paid around 3.5K .They are active on facebook as well.

I got a stage 1+ Remap from Wolf moto.The low- end has improved noticeably and the acceleration has become very strong post the remap. The fuel efficiency has also improved [Only when you go easy on the pedal]. The power figures claimed are 122 Bhp /270Nm. Do get in touch with Wolf Moto to get to know the technical side of the remap. They would be happy to help.