Caterham disk brakes

[Hettric]

Just purchased a 1997 Super Sprint DeDion, took several days to realize the "rotating clicking" sound I hear is the rear brake pads rattling, the noise stops when the pedal is depressed. Is there any cure for this?

Thanks

[James A]

There should be anti-rattle clips on the pads to prevent rattling, this could be the issue. The clips are a piece that is separate of the pads, and often left out as they don't effect brake performance.

[Hettric]

Thank You for the reply.

The rear calipers are AP Racing and there is a hard fluid lines to them, it doesn't look like the pads will come out without removing the caliper from the bracket and brake line - am I wrong on this? Seems like it should be a quicker change out on racing calipers.

[bsimon]

On the two pot AP rear calipers, the pads lift out of the caliper when the two retainer clips are removed. No need to remove the caliper.

 

http://qualmach.com/C20XE/Image02.jpg

[Hettric]

That's them, didn't realize the pads were small enough to come out the top, was thinking the bottom. Now if I can get them to stop rattling.

[bsimon]

The AP rear caliper uses a pretty common formula ford pad. Just the two clips hold it in place.

 

The 4 pot AP front caliper was originally a Formula Atlantic bit. Pad changes are slightly more involved as they are retained with a bridge piece and two socket head cap screws. As with the rear, caliper removal is not necessary.

[Klasik-69]

Don't mean to hog in on your post but are all Caterham calipers AP calipers ? My 2004 Caterham has Caterham calipers. I've never tried to change the pads yet so I don't know yet if they pull out the top as you mention of if the caliper has to come off. They do say "Caterham" on the caliper.

[yellowss7]

I don't think so. The Front 4 pot AP racing calipers were an upgrade that included ventilated discs.

 

Standard rear brakes were, Ford Sierra ones, with a solid read disc and the handbrake incorporated.

 

I think the Upgraded rears shown were an aftermarket upgrade.

 

Tom

[bsimon]

The Caterham competition brake option used 4 pot AP calipers and vented disk for the front axle and 2 pot AP calipers and solid disks for the rear. Inclded in the kit were braided SS hoses and Mico cable operated spot brake calipers for the rear. The mico calipers were supposed to provide an emergency brake to meet MOT inspection requirements. Their function was "spotty" as best. Most of the Mico calipers now reside on shed shelves or have been binned.

 

In 2000 or so, Caterham introduced a vented rear disk brake option for cars with the competition brake upgrade. The caliper was wider to accommodate the fatter disk. The "25 Hour of Thunderhill" Caterham factory car had this option. Only one I've ever seen, although I'm sure others have check that box on the order form.

 

Only the earliest Caterham competition brake kits had the enamled "Caterham 7" badges attached to all four calipers. Later competition calipers had "Caterham" cast directly into the housing in raised lettering. All Caterham competition calipers have "AP Racing" cast into the caliper in raised lettering. Early calipers were grey and latter ones Black.

 

The rear calipers were bolted radially to the alloy DeDion ear plates. The ear plates are specific for this application.

 

Standard Caterham brakes have 2 pot front calipers and single pot sliding rear calipers. The standard rear calipers have a built in emergency brake. I believe the standard front calipers have "Caterham" cast into them, however the rears have "Ford" cast into them.

[Martin]

So I am thinking about upgrading my brakes a bit before a track day I have at the end of September. Besides buying parts in the UK, who stateside sells brake parts?

[yellowss7]

Martin, respectfully I would say save your money. Caterhams are so light and handle so well, that you will barely use your brakes compared to the heavier corvettes, mustangs, GTR's and Porkers.

 

I doubt you'll ever get brake fade with standard brakes as we just don't use them as much.

 

I have done over 50 trackdays and autoxed for 8 years and believe it or not I am still on my original pads and rotors. :ack:

 

I 'might" change the pads at the end of the season, but I doubt it.

 

If your fluid is fresh and you have a good pedal, I'd check to make sure you have enough pad left and hit the track. Use the money for some fresh rubber and gas. :cooldude:

 

Tom

[James A]

Tom is right, save your money we are forced to run the two pot fronts and single pot rear Sierra calipers on the EP race car and have never had a brake issue at any race. The car is light enough that with the right pads there is just no braking issue.

[Kitcat]

Plus, the car itself is one massive "air brake": just lift:).

[Martin]

Well I was not expecting that but I certainly trust your collective opinions. I was worrying I might see some brake fade but I get it now.

[James A]

Your point about fade is a good one, but we have never had any brake fade or issues at all on the EP race car and we are in Texas and have raced in 100 degree F weather. Now we do use Motul AP600 brake fluid and full race pads that can really tolerate the temperature.

[Martin]

So as I am now looking to just replace my stock brake pads for the basic need of it, can anyone help me with a cross reference to the pads if I walked into a general auto parts store?

 

Thanks.

[dallasdude]

The standard front calipers are a Girling 14LF. Used on various BMC cars and a lot of vintage formula fords. The pads are also the same as a Formula Mazda. Pegasus and Moss Motors keep pads and repair parts. Pegasus also sells a ICP caliper that might make a good replacement for the Girling one. Not only stiffer but lighter for less unsprung weight. I have not tested them for fit however and it does use a little different pad. I wouldn't bother for an occasional track car if your calipers are in good shape.

 

I don't know if the European Sierra rear calipers are the same as a Merkur or not. Hawk and Carbotech both have upgraded pads for the front and rear, but they are not cheap. Go ahead and replace the rotors too if they have any wear at all. They are cheap. I order the better of the two qualities they have for a Spitfire a Moss Motors. Less than 30 bucks each. Same front and rear.

 

I have a couple brand new sets of "Delphi" pads I need to sell. Came as spares with a track car. The look fine but they are not what I am standardized on. I will sell for half what a full set of Carbotechs cost...which with cores for the rear is close to 300 bucks.

Edited September 28, 2013 by dallasdude

[Klasik-69]

Yelowss7 & others are right, brakes are never an issue. I run Motul RBF600 but only because I run it in every car I race & the power bleeder serves all of them. In my Z06 Vette, brake use is a different issue & I flush even the Motul every other event. The 7 brakes so quickly that a 2 second brake duration would be an exception.