C30, is there a driver's footwell light?

[FunkyMelon]

Originally Posted by Markos01

Hi LoB, regarding the brakes I just replaced the brake fluid as I've no record of when it was last done. Overall I find the standard brakes a little underwhelming.

What discs/pads do you have on there at the moment?

My T5 was crap at stopping when I first got it, it had Brembo discs and pads on with plently of meat left on but they just lacked any real bite so I put Volvo discs and pads on all round as I've always heard that Volvo's stuff generally performs the best in terms of stopping, noise and brake dust and the difference was night and day in terms of pedal feel and stopping power.

If you can get some cheap I'd definitely recommend them over the other 'well known' brands.

Just my two cents!

[kmb]

Originally Posted by Markos01

kmb, had all the work done including the brake fluid. Can't say it's transformed the brakes unfortunately, so I might half-heartedly keep my eyes peeled for a set of ST brakes...

That's a pity, although does mean it had most likely been done recently and the old fluid was still performing. Flush certainly won't hurt.

Keep us posted on what you do brake wise buddy. I like the sound of braided brake lines, but probably wouldn't go down this route until mine need replacement.

[LizardOfBodom]

Originally Posted by FunkyMelon

...
If you can get some cheap I'd definitely recommend them over the other 'well known' brands.

Just my two cents!

OEM volvo is also "well known brand" (ATE) :P
Im surprised u felt difference on brembo+brembo vs OEM stuff. Unless it was case of "new vs old" and just new discs with matching pads made braking much better?
My hands on experience with brakes was as follows:
- got the car with (probably) OEM brake discs and unknown pads replaced by prev owner. Braking feeling was squishy and I managed to "loose" brakes on 2 occasions when driving very agresively. Replaced brake fluid woth ATE2000 and brake hoses with braided ones. Immediate improvement and much nicer, firm braking feeling. No more "lost" brakes but now it become obvious brake discs&pads cant cope and were prone to fading when braking from high speeds etc. Changed them to Brembo + ATE ceramic pads, no more issues ever again. I can do a safe emergency stop from 200kmh and brakes will still feel firm and confident.
So its all depending on what your goal is and what you want to achieve. If only firmness of pedal - then braided hoses will suffice, if you want better stopping power/more confidence, then discs+pads of your choice plus good brake fluid. if dust is your only concern, just get ceramic pads and problem is gone.
So many options, just depends on budget

[FunkyMelon]

Originally Posted by LizardOfBodom

OEM volvo is also "well known brand" (ATE) :P

Just because ATE make them, does not mean ATE's own aftermarket stuff is to the same standard....

Bosch makes Volvo's spark plugs.....To Volvo's spec and standard - Also does not mean a Bosch plug will perform the same

On my S40 T4 back in the day I tried Bosch plugs and got a misfire a few weeks after, gen Volvo plugs were fitted as per advise of forums and problem solved. Also tried most after market pads on that car and almost all of them squeaked.

I've been told by my family member at Volvo several times when I ask about aftermarket brakes that 90% of all customers complaining of brakes and noises are running non gens.

I'm all for aftermarket but in my personal experience, none work as well as the Volvo ones when it comes to brakes.

[LizardOfBodom]

Originally Posted by FunkyMelon

Just because ATE make them, does not mean ATE's own aftermarket stuff is to the same standard....

Bosch makes Volvo's spark plugs.....To Volvo's spec and standard - Also does not mean a Bosch plug will perform the same
,,.

ok true that, valid point with plugs, although not sure if thats pre-gaping issue or a question of inferior materials. For brake parts - I heard all possible opinions, from "its the same but packaged differently" to "OEM designed parts are manufactured with better material and in different manufacturing plants" so I am not arguing, but will remain sceptical until someone show me lab control results of both (seriously, that would be actually cool to compare!). I tend to think that problems in that department (squeaking/dust/ etc) are usually down to difference in parts or possible incompatibility with them, like weird pads or fitting them on pre-worn discs etc... Rarely you hear "I had fit brand new Brembo disc and Brembo pads and it still doesnt brake"...
oh wait...

[Markos01]

Thanks all. I can see the front pads are Delphi... the first one or two brake applications are the worst I've ever had on any car, beyond that they are OK but not what I'd call good enough for a performance car. I imagine the bigger discs and calipers of the ST would do the trick, but I don't do track days so there's no great rush plus there's lots of meat on the pads/discs. As I don't do that many miles a year so this might take a while to get sorted...!

Next on my list is a tiny bit of paint (might even get the existing calipers painted as they are a lovely shade or 'corrosion'!) and wheel alignment, then I think it's as good as it'll get!

[FunkyMelon]

Originally Posted by Markos01

.......then I think it's as good as it'll get!

Nah....Then it's remap, intercooler, exhaust, intake etc etc......The list is endless!

[LizardOfBodom]

Originally Posted by Markos01

Thanks all. I can see the front pads are Delphi... the first one or two brake applications are the worst I've ever had on any car, beyond that they are OK but not what I'd call good enough for a performance car. I imagine the bigger discs and calipers of the ST would do the trick, but I don't do track days so there's no great rush plus there's lots of meat on ...

What discs you currently have on? I thought all T5's in UK come with 320mm as standard, am I wrong? Or is that only for V50 model?

[Markos01]

Originally Posted by FunkyMelon

Nah....Then it's remap, intercooler, exhaust, intake etc etc......The list is endless!

Noooo!! This is my first ever turbo so the BHP gains you can make compared to an NA car is definitely interesting but I'd like to keep this standard! 275-300 bhp sounds very appealing and not too difficult to achieve but my resolve to keep the power where it is feels strong... right now!

Originally Posted by LizardOfBodom

What discs you currently have on? I thought all T5's in UK come with 320mm as standard, am I wrong? Or is that only for V50 model?

No idea on the make of these discs, they just look like standard discs with no drilled holes or grooves. And IIRC, I think they're 278mm, so they and the calipers look and feel a bit underwhelming :

[FunkyMelon]

Originally Posted by Markos01

Noooo!! This is my first ever turbo so the BHP gains you can make compared to an NA car is definitely interesting but I'd like to keep this standard! 275-300 bhp sounds very appealing and not too difficult to achieve but my resolve to keep the power where it is feels strong... right now!

I've always read that the Focus ST and T5 is quite 'flat' in standard form and a remap really makes them what they should have been 'out the factory', if that helps