Defender/Puma Caliper Upgrade, now what pads

[Rezley]

Hi All,

I upgraded a week or two back to Puma Vented front calipers with Bendix 4x4 pads.

Can anyone who has done this upgrade offer advice on a pad with more bite? These things don't seem to have much cold grip and only gets marginally better with heat, then drops off fairly quickly once hot.

Thanks,
Rez

[rick130]

What M/C and booster ?

[skc]

Try Ferrodo DS2500. V-Sport can cut them to suit Defenders.

[weeds]

i find the pads that land rover supply to be the best...........

[Rezley]

M/C and Booster and still standard.

Rez

[rick130]

Try Ferrodo DS2500. V-Sport can cut them to suit Defenders.


They're a race compound, while having a good mu # they'll still need a little heat to be effective.

[rick130]

M/C and Booster and still standard.

Rez


How's the pedal ?

IIRC the Deefer pistons are a bigger diameter than the Disco, so your pedal should be a little longer/softer than it was but stop better now.

I've used those Bendix pads on a Patrol and bite has been fine and never an issue when towing.
I've used Ferodo 4wd for years on the Deefer but they need heat to bite really well and there isn't much assistance with a Deefer booster so need a good shove for a modern vehicle.
Fade isn't an issue unless you hammer them down a mountain pass.

It's hard to compare pad compounds when on different vehicles, but I'd say the Bendix pad has better initial bite when cold than the Ferodo.
My personal preference would be for the DS2500 customs skc mentioned, but they really aren't for the average user.

Switched on blokes like JC and 460cixy that have run/driven a lot of different Deefer setups and supply and fit for customers prefer the genuine (TRW ?) pad Kelvin mentioned for overall use.
They are dusty but don't squeal and bite well (the Ferodos squeal like a basnhee when dusty, which mine are a lot :( ) and are cheap.

[Rezley]

Thanks for your help rick130

Yes pedal feel is slightly softer. I was going to bleed system one more time to ensure all is good there.

So TRW are OEM pads? I might look at trying a set of those.

I tow my track car through traffic occasionally and it amazes me how people think its wise to pull out in front of 4t of moving mass, so I do ask a bit of the brakes at times.

The brakes are slightly better but given the bigger pistons I was hoping to feel more of a difference when unladen so I can know what to expect when loaded up and touring.

Thanks,
Rez

[rick130]

Try and do a pressure or vacuum bleed, the Deefer is the only car I've never been able to bleed 'conventionally', including many, many race cars.
It drove me to frustration 'till I made my own pressure bleeder.

Apparently TRW are the OE pad, so I've been told.

Contact Karcraft at Silverwater and just get a set of genuine pads.

[skc]

They're a race compound, while having a good mu # they'll still need a little heat to be effective.

Have used them on a number of road cars for years. DS300's are a race compound. DS2500, I consider to be fast road / heavy vehicle pads. Very little heat required, good modulation, limited rotor wear and great when towing.

[rick130]

Have used them on a number of road cars for years. DS300's are a race compound. DS2500, I consider to be fast road / heavy vehicle pads. Very little heat required, good modulation, limited rotor wear and great when towing.


Cheers, it's a compound I've always wanted to try on road but haven't.
Maybe I should've said 'old race compound' from back when I was racing :D

Hmmm, might have to get a set cut for next time.....


[edit] I really like the (lack of) rotor wear from the Thai made Ferodo 4WD pads, if the DS2500 is the same or better, that's really good.