Brakes & Tyre Advice

[Redsheep]

Hi All & Merry Christmas,

10 years ownership has passed quickly and I am coming back round to keeping my Z having seriously considering selling her recently.

So. 2 questions I would appreciate some advice on and I know it has been discussed many times, but always worth an update -

I have not touched the brakes in my ownership other than servicing and although I have been advised they are still fine, I feel a renewal is required - having read through the forum, red stuff pads and grooved/drilled pads seem appropriate - can I buy a complete disk kit (front & back) and if so who from & whats best (ebc seem expensive). Also are braided lines worth it?

Tyres - now 10 years old and plenty tread, but needing renewal - whats everyones recommendation for summer (Scotland mind) use - staggered set up.


Many thanks.

 

[AntStark]

The brake question really depends on what you do with your car and how you drive ..your suggestions points to fast road or track use. If you are just having some Sunday fun on B roads then just go with stock disks and pads. Brembo or Bosch are always good and you’ll get them in the Jan sales. Full kits are often on eBay (Parts in Motion do them and are a great online seller) , rather than buying separately. Braided lines give a little more feel but ain’t cheap compared to normal rubber lines. Tyres ..deffo need changing at 10 years ! I would recommend Uniroyal Rainsports ..they are going be my choice next.

 

[Brian Hill 1958]

I’ve been very pleased with Avon zv7’s in use all year on staggered wheels

 

[AntStark]

I’ve been very pleased with Avon zv7’s in use all year on staggered wheels

That’s what I have now. Some say they are not what they were in terms of quality but they suit a Zed well with no tram lining

 

[Jam03]

That’s what I have now. Some say they are not what they were in terms of quality but they suit a Zed well with no tram lining

I was happy with how they performed on my car. They started cracking after about a year and then were worn unevenly and down to just about the legal limit after 16k miles when I changed them.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Avons round here too, and an average life for a tyre is considered to be around 5/6 years before they start to get a bit iffy. I've not checked Z3 prices, but the new addition (120d) has the original brake hoses on, looked on the web and a set of braided hoses isn't a vast amount more than "normal" hoses. Up to you, but I'm ordering a set of shiny hoses soon just to get rid of the niggling worry about them.
Bit O/T perhaps, but back when I was being an MOT tester I had a Saab burst a hose during the test. They looked OK, but obviously weren't. Looks can be deceiving.

 

[Smudgemanuk]

Im using Michelin PS5 on mine and they feel very secure

I also put braided brake lines on mine, but before I drove it, so I can't tell the difference.
However, adding it to my insurance lowered it by more than the cost of the lines
They literally paid for themselves! That may be something to consider.
Though I am 17 so I am sure our insurance prices are rather different and it may not affect yours as much.

I did a post on brake pad advice for spirited driving and many recommended EBC red stuff, I can't comment on them myself, but I think you have the right idea.