Front slotted brake rotors - which ones?

[mudski]

Caliper braided lines turned up and I notice that the front ones have an extra plastic layer over the stainless braid. I suppose this is designed to help with the constant flexing on the front which was the reason they weren’t initially recommended.

Yeah mine have that too.

[jff45]

I mean the original thin plates fitted from factory. The EBC have a black substance that I think is probably meant to be used like that without the shims.

Here’s a pic of EBC pads, not Patrol but same coating.
I’ll take my shims out when I do the front caliper lines to see how it goes.

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[Bidja]

Could seek clarification from supplier.

[jff45]

Could seek clarification from supplier.

Ebay seller.. not much chance of getting any valid info there. I did however come across a forum where this was being discussed and it was roughly 50/50 on "I used the shims"/"I threw them away".
One comment stated they'd contacted EBC and were told the shims weren't needed unless supplied by EBC in the box.
They've been in for a couple of years with no noise so I think I'll just leave them in again and see how it all goes once I have all the braided lines in. Just waiting now on copper washers to turn up..

[jff45]

Did I say the ECB pads had been in for a couple of years? Just checking my notes and I changed them in Sept 2017 at 149,000 kms so they’ve done almost 12,000 kms in 4 years.

Also, if you need more proof that you get sillier as you get older, I’ve just found the original OEM pad shims in a box of new Bendix front pads that I bought at the time before changing my mind and getting the ECBs.
The shims that I have in there now would have been supplied with the ECB pads so that clears that up.


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[Bidja]

Don't we save stuff just in case.. I have same box x 2, but contain both the OEM F/R used pads and shims. But they are only half worn

[jff45]

I might be one of the worst at not throwing stuff away.
I’ve still got bits from my TB45E but I was able to give away 2 alternators. I have RE4 autos, valve bodies, a spare TC, hardly used shocks, stock springs.. who knows what else if I start opening boxes
At least I got to use the new wheel bearings.

Remember.. throw it away Sunday, need it Monday

[jff45]

All the braided lines are now done. I took some pics of one of the front caliper lines in 3 different positions, straight ahead, full left & full right
Full right appears to give it the most twist but the line still has plenty of give in it when moved by hand.

The pics give the impression that it’s close to the spring but it isn’t.


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[jff45]

Also decided to change the master cylinder. The eBay offer says for TB48 with ABS but it’s the same 26.99mm as the TB45 with ABS.

[jff45]

Swapped out the master cylinder. Thought it would be a harder job than that. Bled 600 ml of fluid through the system. Wife is getting good at this

So, even with all braided lines and new master cylinder there’s honestly not a big difference in pedal feel but, to be fair, I suspect it’s the ECB pads that haven’t bedded in to the new rotors yet. They would have a rippled surface from the old rotors. Same feeling you get when you fit new pads to old rotors.

Anyway, the aim was to get rid of all the 20 year old lines and master cylinder for peace of mind. The pedal was actually falling away if I pushed it a bit harder than normal.

Cost all up for new T2 slotted rotors, 7 braided lines (has ABS), new master cylinder and 1litre of Nulon brake fluid was just shy of $850 which I think is pretty good.