Brakes, Brakes, and more Brakes

[riri86]

Originally Posted by 86 South Africa

Sure thing - definitely going to get the Motul fluid - not much point upgrading all the other bits and then sticking with the stock/lower quality stuff

I'm a really bad mechanic, but will be installing myself just so see how easy it actually is... luckily my dad is great and will be there to help (so I don't mess up a rather important part of the car )

Reviews to follow soon.

Just BTW - chat to RMS in Pretoria - he's got great advice on these things too!

You brave to touch the brakes, I have worked on my other cars but when it comes to breaks I don't want to interfere at all! I don't trust myself that much.

[sav]

Speak to Powerbrake:
sales@powerbrake.co.za

or Vari:
variracing@gmail.com

You will not get better advice than from those guys since they're actually building and racing them. You can also buy directly from them, no need for a middleman.

[86 South Africa]

Originally Posted by sav

Speak to Powerbrake:
sales@powerbrake.co.za

or Vari:
variracing@gmail.com

You will not get better advice than from those guys since they're actually building and racing them. You can also buy directly from them, no need for a middleman.

Normally I'd agree - except RMS supplies them at the same price (or even slightly cheaper) than I could get them from PB directly... don't know how/why.

Spoke to PB and Vari myself too - both very helpful, so no issues going direct if you want.

Vari was helpful too, but for the cash I thought the Power brake discs/hoses/pads/ combo was better value.

[86 South Africa]

Originally Posted by riri86

You brave to touch the brakes, I have worked on my other cars but when it comes to breaks I don't want to interfere at all! I don't trust myself that much.

Luckily I have support from an engineer and true DIY guy... my old man has changed gearboxes and motors out of cars, so I'm confident I'll be fine

Besides... I gotta learn somehow!

[sav]

Yep, depends on what you're after. Also, customer service is worth paying for - no middleman means that if there is an issue you're dealing directly with the supplier and not relying on the middleman to do it on your behalf. You're also getting advice and recommendations from the people in the know first hand.

Example - when I bought my PB kit I had massive brake fade in Nelspruit. Francois from PB suspected the pads & fluid and sent a new set of pads free of charge within 2 days, I only had to pay for the fluid.

If it wasn't possible to buy directly from them, then by all means but otherwise, what's the point?

[Fish Eagle]

Powerbrake and Vari are brake specialists, RMS is not. QED.
There's no way that I'd go to a dermatologist for my vasectomy, no matter how well he "talks the talk"

[sav]

Originally Posted by Fish Eagle

Powerbrake and Vari are brake specialists, RMS is not. QED.
There's no way that I'd go to a dermatologist for my vasectomy, no matter how well he "talks the talk"

I was being diplomatic, knowing you'd eventually say it like it is.

[FT_86_SM_GP]

Try emailing or calling Powerbrake directly,
You will be surprised to the quality of service delivery you get from PB,
Probably one of the best service delivery experiences in the SA motor/auto industry.

I'm not much of a DIY guy,
unless my girlfriend is out of town, (lol, Just kidding)

So I don't change my own brakes,
but most brake companies/workshops that supply powerbrake products,
will sell this to you at the same price on the Powerbrake website.

For brake pads and discs I don't get charged labor, provided I buy the products directly from the Brake Shop/workshop @Powerbrake website prices.

I call / email Francois for advice and products, and pop over to either:

Edenvale Safety Brake and Clutch, or
Battery & Brake Pitstop (In the South of JHB) and get them fitted.

Hope this helps.

[Fish Eagle]

Originally Posted by sav

I was being diplomatic, knowing you'd eventually say it like it is.

Ja well no fine.
I've always called a spade a bloody shovel

But to avoid any misunderstanding -
I have absolutely nothing against RMS.
I say exactly the same about RGM.
They're also not brake specialists...

[Fish Eagle]

Originally Posted by FT_86_SM_GP

So I don't change my own brakes

Try it. It's actually very easy.
Remove the bottom bolt, slacken the top bolt, swing up the caliper and tie it so it won't fall, and change the pads after snipping off all the silly little anti-rattle thingies.
To push the pistons back, use waterpump pliers slowly but firmly, with a cloth to insulate the piston from damage.

Next time you have someone do it, be there, and watch closely.

I've done it so often now, I could do it in my sleep (I guess 18x4 = 72 times)

[Ryan86]

Originally Posted by Fish Eagle

Powerbrake and Vari are brake specialists, RMS is not. QED.
There's no way that I'd go to a dermatologist for my vasectomy, no matter how well he "talks the talk"

There is pretty much nothing I'd entrust or seek advice from RMS.

Go direct to professionals and get sound advice and warranties.

I've had both PB and Vari kits service excellence. Vari BBK we have installed on 4 DBN 86 and 10 PB upgrade kits.

[GeeTee86]

It takes a long time to build reputable trust in your company by the consumer, and only a minute to loose years of hard work. Trust is hard earned, but doable when you have a good product and even better support. It's a pity that most company's in SA would rather make a quick buck, then having a sustainable business.
We all have to start somewhere, even RGM was at some point in time a startup business.

[sav]

Originally Posted by GeeTee86

It takes a long time to build reputable trust in your company by the consumer, and only a minute to loose years of hard work. Trust is hard earned, but doable when you have a good product and even better support. It's a pity that most company's in SA would rather make a quick buck, then having a sustainable business.
We all have to start somewhere, even RGM was at some point in time a startup business.

Yep, and word of mouth travels fast - it only takes one or two bad experiences to get a ton of people to avoid a shop/supplier/whatever.

[Fish Eagle]

In business, you aren't judged on the mistakes you make.
You're judged on how you react to the mistakes you make.