[sussex2]

My car needs new front discs and pads and new rear pads.
I have always thought the standard brakes lacking in feel and bight. Can anyone suggest an upgrade bearing in mind that I do not have the facilities or skill to do the job myself.
Previously I have used Better Brakes in Portslade Sussex for most brake work and found them very good; brakes is all they do.
ps The front pads were changed for 'softer' ones at an early mileage in an attempt to cure poor performance when manouvering from cold.

 

[markcanderson]

Others may disagree with me here, but I've also got a 9-3 (2001 model) and I've never found the standard brakes really lacking... even with heavy(!) circuit work.

In the 130K KM (and 4 and a bit years) that I've had the car I've replaced the pads all round three times with standard OEM when needed and been pretty happy with the stopping power and feel - perhaps the difference is that mine is a manual and without the benefit of a torque convertor I get engine braking.

 

[john]

Originally posted by McAero:
[qb]Others may disagree with me here, but I've also got a 9-3 (2001 model) and I've never found the standard brakes really lacking... even with heavy(!) circuit work. [/qb][/b]

I disagree

I find the brakes lacking - even with fresh DOT5.1 fluid and only driving small circuits like Goodwood and Anglesey (as opposed to you and the Nurburgring!)

Mind you, mine is a modely year 1999, don't know if there are any significant differences there?

Fawlty complained about his breaks on his Aero M00. I drove it and they were worse than mine

 

[drioux15]

Don't know about the majority of 9-3 and NG900 owners but my '02 9-3 has exceptional braking capabilities. Very crisp. Pedal travel is a bit further than I would want but once it grips, it's effortless stoping.

And it's an automatic as well.....

 

[markcanderson]

If I were you, I'd order a set of Mintex 1144 pads for the front, a can of DOT 5.1 fluid, a set of Goodrich braided hoses all round and a set of OEM discs all round.

I'd take them to your local brake-shop or saab specialist and have them completely bleed your brakes, fit the new discs, hoses and pads and fill with 5.1.

Then follow a bedding in procedure religiously. You could also fit Mintex pads to the rear, but it would be a waste of money since most of your braking is done on the front. You could also decide to upgrade from the OEM discs to grey iron Brembo discs.. but again, it's a debatable performance upgrade for street use.

Others may recommend Ferodo DS2500 pads instead of Mintex 1144... I've found on my other cars that the Mintex performed better with more initial bite and better cold weather performance.

 

[john]

I already have brembo discs and Pagid FR pads on the front and these were a significant improvement over standard.

I've decided the only way to really improve the situation is to go for big calipers and 322mm discs

 

[potto]

John - your car maybe just a little bit quicker than an auto LPT - I'm not surprised you find it needs better stoppers.

My standard 9-3 LPT (manual) was fine - a bit spongey, but that seems to be the Saab way. The 9-5 has standard brakes (albeit vented discs F&R) and that coped OK at Anglesey, I actually get them hotter on the road at times

. I think a bit more initial bite wouldn't hurt but I've just learned to drive around that - makes left-footing easier too

.

Then I get into the wife's Scenic and stand it on its nose at every junction

 

[Robert Watts12]

Must say as standard tune the brakes are ok !!!!!

BUt whenb you get to a bit higher state of tune you do need to upgrade them, Im using Brembo front discs with I cabt remember the name of the pads, but deff an improvement on the road, not taken the car on the track yet

Rob

 

[john]

Originally posted by Fliptop:
[qb]John - your car maybe just a little bit quicker than an auto LPT      - I'm not surprised you find it needs better stoppers.[/qb][/b]

Oh yeah. Fair comment