Bailes1992

I've been quite unimpressed with the 278mm brakes on my MK3 Focus. It's currently needing front discs and pads after 50k so was looking to upgrade the front brakes to 300mm from the larger engined Focuses.

I've spent a few hours researching and it seems the MK3 Focus and MK2 Focus seem to use the same brakes bar the ST's. The 278mm and 300mm brakes use the same callipers and brake pads, seemingly the only difference is the disc and carrier.

I got a set of carriers and callipers from a 2007 Focus 1.8TDCi for £35. I'm hoping to just use the carriers and install larger discs. Maybe refurb the MK2 callipers and flog them with my original 278mm carriers to make a few quid back.

I was just wondering if anyone knew more than me, is there any reason why this wouldn't work? Is there something I'm overseeing?

Caddyshack

Talk to Reyland but Brake upgrade and cheap do not often go hand in hand...unless you can find another brake set up from a breakers.

_Jimmy_

Sounds about right but you will possibly also need to enlarge the bolt holes in the hub from 10mm to 12mm to accept the larger bolts for the bigger carrier. It's not too hard to do though, I did it on my Fiesta.

You might find the brakes are better if you simply upgrade the pads and replace the discs, but keeping the same size as you already have.

It's Czech Mate

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

Mk3 mondeo calipers and 300mm discs as standard.

Mk2 focus st 320mm front discs and calipers.

gcfcos

I need one of them for my car!!

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

My cmax has the same brakes and yes, they are shite. I've recently changed the discs and pads all round with genuine ford parts and it's not any better. I have wondered weather the st225 brakes would fit?

Bailes1992

Callipers arrived today, they're off a 2006 Focus 1.8TDCi. They're exactly the same ATE callipers fitted to my 2015 Focus 1.5TDCi which is interesting. Hoping to just be able to fit 300mm carriers on with my currently fitted calliper for a cheap and cheerfull 300mm brake upgrade.

Is it worth going for Brembo Max drilled discs with EBC pads or stick to OEM?

Going to order a seal kit and sort out the second hand calipers before throwing them back on ebay!

_Jimmy_

Yes, they're the same ATE calipers used on the ST150 and ST170 as well.
Have you fitted them yet and did you have to change from 10mm bolts to 12mm?

It's Czech Mate

You'd better hope they weren't from Fastlife91

jamie's

Na, there hasnt been a thread asking why his brake pedal is going to the floor ever since he sold his front calipers

Bailes1992

I can confirm that the calipers are the same as what's fitted.
However me being me I can't just throw the carriers on with some larger discs and be done with it!

So I got some 300mm brakes off a MK2 Focus that had done 194k. I'll let the pictures do the talking.










The brakes were...

• Stripped
• Sand Blasted (Aluminium Oxide)
• Soaked in Bilt Hamber Deox Gel
• Etch Primed
• Epoxy Primed
• Given 2 Coats Hammerite Smooth Gold
• Rebuilt With New Seals, Pistons & Goodrich Speed Bleed Nipples

They'll be fitted when the car goes in for a service with some HEL braided lines.

cossynut2

Bailes1992 your last post is corrupted with loads of data but no photos.

Bailes1992

Try that?

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

Interesting. So really it's just a case of new carriers, discs and pads and off you go. Do you know what model focus's had the larger carriers?

Bailes1992

Technically you don't even have to change the pads!

These come off a 1.8TDCi. I think anything 1.8 and larger had the 300mm discs.

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

When i did a 300mm brake disc conversion on my puma,i could defo tell the difference.

Bailes1992

So I now have these fitted!



I can confirm that the callipers are the same between the 278mm and 300mm brakes on the MK2 and MK3 Focus however the carriers are not! For starters the MK2 uses a 12mm bolt and the MK3 Focus uses a 14mm bolt. The carriers had to be drilled out and tapped to make them fit but they were hitting the disc so they had to have 5.5mm spacers installed between the hub and the carrier.

These are OEM spec pads with HEL performance hoses and there is a huge improvement in initial pedal feel. It's far less spongy and I keep almost putting myself through the windscreen.

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

Top result then.