25 replies to this topic

[Shiv]

Hi guys, I'm seeking some advise/suggestions on brake upgrade options for my 2002 Outback. My understanding is that it runs the B4 brakes stock because its the H6 model.

I don't want to go crazy on them (there's no need) but I'm willing to pay for results. What should I be considering? I'm looking for better feel and better braking performance.

Could I get away with just changing the fronts or the rears? What about slotted rotors, are they worth it or overkill? Braided lines?





Any suggestions appreciated

[B4TT]

What pads are you running el Shivro? You won't notice any difference going from the standard rotors to slotted, they just look better when it comes to road use.
The braided brake lines will give you a better pedal feel.

[CodeBurn3r]

if you are running B4's they are 294mm and you should just be able to step up to 4pot calipers for the fade resistance and pedal feel improvement..

On the cheaper side.. Slotted rotors + new fluid (Works wonders!) and a new set of 4x4 pads might be the go.. i suspect this would also help you with your river crossings n stuff.. clearing the pad surface of dirt and water when braking?

[N/A_EJ22]

Pads and fluid. If you just want some more bite thats all you should need. Ive got Bendix 4x4 pads on the front of the Liberty. THey work very well. I haven't gone out and really given them a hard time but they've got good bite from cold. As for slotted rotors, if the pads and fluid dont work they could be the next step? Or some 316mm fronts?

[RX25SE]

What is it you are trying to achieve Shiv?

Better cold braking at low speed, Better fade resistance....etc.

I would make sure the system is in tip top order before deciding to upgrade. Like Ty mentioned new fluid is a great start.

Remember that if you can already get the ABS to kick in without too much trouble, you are approaching the maximum braking that the system will handle.

Ty, I have trouble with how 4 pots will improve fade resistance and feel when looking at specs, the pad and piston area are similar.


I think the best way to improve braking is to increase the mean rotor diameter while keeping the everything else close to stock.
Maybe investigate the larger diameter rotors from the GenIV range.
Also, pad choice makes a huge difference.

The stock brakes on my n/a are really very good and I see no reason to change anything.
You have to be driving like a noob before they start to give up.



edit: just read above post.

[hamish_023]

If you can't fork out big for brembos then go Gen4 GT brakes 316 front and 290 rear, if that's not enough which will be, some dixel pads. Get them cheap from Liberty.asn from people going to Big brake kits.

[B4TT]

Brembos would be tottaly uneccessary for Shiv.
That is why my first question was in regards to pad type.

[Scuba-Roo]

My RS has the smaller two pots after the first track day I was keen to upgrade them to b4 brakes. Next track day I bleed my fluid and was surprised with how much better my braking was. I didn't notice brake fade until later on in the afternoon and my was was doing double sessions at a time. And I wasn't going easy. Your car is a bit heavier. But Still I wouldn't think you need an upgrade. Like what jase said

[Xon]

Looking at my rego brake tests, my RX (277mm) brakes with a good set of pads and slotted rotors did almost as well as the stock gen4 (316mm) setup I have now.
Although I imagine some good pads and slotted rotors on this setup would probably see a nice jump in performance.

Braided lines are a definite IMO, much better response and pedal feel.

[Shiv]

Thanks for the responses

Don't know what pads are there Josh. They are what I got with the car almost 12-months ago and are needing replacement. Good suggestion on the brake fluid Ty ~ I didn't even think of that!

4-pots won't clear my rims. I'm thinking the Gen4 316's will. So that's an option. Can I get away with just changing the fronts or will that not be desirable?

What I want Jase is just to make it a bit better. My Gen2's stock brakes were excellent! The Gen3 I've always felt I really need to 'stand' on them and also brake feel isn't as good. I just want to get it to a sort of "Good" level of performance and feel.

[alexGT]

castrol super dot4
QFM HPX pads
RDA slotted rotors.

that is all you will need and will come under $350 easy.

[Adam]

Thanks for the responses

Don't know what pads are there Josh. They are what I got with the car almost 12-months ago and are needing replacement. Good suggestion on the brake fluid Ty ~ I didn't even think of that!

4-pots won't clear my rims. I'm thinking the Gen4 316's will. So that's an option. Can I get away with just changing the fronts or will that not be desirable?

What I want Jase is just to make it a bit better. My Gen2's stock brakes were excellent! The Gen3 I've always felt I really need to 'stand' on them and also brake feel isn't as good. I just want to get it to a sort of "Good" level of performance and feel.

If you want to try your wheels over the 316's we can look at Morgans get together day, that's what are on my car

[CRUISN]

Im just about to change my GT brakes to Brembos all round. Still unsure if Ill sell them or leave them in the shed to swap back when I sell the GT.

Theyre pretty much 95% all round as I just replaced pads and rotors. Theyve been painted silver / black. Keen?

Or you could just stop being a ***** and buy the front Brembos i'll have for sale.

As stated though by others, the biggest difference I felt was the addition of braided lines.

[Adam]

Where did you get the braided lines from mate? I've ways been scared to buy them cos I don't want a dodgy set.

[Shiv]

I had a chat to some of the guys at our monthly meet tonight. I'm getting swayed to the simpler option like what alexxx and others have suggested (pads, fluid, possibly slotted rotors).

As much as I'd love a set of 316's at the front, I'm not sure if the price premium would necessarily yield significantly greater results. Gotta have a think about that...

Adam I reckon they'd fit though I probably should double check. Maybe at the pissup mechs day at Morgs place.

[CRUISN]

Where did you get the braided lines from mate? I've ways been scared to buy them cos I don't want a dodgy set.

I had mine custom made locally by an ADR approved brake specialist. $180 for the set.

[Adam]

Adam I reckon they'd fit though I probably should double check. Maybe at the pissup mechs day at Morgs place.

No worries!

I had mine custom made locally by an ADR approved brake specialist. $180 for the set.

Cheers! They are going on the list!

[Evil_VZ-T]

Dude, AP 355mm upgrade...

[Shiv]

Any of you know how big the Gen5 brakes are by any chance?? 2.5L v turbo/H6 models.

[RX25SE]

You could look in the online catalouges Shiv.

Most will have specs.

BTW, when was the Gen5 released??