Re: 91 200 TQ Brakes (UFOs)

[Sargent Schutt <sargent@novagate.com>]

C1J1Miller@aol.com wrote:

> Sarge wrote:
>
> Sarge:  Couple comments.  First, you say the brakes were 15k miles old, and
> then warped (badly) within 2k, without heavy use.  I'd guess you were had; the
> rotors were probably warped, and were turned to allow the car to be sold.
> Some cars had recurring problems; often the rotors were mounted slightly out
> of round, etc. due to rust on the hub, or other factors.  Later rotors had
> provisions for mounting in five separate locations on the hub to allow the
> best fit/least out of round positioning.

Show me the man who can machine these UFO rotors. I really want to meet him. He's
kept a real low profile, and has one of the most unusual lathes I've seen in any
brake shop on this continent. They can't be 'turned'. Dunno on the fitting issue.
Mine were held on by one screw, not five (aside from the lugs)

> Are you sure he used new calipers/rotors/pads?  Seems like an expensive fix to
> me...

Yes, but that's the way the car was maintained. Dealer service, no expense
spared. Overall, it showed. I think from what you can see in the mag it shows.

> My brake ducts have never gotten clogged in snow, unless you were
> "snowplowing", they should've been fine.  Also: "snowplowing" can clog up
> other things at around the same height, such as your alternator, alternator
> cooling duct, oil cooler ducting, right engine mount-cooling duct, etc.  Did
> your spoiler add to this?

Spoiler may have added a little, as the shields hung slightly lower, resultantly
making a steeper pitch upward as well. snow was 5 inches dep at the shoulder,
plowed roads w/ some slush. I was occasionally follwing other traffic that helped
mix up the slush, caking the front of my car a little. Also, when you pull in and
out of gas stations, etd, there is plenty o/ chance to fill em due to entry
angles. Not deep enough to clog alt duct, by a long shot, though. That stuff's at
least 5 inches *above* the brake ducts!

> Don't mean to fully defend the UFOs, yes, they're somewhat fragile, but they
> do work very well.  I find that my normal cool down for the turbo (i.e., don't
> work the turbo hard then shut down) works for the brakes as well; I run hard
> on the way to work or wherever, then drive calmly for a bit before shut down.
> No problems so far.  However, I would consider the "upgrade" swap should I
> need new rotors, pads and calipers!  Pricewise, probably pretty similar.
> Anyone bought rotors or calipers recently?  I'd guess the rotors are around
> $250 each, and calipers are anyone's guess, probably similar.

Best I heard was ~$350 each for 'rebuilt' ones from the dealer (carlsen) as of
last spring, when this was last an issue for me. And pads ain't cheap, either.
Not to mention you're extremely limited in your wheel selection.

> Anyways, from the EC writeup, seems like you got quite a deal on the car; it
> certainly looks sharp!

Otherwise it's been great. A door handle lock, rear pads/rotors/calipers/e-cables
were the only other things I 'had' to fix. Course I 'had' to put a new suspension
on, chip, wheels/tires, 450 watt stereo, shifter, euro lights, V8 taillights,
sideskirts, etc. Coming soon - stebro exhaust, SS brake lines, fog lights, Sport
seats (when I can find some tan ones in good shape - any leads) and new tahrs.
Oh, and a sport grill and a V8 rear bumper cap to finish off the black lower
valance. Then it's on to the engine dept.... heheheHAHAHA (insert mad scientist
laugh). Then I'll paint it pink metallic, chop the roof, some purple flames from
all four wheel wells, pink faux-rabbit fur interior, chrome 20" wheels.
mmmm...Naahh. 20" wheels would look funny.

Ahem... anyway, I basically hold Team UFO in the same high regard as Team
Doorhandle. Good idea, BAD execution. Believe me, I wish it weren't so...

Regards,

Sarge

91 200q I don'wan'no steenking UFOs!
86 5ktq