paulT25

Got some new PF rear pads for my T25.
Decided to fit these on Sundat afternoon, easy job , however, noticed my Rear AST, struts leaking.
Ok no real issue , just need a rebuild by Curtis at Litchfields.

Next , front drop links, another easy job to do , until I took the wheel off, and found that my Alcon Ali bells [floating discs] are cracking around each bolt hole!

I have heard a clicking sound like a stone in a tyre. This was actually the bells making this noise, accourding to a Vauxhall forum.
They posted some pics and is the same issue I have.

So new discs/ bells, required aftrer only 5,000 miles or so, ! Maybe not such a good choice of fittment for road use, the forum suggested that , the bells need rebuilding every 1,000 milesor so. This is to allow the discs to keep floating. When they get gummed up they stop floating, and thus crack the bells!

Anyway, strut rebuild, new discs? and insurance . All in one month ouch!

anyone else had issues with the Alcon bells cracking?

super_ted

iTrader: (30)

Wow, at least you noticed the brakes in time - Surely they are not fit for a road car if they need rebuilding very 1000 miles??

JonMc

iTrader: (51)

Ouch, not a good day then - I've heard of floating discs gumming up and causing issues such as vibrations through the wheel, but never cracking or needing a rebuild so often before. I would have thought some regular maintenance would have been sufficient to keep them clean

paulT25

I have not been instructed to keep them maintained on a regular basis?
Yes you are correct, if they need cleaning / stripping that often then are not that suitable for road use. Ido clean them [bells] when I wash the wheels, but this might not be enough?
I hardly use the car in salty conditions either, and the edges of the bells are furring up !

May have to reconsider what my options are.

Should have fitted A.P/ or k sport maybe?

Will see what Iain says later today.

JonMc

iTrader: (51)

By regular maintenance, I just mean cleaning and inspection as you would routinely with any braking system or any other part of the car for that matter

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

I have Godspeed alloy bells, had them for around 8 years now, no problems on my second set of discs.

jazzyjembreaze

iTrader: (11)

Paul , are u using PF discs with the bells ? Jst I know of a certain company that sells this set up / I use the complete PF set up bells & disks with Brembo pads & have never had an issue / I think personally the kit should not be separated /

scoobyraj

iTrader: (1)

That's a hard sunday mate. I thought about changing to alcons on my T25 when the fronts discs needed doing but decided to stick with the AP, just needed discs, bells were fine. Kinda glad I didn't go for the alcons. Ditto above, if they need doing that often......can't be worth the hassle! What did Iain say??

paulT25

Not got in contact with Iain yet. Chasing work all day.
For the record these are the complete Alcon Extreme, 365m/m 6 pot floating discs.
I will have to see what Iain says as these are the kits he sells , and was close to getting the rear set up as well!
It seems to be a problem with these brakes [bells] throughout a range of cars, not just Scoobies.
I bet you are pleased you stuck with the A.Ps .

juggers

iTrader: (1)

I've go a set of alcons front and rear with floating discs on the S204 never had any issues within absolutely great bit of kit.

paulT25

Talked to Iain today.
He said they would be changed free off charge. Happy days!
Only happened once before on a Scooby, so a rare problem me thinks, considering it has had little salt use.
Maybe just unlucky?
They look great and do the job I must say.

kad 16v

Alcon have a very good rep, glad you got it sorted for free though.

AP another good setup.............. K sport (there is a reason why they are a lot cheaper)

Ive gone KAD on my Type 20 (getting them fitted in march) been out in a few cars with KAD's fitted and not found much that matches them yet, been running KAD 6 pots on my Mini for 5 years now and not needed a rebuild (no dust seals in the earlier model that i have) so they are doing very well indeed

scoobyraj

iTrader: (1)

Happens sometimes- hopefully the new set will be faultless! Did you go from the Porsche/AP setup to the Alcons? -notice much of a difference??
Good of Iain to sort it for free, but then they do have good customer service and reputation for a reason! It's appreciated when these toys can cost so much!

Juggers- S204 must be amazing....

rickya

iTrader: (18)

That's proper customer service

scoobyraj

iTrader: (1)

Must say, do like the KADs I've played with in the past. 6pots on an evo8. Spot on!

kad 16v

Yep sure are good, i wasnt going to upgrade mine from the brembo's but i took one of the guys out from KAD round the lanes and on the way back in had massive brake fade so he made me an offer for the KAD's at a great price so i went for it.