New Front Brakes Fitted

[SyCelicaGT]

Hi All, :)

Had the car in for an MOT with my mechanic as it has the de-cat on and I needed him to pass the emissions for me. I am glad to say it passed :D , just! Apparently my clutch is on the way out and the brakes were nearly shot, I knew this already as the brake / clutch pedal had allot of travel. I asked him to replace the front brakes anyway as I was not willing to take a risk with the brakes, so he replaced the disks & up rated the brakes to use Mintex pads which apparently are a very good performance brand!?

I am still bedding in the brakes at the moment so I will let you know if they are any improvement over the old stock ones after a few hundred miles.

Apparently my clutch is on it's way out, as the biting point is very high and it seems the kangarooing effect I posted about before is cause by the clutch springs which are supposed to take out the sudden impact of engaging the clutch, if the springs are warped or damaged in anyway this can lead to a jerky sensation as the springs are not taking up the torque of the engine correctly and causing the engine to feel like it is loose (loose engine mount sensation). This seems like a logical explanation for the jerking effect, what do you guys think? Has anyone who has this jerky sensation changed the clutch to no improvement? see here for link to original post: http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=41305

See here for clutch springs (highlighted in red) the mechanic believes to be worn/faulty (this is not my clutch, it is just an example picture):

If I have to replace the clutch how much for a brand new one (not reconditioned) and where is the best place to buy? I have the car booked in for a service and clutch work in March so I need to find one ASAP. I have been quoted roughly £250 for a new st202 clutch, is that about right?

Any comments welcomed.

Also mods fitted: :D

Also replaced broken rear cluster with the one I got off eBay. I unwrapped the cluster to find the cluster I needed to replace was cracked :ffs: (but only ever so slightly) was gutted but looked better than the old one so replaced anyway. Not perfect but better than before.

Fitted Toyo Proxie T1R's on all four corners. Fitted these just before the MOT and new brakes so have not had a chance to thrash it or wear them in properly but my first experience of roundabouts at speed have been an noticeable improvement, can't wait to see what it is like once I have worn in the brakes and tyres a bit more.

Waiting to fit: :)

Philips Blue Vision bulbs for: both high/low beams, fogs, sidelights.

Philips Silver Vision bulbs for clear side indicators and clear front indicators!

[Asterix187]

Sounds all good

I've just had my Gen7 serviced and they told me my front discs were rusty and the pads were worn, prob another 3000 miles left on em. How much did the disk/pads cost you?

[SyCelicaGT]

Standard disks about £80 + mintex pads about £50 so about £300 inc fitting. They seem to be good but have a slight squeeking round right hand corners, will see if this improves after bedding in. If not then it is going back in on Monday :-(

[mikeb]

My new brake discs arrived this morning - £48 (inc postage) from buypartsby.co.uk. :D Just picked up new front pads from toyota - £33. A very reasonable price considering what Mr T usually charges. Mintex are a reputable name, but I would always choose OEM pads for a road car. Also bought a litre (hope that's going to be enough) of Motul DOT 5.1 fluid from Opie Oils, and 3 litres of Motul gearbox oil.

I would try and get an OEM clutch if you do get it changed. I think Toyota ones are also called 'Asin' brand. TCB sell them for £81.43 for the ST202. Fitting should cost another £100 to £150 on top.

[SyCelicaGT]

TCB would be a reconditioned clutch, right? I am after a brand spanking new one! Any ideas where would be the best place to go for that?

[Leeky]

Reconditioned clutch! No no no

That'll be a new one dude

[mikeb]

TCB would be a reconditioned clutch, right? I am after a brand spanking new one! Any ideas where would be the best place to go for that?

They sell new parts as well! You'd never want to fit a s/h clutch.

[SyCelicaGT]

Sorry assumed Toyota Celica Breakers would be selling reconditioned units being a breaking yard 'n all. I was informed clutch kits for the celica would be around the 200-250 mark. I stand corrected as I had a look at the website and they seem to be selling genuine new clutch kits for about £80, sounds like an absolute bargin to me! Cheers for the pointer guys!