Rear Brake Calipers shared with a 1980 Ferrari?

[Andy 308GTB]

Hi,
Just popped in to ask if anyone here can help.

The rear calipers on my 1980 Ferrari 308GTB look as though they may be beyond repair. New units have not been produced since 1994...

However, a member of one of the Ferrari forums mentioned that the same calipers were used by Mercedes. I tried to get more details from this guy but he has not surfaced since dispensing this nugget of information. He did mention that the units were available over the counter from shops that recon'd old Mercedes.

I have to say I find this hard to believe because all the usual Ferrari suppliers say that the units are as rare as hens teeth.

I guess I am looking for the names of helpful Mercedes parts shops that deal with that era of car - or even suggestions as to which models are likely candidates.

Any suggestions welcome - other than dump the Ferrari & buy a Merc

 

[television]

I think that at least you will have to put up a photo, or a few.

Malcolm

 

[Myros]

try Brakes International at Rochdale

look for their website, it has all their contact details. If anyone can find it, they can

 

[Andy 308GTB]

look for their website, it has all their contact details. If anyone can find it, they can

Thanks for that - it's a great website.
They pictured the correct part but 'Enquire for Price & Availability' was not encouraging. However, I have submitted my interest and we shall see what transpires.

 

[Andy 308GTB]

I think that at least you will have to put up a photo, or a few.

Malcolm

Good thinking.

Some more information, these calipers were fitted to Dinos (206/246), 308GT4's, GTB's and GTS's. These cars were built from from 1968 to 1985.
The calipers are 2 piston, the handbrake operating on the rear disc.

Unfortunately my calipers are in transit to a Ferrari specialist who will confirm whether they are a basket case or not.
So I am unable to post pictures of them at the moment but here are some from another website. The rear caliper is on the left (note the lever for the handbrake)

Double click on the pics to enlarge...

 

[stumpy]

This could be true. A guy I know services Lambos and recently blew the drive shafts on a Countach. Granada ones fitted a treat. Cheaper too.

 

[Andy 308GTB]

My search has now lead me to the Porsche 914/6 (6 cylinder version) manufactured between 1970 & 1972.
Brakes International have these listed at a remarkably reasonable 77 quid each plus VAT. Frustratingly they don't have a picture of the parts.

They will not be a straight swap, spacers are required between the 2 halves but this should not be a huge hurdle. This could be a real result and get my car back on the road in time for the last of the dry (ish) weather.

 

[kth286]

Andy

Mercedes in the past have traditionally used seperate foot operated (handbrakes) brakes which actuated small drum brakes (seperate from the disc pads.

Therefore NO handbrake lever on the calipers as per your picture.

Regards

 

[tom7035]

Quite surprising which brake parts may be interchangeable between manufacturers, after all not many make their own brake parts. I recall the old Volvo 240 series used the same shoes for their handbrakes as Vauxhall did for the rear service brakes on their Viva's! Only difference was the damned price!

 

[Andy 308GTB]

Andy

Mercedes in the past have traditionally used seperate foot operated (handbrakes) brakes which actuated small drum brakes (seperate from the disc pads.

Therefore NO handbrake lever on the calipers as per your picture.

Regards

Thanks for that - looks like the Mercedes path was a red herring.

Separate drum brakes for the handbrake is very sensible.
One problem that can occur when both the brakes and the handbrake share discs is that after a 'spirited' drive you park on a hill and pull on the handbrake (neglecting to leave the car in gear). The disc contracts as it cools, the handbrake loses grip and the car rolls off down the hill - now you may be wondering how I know this...

 

[Andy 308GTB]

Quite surprising which brake parts may be interchangeable between manufacturers, after all not many make their own brake parts. I recall the old Volvo 240 series used the same shoes for their handbrakes as Vauxhall did for the rear service brakes on their Viva's! Only difference was the damned price!

The calipers I am looking for are made by ATE.
The comparitively low volume of Ferraris made has in the past meant that a lot of Fiat and other manufacturers parts bins have been raided.
The difference in price markup for the same part between Volvo and Vauxhall may make you shudder - don't even contemplate what a Prancing Horse stamped on a Fiat part can cost

 

[angus falconer]

The calipers I am looking for are made by ATE.
The comparitively low volume of Ferraris made has in the past meant that a lot of Fiat and other manufacturers parts bins have been raided.
The difference in price markup for the same part between Volvo and Vauxhall may make you shudder - don't even contemplate what a Prancing Horse stamped on a Fiat part can cost

Yes, or an AMG badge on a Merc part........

 

[kth286]

Andy

The VAG group used the handbrake lever on the rear caliper, but most seem to be floating calipers, whereas yours seem to be fixed, with opposing pistons.

Whether the later performance VAG cars went to fixed like yours may be worth investigating.

Regards

 

[Andy 308GTB]

Andy

The VAG group used the handbrake lever on the rear caliper, but most seem to be floating calipers, whereas yours seem to be fixed, with opposing pistons.

Whether the later performance VAG cars went to fixed like yours may be worth investigating.

Regards

Thanks for the suggestion but Brakes International have confirmed that the Porsche calipers are readily available.
If the worst comes to comes to the worst, I will get a pair of these and add spacers so that they are wide enough to accept a thicker disc.
Making the spacers and machining up longer bolts may be a challenge but thats where my dear old (75) dad comes in - he's quite excited by the idea, bless him!

p.s. I cannot recommend Brakes International enough they respond very swiftly to e-mails and are very helpful.

 

[SLinKyjoe]

whilst rummaging around in the wheel well cleaning the drilled holes in my brakes t'other day. I noticed a discreet Brembo cast on the lower portion of the AMG branded caliper.

nice to know. should be easy getting parts that fit.

pays to look really.

 

[television]

whilst rummaging around in the wheel well cleaning the drilled holes in my brakes t'other day. I noticed a discreet Brembo cast on the lower portion of the AMG branded caliper.

nice to know. should be easy getting parts that fit.

pays to look really.

I can see your point when I read the trade Magazine, many adverts state that they supply manufactures with parts, including Mercedes, and of coarse its a fact that no car manufactures make their own brake components. Some even go so far as to use two different suppliers for brake components, telling you to check before you buy replacement pads.
In japan, no manufacture is allowed to make or duplicate components already produced by another, they can work together on the design front, but that is where it ends.

Malcolm

Malcolm