Time for new brakes

[88FestivaLX]

I've been searching and reading on here.....and I think I've just confused myself even more, ha.

My car: 88 Festiva LX, 5 speed, carb'd, completely stock (and wanting to keep it that way).

I got a new job and I'm basically working in downtown Atlanta. I'm living 30 miles northeast of Atlanta. My commute sucks. Lots of stopping etc (in the afternoon my 30 miles takes an hour and a half or longer to do). Currently, when I hit the brakes, my steering wheel shakes and I get that awful "Oh my god, I'm gonna die" feeling, haha. I want to keep everything stock, mainly bc I don't have time or money for swaps etc.

So what are the best options for replacement stock brakes? I've been looking at the Brembo rotors (not slotted and/or drilled). I have no idea what pads to go with. Are ceramics a pain? I thought I remembered reading that they don't work well until heated up (or that may have been ceramic rotors). Should I go with Centric drums? Which shoes?

Basically, what brand and type of rotors, pads, drums and shoes should I go with for an awful commute? Any help is greatly appreciated and I'm looking to do this soon!

[Aaronbrook37]

When I did my old daily driver (which had stock Festiva brakes), I just loaded up on RockAuto parts the whole way around with a 5% discount code. I picked based on combining and minimizing shipping costs rather than brand reputability. Worked out quite well for regular driving.

[bhearts]

Everyone really enjoys their aspire/rio upgrades. It's generally plug and play, and should be a nice upgrade due to newer technology braking

[bhearts]

O, but you said replacement stock.

[88FestivaLX]

Yea, I know you can't get a whole lot out of the stock system, but I just want something that will last a bit.

[WmWatt]

I think all the rotors are all solid heavy steel. Just make sure they are torqued on right because if they work loose the hubs have to be pulled apart to tighten them. (Guess how I know this.) I could not get a 1/2" drive socket into the space between the bolt heads and the rim of the rotor so had to use a thinner 3/8" drive socket instead. When I did mine I didn't put the brake pad retaining springs on right, the brakes heated up, and I had to go to a shop to find out what I did wrong. Apart from that the economy parts I bought have been fine. It's not like it's a heavy vehicle.

[drddan]

I would get all parts from RockAuto like stated above. Buy metallic brakes, not ceramic. If you want better stopping power, an Escort master cylinder will do the job, cheap easy upgrade.
There is a thread here on the Escort upgrade, and I believe the Escort is cheaper than a Festy MC

[88FestivaLX]

Thanks everyone! Should I do the Brembo rotors?

[88FestivaLX]

OH, and what year escort master cylinder?

[1990new]

I got a good deal on loaded calipers from Rockauto a few months ago. They come with the brake pads and new hardware too.

And of course you realize that no matter what rotors you get you will have to press out the hub to install them.
Since you are going this far you might want to consider ordering new timken bearings and seals too...depending on how many miles on the bearings.

[SoCalZ28]

...And of course you realize that no matter what rotors you get you will have to press out the hub to install them. Since you are going this far you might want to consider ordering new timken bearings and seals too...depending on how many miles on the bearings.

This is a good tip

[Gomez]

This is a complete bolt on and go option. ALL of this is OEM Festiva and will not require and other machine work. Can be bolted on in about a half hour, bleed the brakes and you are good to go.

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?53970-Festiva-front-knuckle-assembly-COMPLETE!!!