Off to Nurburg

[tandy]

After weeks of preparation for tomorrow's trip to Nurburg and as just thought I had it all sorted then the brake pad change light came on. Anybody can tell me how accurate that indication is? At the moment, it only comes on intermittently and not everytime. I will check it out tomorrow morning before set off?

Also, anybody know whether it is worthwhile for me to do it in Germany? Heard there are alot of garages around the ring

Will let you guys know how I get on when I return.

 

[Mike_Pollock]

I'd do the pads before the track for certain!
But you should get there ok.
You could check to see if a wire's are catching a disc - that can give an intermittent warning.
Mike

Edit - I'm only a bit jealous!

 

[tandy]

I can't wait just to leave my house for the port tomorrow morning, that's how excited I am.

Will definitely look into it tomorrow.

What's the cost of full set of brake pads?

 

[pauljmcnulty]

What's the cost of full set of brake pads?

Cheaper than them failing at the 'Ring! [8|]

 

[chrisg]

Tandy

I'm very jealous... The ring is one hell of a place to go, but not one to run low on brake pads....

A couple of thoughts:

Is it definitely the brake pad wear light ?

You can get a similar light when the brake fluid is running low because the pads are low....

As per the previous post, I would check the depth of the pads, particularly the front pads - most of the braking effort and heat generation is through the front brakes. If the depth or thickness of the pads is greater than 4-5mm at the front and back you'll be fine. if it's low at the rear you should be ok...

Have fun and enjoy yourself !

 

[Mike_Pollock]

Early car fronts - £35 up, £50+ for premium ones and about the same for the rears, but Ive no idea about the later cars and bigger brakes.

Mike

 

[JamesO]

Bare in mind the garages at the ring may not have any in stock fo a 20 yr old car and its a weekend, I would try to get some on the way to the port to be sure.
Can't remember the name of the garage but its at the bottom of the hill with the castle thing on in Nurburg. Ollie is a top guy and speaks good English.

 

[tandy]

Guys, I think the brake fluid is low, what grade brake fluid should I use? Is it a DOT4?

I shall post some video up when I get back, any ideas on what's the best way to mount a digital camera or mobile?

 

[gavinm]

can I just add as a regular ring goer we've been having a discussion on a ring dedicated forum about UK insurance companies....please please please check the small print of your policy before you turn a wheel on the ring.....most UK companies now exclude the ring, regardless of whether you have your 30 days cover abroad. some name it specifically some don't some consider it a prepared course even though its a legal road.

you are driving an old car, you could spill some oil, you could then be one of the unlucky ones...and it does happen...that has three or four 80 grand sportscars come over the hill and crash on your oil..... if your insurance doesnt cover it...its life changing time.....

so check the small print!!!! if there's any doubt, don't do it, go to rent for ring or somewhere like that and hire a car for some fun...

ok, doom and gloom over...have a bloody good time, very jealous but will be there myself in two weeks.....

 

[Hilux]

After weeks of preparation for tomorrow's trip to Nurburg

Guys, I think the brake fluid is low, what grade brake fluid should I use? Is it a DOT4?

Apart from arranging the trip did you check the pads and fluid for it is the most basic requirement for a track day anywhere let alone Europe. I personally recommend a spare set of pads. As for the fluid if it is original it will boil if you try hard!

If you research on Google there is lots of info specifically on preparing for the `ring.

 

[tandy]

Many thanks for the advices so far.

I have now reached Brussels, from that the headlight motor is now making a permanent sound when the main beam is switched on. If it is on side beam then the sounds goes off. Anyone know what the problem is or to the point how to cure it?

Many thanks,

 

[Hilux]

If after weeks of preparation you dont know how much pad life you have left and the fluid is low (suggesting worn pads) and started out potentially with worn out pads, low fluid and electrical gremlins then please be careful.

The `ring should be taken very seriously. The cost of Armco repairs or getting towed off will make a full service and repair before you went seem a bargain.

any ideas on what's the best way to mount a digital camera or mobile?

As part of the preparation you should know that in car cameras are not allowed at the `ring. They dont like people filming others being killed and sticking it up on You Tube.

 

[Lizard]

ORIGINAL: JamesO


Can't remember the name of the garage but its at the bottom of the hill with the castle thing on in Nurburg. Ollie is a top guy and speaks good English.

Not anymore Ollie is gone now, its the btg hq now

http://www.btgmotorsports.com/

I do lots of transport for them.

I've just got back, work took me to 'ring twice twice this wk got some cracking laps in away from the wk end madness, mid wk evenings get in a nice 8 laps each time, hot deserted lovely.

If you get stuffed out there give me a shout, a big part of my work in summer is getting dead Brit cars back.

 

[JamesO]

As with all noises hard to diagnose from the other side of the internet. A wild guess would be the relay, or the wires in the the bit of the loom that moves every time the lights go up and down are breaking down.
Not sure what checks you did, but double check your hoses before and after each lap, make sure your car isn't leaking any oil, gearbox oil, brake fluid or coolant.
I may be paranoid but my spares/tool bag take up most of the boot when I go.

Edited to add

Ollies gone? thats a shame he's never worked on my car but he often got my mate out of the crap when he broke his skyline (which happened a lot), including fitting another gearbox during a bank holiday weekend.