Quick recommendations
- Normal road use: Genuine Ford discs and pads.
- Road and occasional fast-road upgrade: PBS ProTrack front pads with healthy Genuine Ford rear pads.
- Fast-road use: PBS ProRace pads on both the front and rear axles.
- Regular track use: PBS ProComp S1 front pads with PBS ProRace rear pads.
- Repeated track use: Clubsport two-piece front discs with a suitable performance pad compound.
- Improved pedal consistency: Forge braided brake lines.
- Corroded components: Replace the front and rear backing plates and any seized Brembo pins or spring clips.
Are the standard MK3 Focus RS brakes good enough?
The standard MK3 Ford Focus RS Brembo braking system is very capable from the factory. When the discs, pads, calipers and brake fluid are all in good condition, the original braking hardware is more than adequate for normal road use.
This remains true for Stage 1 and Stage 2 tuned cars. Increasing engine power does not automatically mean that the car requires larger brake calipers or a complete big-brake conversion.
For ordinary road driving, Genuine Ford discs and pads provide strong braking performance, predictable cold operation and straightforward everyday usability.
The most worthwhile upgrade for harder driving is normally the brake-pad compound rather than replacing the complete braking system.
Best Focus RS brakes for normal road use
For a road car used for everyday driving, we recommend:
This setup is suitable for standard, Stage 1 and Stage 2 road cars. The factory Brembo system already provides plenty of braking capacity without introducing additional noise, dust or track-focused compromises.
Which PBS brake pads should you choose?
The PBS uprated front brake pads are available in three different compounds:
- ProTrack
- ProRace
- ProComp S1
Each compound is aimed at a different level of use. Choosing the most aggressive option is not automatically better, particularly when the car is mainly driven on the road.
PBS ProTrack
PBS ProTrack is our preferred front-pad upgrade for a car used primarily on the road with occasional fast-road driving.
Compared with the standard Ford pads, ProTrack provides a substantial improvement in braking performance while retaining good cold operation and everyday manners.
Its main advantages include:
- Strong braking performance from cold
- Improved bite and control compared with the standard pads
- Low levels of brake dust for a performance compound
- Little unnecessary squeaking during normal use
- Suitability for road driving and occasional harder use
Because the matching rear pad is only available in ProRace, ProTrack front pads can be used with healthy Genuine Ford rear pads for a road-biased setup.
PBS ProRace
PBS ProRace is the next step up and provides a more noticeable increase in bite and braking performance.
It remains usable on the road but is better suited to owners who regularly drive the car hard and are prepared to accept slightly more of the compromises associated with a performance brake pad.
For a balanced fast-road setup, we recommend:
Using the ProRace compound on both axles creates a consistent and well-balanced setup for demanding road use and occasional track days.
PBS ProComp S1
PBS ProComp S1 is the most track-focused front compound in this range.
It provides considerably stronger braking performance for repeated high-temperature use, but it also produces more brake dust and is less well suited to a car used mainly for normal road driving.
For regular track use, our recommended PBS setup is:
- PBS ProComp S1 front pads
- PBS ProRace rear pads
This gives the front axle the stronger track-focused compound while retaining a proven performance pad at the rear.
Best Focus RS brake setup for fast-road use
For a fast-road Focus RS, we recommend retaining the Genuine Ford brake discs and upgrading to PBS ProRace pads front and rear.
The standard one-piece Ford discs are good-quality components and we have not experienced recurring heat or vibration problems when genuine discs are used in suitable condition.
The recommended setup is therefore:
- Genuine Ford front brake discs
- Genuine Ford rear brake discs
- PBS ProRace front brake pads
- PBS ProRace rear brake pads
- Optional braided brake lines
This provides a significant improvement in braking performance without immediately requiring expensive two-piece discs or a different caliper system.
Best Focus RS brake setup for track use
For regular track use, we recommend PBS ProComp S1 pads at the front and PBS ProRace pads at the rear.
The standard Genuine Ford front discs can still work well when they remain in good condition. However, cars that repeatedly see track use can benefit from the improved heat management of the Clubsport two-piece front discs.
A complete track-focused setup should also include:
- Inspection of all discs, pads, calipers and hoses before every event
- Sufficient pad and disc material for the planned track time
- Correctly bedded performance pads
- Suitable high-temperature brake fluid
- Regular fluid changes
- Cooling laps rather than stopping immediately with extremely hot brakes
Clubsport two-piece front brake discs
The Clubsport two-piece front brake discs are a direct replacement for the original front discs.
They are most worthwhile for cars that are repeatedly driven on track or subjected to sustained heavy braking.
The two-piece construction separates the braking rotor from the centre bell. This helps manage heat and reduces the amount of heat transferred through the complete disc assembly during repeated braking.
Potential benefits include:
- Improved heat management
- Delayed brake fade during extended hard use
- Reduced unsprung and rotating mass compared with some conventional discs
- Replaceable friction rotors depending on future parts availability
- No permanent vehicle modification required
They are a useful track upgrade, but they are not necessary for every road-driven Focus RS.
Which pads work with the Clubsport discs?
The Clubsport two-piece discs can be used with the PBS pad compounds listed in this collection.
They are also available with optional Ferodo pads:
- Ferodo DS2500: Fast-road and occasional track use
- Ferodo DS1.11: More dedicated track use
There is no requirement to use the supplied Ferodo options. PBS pads can be selected instead based on the intended use of the vehicle.
For example:
- Fast road: Clubsport discs with PBS ProRace pads
- Track: Clubsport discs with PBS ProComp S1 or Ferodo DS1.11 pads
Do braided brake lines improve braking?
The Forge Motorsport braided brake lines replace the original flexible rubber hoses.
Under hard braking, the original hoses can expand slightly as hydraulic pressure increases. Braided lines reduce this expansion and can provide:
- A slightly firmer brake pedal
- More consistent pedal feel during repeated braking
- Improved feedback and control
- Greater resistance to hose expansion under pressure
They do not automatically shorten the car’s stopping distance. Tyres, pad compound, disc condition, brake temperature and road surface remain the main factors determining how quickly the car stops.
Brake-line replacement opens the hydraulic system and should be carried out by someone competent in brake installation and bleeding procedures.
Focus RS brake backing plates
The original front and rear brake backing plates are common for corroding as the vehicle ages.
Replacement options include:
Backing plates are not a performance upgrade, but replacing severely corroded components helps restore the braking assembly properly and prevents loose or damaged metal from interfering with surrounding components.
They are sensible to inspect whenever the discs and pads are already being removed.
Brembo caliper pins and spring clips
The original front Brembo brake-pad retaining pins and spring clips are exposed to heat, moisture, brake dust and road salt.
They commonly become rusty or seize in position over time, making future pad replacement more difficult.
The Genuine Ford Brembo caliper pin and spring kit provides the correct replacement hardware.
Each kit is for one front caliper, so two kits are required when renewing the hardware on both front calipers.
Replacing heavily corroded pins and clips can make pad installation easier and ensures the pads remain correctly retained within the caliper.
Do Focus RS brake pads need bedding in?
Genuine Ford pads
Genuine Ford pads do not require the same structured bedding procedure as a more aggressive performance compound.
A few miles of sensible driving with progressive braking is normally sufficient to allow the new pads and discs to establish proper contact.
Avoid unnecessary emergency-style braking immediately after installation unless required for safety.
PBS pads
PBS ProTrack, ProRace and ProComp S1 pads should be bedded in according to the current instructions supplied by PBS.
Correct bedding helps establish an even transfer layer on the disc surface and allows the selected compound to deliver its intended braking performance.
Do not substitute a generic internet bedding process for the instructions supplied with the pads.
Ferodo pads
Ferodo DS2500 and DS1.11 pads should also be bedded according to the current Ferodo instructions supplied with the product.
The correct procedure may differ depending on the pad compound, disc condition and intended use.
MK3 Focus RS brake fitment
The relevant braking components are the same across all UK MK3 Focus RS models, including the later Edition versions.
Customers should still check the exact product description and selected options before ordering, particularly when choosing:
- Front pad compound
- Standard or two-piece front discs
- Optional Ferodo pads
- Caliper fitting hardware
Frequently asked questions
Are the standard Focus RS brakes good?
Yes. The factory Brembo system is very capable and remains suitable for standard, Stage 1 and Stage 2 road cars when maintained correctly.
Do I need bigger brakes for a Stage 1 Focus RS?
No. The standard system has more than enough capacity for normal road use. A pad upgrade can provide a significant improvement for harder driving.
Do I need bigger brakes for a Stage 2 Focus RS?
No. Engine tuning alone does not require larger calipers or discs. Brake condition and intended vehicle use are more important.
Which PBS pads are best for road use?
PBS ProTrack front pads are our preferred road and occasional fast-road upgrade because they work well from cold while producing relatively little noise and dust.
Which PBS pads are best for fast-road use?
Use PBS ProRace pads on both the front and rear axles for a strong and balanced fast-road setup.
Which PBS pads are best for track use?
Use PBS ProComp S1 front pads with PBS ProRace rear pads for regular track use.
Can PBS pads be used with Genuine Ford discs?
Yes. Genuine Ford discs work well with PBS ProTrack, ProRace and ProComp S1 pads when the correct compound is selected for the intended use.
Can PBS pads be used with the Clubsport two-piece discs?
Yes. The two-piece discs can be used with PBS pads as well as the optional Ferodo compounds.
Are two-piece brake discs necessary for road use?
No. Genuine Ford one-piece discs are more than adequate for normal and fast-road use. Two-piece discs are most beneficial for repeated track use.
What do braided brake lines improve?
They provide a slightly firmer and more consistent pedal by reducing hose expansion during hard braking.
Do braided lines reduce stopping distance?
Not directly. They improve pedal feel and consistency rather than creating additional tyre grip.
Are Focus RS backing plates common for corroding?
Yes. Both the front and rear backing plates can corrode and may need replacing as the vehicle ages.
Do the Brembo caliper pins seize?
Yes. The original pins and spring clips commonly rust or seize, so occasional replacement is sensible.
Do PBS pads need bedding in?
Yes. Follow the specific instructions supplied by PBS for the selected compound.
Do Genuine Ford pads need bedding in?
They only require sensible initial use while the new pads and discs establish proper contact.
More MK3 Focus RS parts and tuning advice
Browse our complete range of MK3 Ford Focus RS performance parts, or read our MK3 Focus RS tuning guide for power figures, tuning stages and supporting hardware advice.
Vendor:Genuine Ford
Vendor:Genuine Ford
Vendor:Genuine Ford
Vendor:Genuine Ford
Vendor:Genuine Ford
Vendor:Genuine Ford
Vendor:PBS BRAKES
Vendor:PBS BRAKES
Vendor:RTS Performance
Vendor:Forge Motorsport
Vendor:AIRTEC Motorsport
