Skip to content

Cerbera brakes, suspension & steering — alternative parts

This page collects donor-vehicle and aftermarket equivalents for the TVR Cerbera’s brake, suspension and steering systems. It is a working reference compiled from owner research — useful when an original TVR part is unavailable, on long back-order, or simply too expensive. Brakes, suspension and steering are safety-critical: always verify fitment, bore size and torque against the manufacturer’s specification, and have any work you are not sure about checked by a professional.

Applies to: TVR Cerbera (4.2, 4.5 and 5.4 variants noted where they differ).

ComponentDonor / partNotes
Brake fluid reservoirFord Escort Mk2Direct equivalent
Brake light switchLucas SMB429 (FAE 24150 equivalent)Replaces TVR M0325 (NLA)
Brake master cylinderFord Fiesta XR2 or 1.6i GhiaTwo bore sizes exist — the 4.2 Cerbera requires the larger 22 mm bore
Early remote-reservoir masterSaab 74470810NLA
Brake servo (8”)TRW PSA328See dedicated servo cross-reference page; ex-Ford Fiesta Mk2/Mk3 1983–1997. Cross-refs: Bosch 0 986 485 090, Ford 1666345, Ford 89FB2005BC, Girling 4110328

Both the servo and master cylinder are increasingly difficult to find new — buy spares when you see them.

ModelPositionCaliperDisc
4.5FrontCP5200-802 / CP5200-803330 × 32 mm
4.5RearCP5211-22SO / CP5211-23SO306 × 29 mm
4.2 (some)FrontCP5100 family291 mm
5.4 (some)Front322 × 30 mm
PartDescriptionQtyPrice (approx)
CP4519-K1 5/8” seal kit2£8.24 each
CP4519-JJ1 1/5” seal kit2£13.43 each
CP3720-173Bleed screws8£2.47 each
CP4510-20DOT 5.1 brake fluid, 500 ml£4.52

Suppliers: BG Developments; Shop4Brakes (01527 873716).

PartDescriptionPrice (approx)
CP2889-105Front piston, 1.5ӣ9.69
CP3357-111Front piston, 1.625ӣ10.55
CP4519-JKFront seal kit (per caliper)£11.43
CP2260-66Rear piston, 1.5ӣ11.74
CP4519-JRear seal kit (per caliper)£7.01
PositionBrand / compoundPart number
FrontMintex 1155MDB1292
FrontEBC GreenstuffDP2002 (≈£45)
FrontEBC RedstuffDP3002C (≈£55)
Front (with Tuscan S discs)Ferodo DS2500
RearMintex 1155MLB20
RearEBC GreenstuffDP2102 (≈£30)
RearEBC RedstuffDP3102C (≈£38)

The Cerbera uses internal drum shoes inside the rear discs for the handbrake. Donor: Peugeot 605 (1991–1998).

BrandPart number
FerodoFSB425
APECSHU-482 (fitting kit APEC 766)
Quinton HazellBFK-351
OptionPartNotes
PreferredDelphi TC936Fits perfectly
AlternativeJaguar XJS 3.6 (1984) Lemforder, e.g. ECP 617630455≈£35.99; needs flange edges ground back to clear the wishbone welds
AvoidQuinton Hazell QSJ1308SBall and boot are too large to fit

Donor: Saab 99 (1974–84), Saab 90 (1984–85), Saab 900 (1979 onward).

BrandPart number
VecoVBO26
(Saab 900 2.0, 1984)617880135
GHRC492108P
LocationDonor / partNotes
Front ARB bushesFord 1632605≈£7.13 a pair
Rear ARB drop-link bushesVauxhall/Opel front stabiliser bush, GM 2875013NUnder £1 each

Full overhaul service with warranty is available from power-steering.co.uk at around £115 for a Cerbera rack — typically cheaper and quicker than chasing new parts.

The Citroën Saxo EPAS pump is a known substitute, and the same swap is used on the Tuscan and T350. Points to note:

  • Current draw is around 30 A, so it needs substantial wiring and its own relay.
  • It is the usual fallback if the woodruff key on the original pump drive shaft fails — a known problem on pre-1998 cars. Replacing the woodruff key/shaft on the original pump requires engine removal, so many owners fit the Saxo pump instead.
ItemSize / partPrice (approx)
Input shaft inner oil seal27 / 37 / 7 mm£2.35
Input shaft outer oil sealBSL DIN3760 R 23£1.70
Rack top oil seal30 × 20 × 7 mm
Rack gaiter1995 Ford Granada; Quinton Hazell QG2300 or QG1062 (equivalent to SRG809); AMK Automotive “TSG23” from LloydsAMK TSG23 reported as a perfect fit
Do not useECP 612590191Does not fit
  • Confirm the master cylinder bore size before ordering — 4.2 cars must have the 22 mm bore.
  • After any brake work, bleed the system thoroughly and check pedal feel before road use. Use the correct DOT specification fluid for your seals (the AP kits above are listed with DOT 5.1).
  • When grinding the Jaguar lower ball joint flange to fit, take material from the flange only, not from the load-bearing housing.
  • Torque all suspension and steering fasteners to TVR’s published figures (see the Cerbera torque settings page) and use new locking hardware where specified.

Compiled from a community-uploaded parts list (Alex Judd’s TVR Cerbera Alternative Parts List) — always verify part numbers, sizes and fitment against the original source and a current supplier catalogue before ordering.