Brake Pads

[whyask]

Ok,.... IM noticing my stopping power is going away...I have the stock pads on still and im at 38, xxx ... is it time to get new pads... OR .. just get new pads and rotors ?. I dont race me car. except for the spirited HALLIN AZZ down city roads so a big brake kit is not needed...or is it!? Thanks !

SGT McCauley

 

[ct07gt]

You should not need new rotors unless the ones you have are warped (you will feel a vibration while braking) or scored (run your finger from the center to the outside and you would feel ridges on the surface). New pads are a pretty big improvement (Hawk, EBC, etc); Stainless brake lines improve braking feel and performance. A big brake kit is obviously a lot more money, if you have it, there are plenty of options out there, (GT500 kit, Roush which is same as Saleen and Stoptech, Baer, Brembo, AP Racing, Wilwood, etc)

 

[Casey4s]

I don't think you should need pads at 38K miles, but if your stopping power has diminished you may need pads. If you dirve in a lot of stop and go city/town traffic you can get brake fade if heat builds up on the pads and rotors. I put drilled/slotted rotors and hawke pads on mine with just 5K miles because I like big time stopping power and the rotors reduce heat build up and dust accumulation.

Your best bet (IMHO) is to pull the wheels and check the condition of your rotors and pads and see if they look compromised. It is an easy change out and the pads are not all the expensive.

 

[whyask]

Sweet is there a write up on pad change and rotor swap....

 

[bigcat]

Sweet is there a write up on pad change and rotor swap....

not yet, but you could change that... if you document it with tons of pics, i can help with text if needed, we may put it on the homepage. its an easy task, but i do not have the need to do any brake work right now.

 

[whyask]

awesome as soon as i get me allowance from the wife ill getting some beer for the guys and we will take as many pics and do the sway. I got the HPS Hawk pads, SS brake lines .. so hopefully that will be some what easy. Never bleed brake lines so this too will be new ! Whats a good fluid to use ..???

 

[TW/92LSC/SE]

If you're riding on the stock tires I wouldn't be surprised if they might be your problem. These pirelli's, at least mine, seem to get very loose, slippery as they age. Remember braking and traction is only as good as the tires footprint on the road.

 

[walter]

Your pads may be glazed. Get some sand paper pop them off, spray some brake cleaner and pop them back on. I also used to scuff lightly the rotors too with a smooth grit sandpaper to remove some pad material that may have gotten stuck on there.

As usual use plenty of brake cleaner too.