Stock Brake Performance

sclinton · Oct 22, 2009, 11:20 AM

Wondering if anyone else out their has the same feeling about the stock set up. I only have 1500 miles on my GSR, drive a company vehicle (Escape) daily. The brake pedal on the EVO seems to deliver the same stopping power at 2 inch depression as it does at 4 inch depression? Not sure if that makes sense, more brake pressure has equaled more stopping power in ever other vehicle. Evo just seems to provide the same amount through out the pedal travel.

I know the car is supposed to have good brakes and I'm not sure if the pedal feel makes me think it doesn't but it doesn't "feel" as if this car stops very quickly? Any one else have this sensation or you think i may have a fluid issue? Thanks.

Girodisc Martin · Oct 22, 2009, 11:43 AM

There are many things that could make your car feel like that. Pad compressibility and expansion in in the rubber brake lines. Also if you have glazed your pads your braking performance could be less then optimal. You can correct this in a verity of inexpensive ways. SS Brake lines will prevent expansion of the stock lines give you a must more responsive feel of your brake and new pads will not only increase the stopping performance of your car, but Pads like our Magic Pads will generate a fraction of the dust, and have less pad compressibility. Stock brakes are meant to be performance oriented but still be easy on the rotors and idiot proof. After all most people who buy these cars never driving them to their full potential or even over the speed limit for that matter.

Hiboost · Oct 22, 2009, 01:18 PM

The Girodisc Magic Pads and SS brake lines made a huge difference over the stock combo. Now I can tickle the anti-locks at 100 mph+ or modulate light to medium pressure without any trouble. The Magic Pads are also very low dusting if just cruising around town and only dust a reasonable amount if you are hammering them.

When I go to the track the Raybestos ST43 pads have taken a beating and only worn down about 1mm per track day so far. I found they were able to allow threshold braking at Watkins Glen from 150mph down to 80mph with no drama and they are useable on the street to and from an event without too much worry.

I've been very happy with the offerings from Girodisc!

sclinton · Oct 23, 2009, 10:29 AM

Thanks for the information guys and understand your recommendations would yield improvements. I guess my main question is the stock braking. Only 1500 miles, all commuting (no track time) and the pedal feels like crap and the car takes longer to stop than the company Escape or my wifes CRV. Looking for input from others that may have had this issue.

Presuming fluid or pads but I've gotta think the pads aren't the problem after only 1500 break in miles?? I'll take it in to the dealership but I'd like to save that as my last resort. Anyone have any oddities such as this when new?? Thanks.

goofygrin · Oct 23, 2009, 10:52 AM

Your pads are glazed over. A rebed might help.

sclinton · Oct 23, 2009, 10:57 AM

Rebed meaning a few panic stops at speed? Have read this quite a bit over the years but don't understand how this happens without high heat (track use, etc.)? Thanks.

goofygrin · Oct 23, 2009, 11:55 AM

you drive a long way on the southwest parking lot? not getting the pads up to temp and then using them will cause a crust to form on them (glazing) and they'll feel "wooden." I've glazed pads in just a couple weeks when I've used them solely for commuting on one of our stop and go highways. Now I try and mix up my route a bit to keep them from doing so.

You want to find a stretch of road that's clear of traffic and lights and then do some 70-80 to 30 braking maneuvers in a straight line. Press hard almost to ABS. You should make the pads fade (and STINK). Once they have faded, drive around for 10 minutes or so, trying to not use the brakes much. When you come to a stop for a light or something do not keep your foot on the brake (hopefully the road is level). Once you've done this, then go do it again. The initial fade is typically called "green fade" and is a bit of a false positive.

Be safe doing this and don't have your wife in the car

sclinton · Oct 23, 2009, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goofygrin

you drive a long way on the southwest parking lot? not getting the pads up to temp and then using them will cause a crust to form on them (glazing) and they'll feel "wooden." I've glazed pads in just a couple weeks when I've used them solely for commuting on one of our stop and go highways. Now I try and mix up my route a bit to keep them from doing so.

You want to find a stretch of road that's clear of traffic and lights and then do some 70-80 to 30 braking maneuvers in a straight line. Press hard almost to ABS. You should make the pads fade (and STINK). Once they have faded, drive around for 10 minutes or so, trying to not use the brakes much. When you come to a stop for a light or something do not keep your foot on the brake (hopefully the road is level). Once you've done this, then go do it again. The initial fade is typically called "green fade" and is a bit of a false positive.

Be safe doing this and don't have your wife in the car

You know your Texas FWs all to well, thanks for the information..