The Breakdown on Performance Brakes

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Truth be told, factory brakes are only getting flimsier. Due to the underpowered nature of these systems, today’s trucks and SUVs can require brake service in less than 20,000 miles. One reporter was actually informed by the dealership that the squeaky stops on her sub-20K SUV were the result of an aggressive brake system.

The automotive aftermarket is brimming with performance brake systems and components designed for nearly every vehicle on the road. From new ceramic brake pads and slotted brake rotors to oversized discs and big brake kits, there are a slew of brake manufacturers ready to beef up your pedal prowess.

This results in safer, more controllable braking in your daily driving adventures, and high-performance stopping when engaged in spirited motoring. Basically, the improved pedal feel of powerful brakes isn’t reserved for guys who are hanging it out at the track on weekends.

Now, if you go with oversized discs and multi-piston calipers, the modifications get a bit more complex. Quality brake rotors are made of heavy-duty cast iron, but that’s just the beginning. Internal venting keeps ‘em cooler under heavy use, while drilled or slotted brake rotors deliver a consistent performance bite. Not only do you get better performance and longer brake life, a set of cross-drilled and vented rotors adds a racy style to your ride, especially if you’ve got a set of open-style wheels.

So, when you’re ready to replace those factory binders, which is normally sooner than you think, put the brakes on the factory trash and set your ride up right with a high-performance pad, caliper and rotor system available for your particular vehicle.

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The Legend of Brake Pads – The Stopping Power You Need

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John Wooden was a legend. Richard Pryor was a legend. And Donald Trump’s hair is legendary.

Of all the parts on your vehicle, brake pads can definitely be considered a legendary development in the history of auto manufacturing.

Modern vehicles make use of a two-part brake system that is made up of a disc or rotor and the brake caliper assemblies – more commonly known as “disc brakes.” The caliper assemblies contain hydraulic pistons which push against the back of the pads, clamping them together around the spinning rotor. It’s actually the increase in friction between the rotor and the pads that creates kinetic energy, slowing your vehicle down.

As the word friction may imply, your brakes are constantly in a state of wear. Of all the pads currently on the market, ceramic brake pads make the ideal replacement. Forged from copper, ceramic brake pads withstand wear better than their steel counterparts through a more effective heat transfer. In addition, they cool faster, last longer and are virtually silent, generating sound outside the range of human hearing. Performance-grade brake pads, like Chevy Malibu brake pads, surpass their stock counterparts in durability by 20 – 40 percent. Brake kits are engineered to your unique make, model and year, delivering increased friction while conforming to the manufacturer’s standards for noise, vibration, durability and fit.

To ensure the longest life for your brake pads, another option would be to pair them with performance-grade brake calipers. Used in conjunction, these components deliver up to 30 percent more braking power than stock parts. Constructed of light-weight, aerospace-grade, billet aluminum and stainless steel pistons, a high-end brake caliper resists corrosion and also fights off high temperatures.

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Automobile Repair – Replace Disk Brake Pads

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I am working on the rear axle of a Chevrolet Express 1500 All Wheel Drive Van. I have 100,000 miles on the original pads. A high pitched sound was heard (which brakes are designed make when pads are worn out) so it was definitely time to examine things. Replacing damaged rotors is very expensive so don’t procrastinate when you hear that pitched squealing sound coming from your vehicle when you put the brakes on. 1st off, you’ll need a level place to park your vehicle to work on it. Obtain a quality jack and place it under the frame of the vehicle. Place some of the vehicle’s weight on the jack, but not all. Get yourself a quality wheel lug wrench or use the one that came with your vehicle. With the wheels still on the ground and holding some of the vehicle’s weight, loosen each lug nut on the wheel or wheels that you want to change the pads on.

-After loosening all lugs, continue jacking the vehicle high enough to allow the tires not to touch the ground.

-Remove each lug and place them together in a nearby safe place.

-Remove the tire and wheel from the axle.

Take pictures if you like. (For this article, we will stay on topic and talk only about brake pads).

This item rotates and the pads rub against this piece to stop your vehicle when you apply the brakes. We need to remove the brake caliper (the piece holding the pads) from the rotor assembly.

Look behind the rotor assembly and you should see two bolts that must be removed to remove the caliper. Remove both bolts. Do NOT allow the caliper to hang from the rubber hose. Examine the underside of the caliper and remove both clips holding the brake pads. Pay special attention to the way the pads are installed as there may be a front versus back to these pads and of course your new ones.

Examine your new pads and compare them to the new ones you bought. Each wheel has two pads that must be replaced.

At this time you will probably experience that you cannot place the caliper back on the rotor. The new pads make it seem too thick to fit over the rotor.
Open your hood, find the brake reservoir and carefully open it. Place a CLEAN towel or rag over the top of the reservoir. Return to the wheel being worked on.

Get yourself a large “C” clamp and attach it to the caliper forcing the pad to push the piston back into the housing. It will push back in and allow the new brake pad to move back so that now you can attach the caliper back onto the rotor.

Tighten bolts as much as possible. Be sure never to get any oil or grease on the rotors or the pads as this will disturb the braking ability of your vehicle.

Go back to the hood and put the lid back on your brake fluid reservoir. Install the wheel and hand tighten all lugs. Allow the vehicle to drop partially adding some weight to the wheels and then tighten all lugs evenly with lug wrench.

Remove jack. Drive car slowly and test the operation of your braking system before going on a busy road.

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