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I got around to changing my rotors and brake pads!

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Old Aug 28, 2006 | 09:47 PM
  #11  
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I battled mine on my work car for awhile. When the dust finally settled, over the course of several weeks, I had, cheap new rotors, cheap new pads, rear drums all looked brand new but the adjusters were seized, so I had to loosen those up, bled all 4 corners a LOT (2 big bottles and one MrsCrzydmnd leg power worth!) now they are finally breaking in after about 1000 miles, they feel much better.

If they were neglected a long time, you might have to fiddle with it for awhile.
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Old Aug 29, 2006 | 05:30 PM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by bandit
have you dont some hard stops in reverse yet?

Cuz if not that why they feel like that.
also it takes a few stop and miles after doing a brake job for the brakes to feel right.
No, I haven't tried that yet. I have no problem stopping the car, but I do think I am going to do a little more investigating on that caliper.
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Old Aug 29, 2006 | 07:09 PM
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If the inside of the caliper is wet, the most likely culprit is one of those damn piston seals. You can hurt them without noticing while you're pressing the piston in.
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Old Aug 30, 2006 | 11:27 AM
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A few questions/suggestions:

1: When was the last time the fluid was replaced? Brake fluid absorbs water and needs to be replaced. Every two years is a good guideline.

2: If the caliper is leaking it will let air in and it will contaminate the pads. If in doubt replace or rebuild.

3: Brake pads are compressible; more so the in expensive ones. This compressibility is not a problem but will give the peddle a spongy feel.

4: All pads and rotors need to be bedded in. The process varies by manufacturer and compound. (The pad maker should have a procedure.)
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Old Aug 30, 2006 | 12:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Darrel
Hmm... when i did mine (i have rear drums) it was really soft for about 100 miles. now its tight as can be
That could be the drums self-adjusting or the pads bedding in. The bedding procedure for many OEM type pads is just normal driving with light to moderate brake use for one or two hundred miles.

Another thing to look at for peddle feel is the flex hoses. If they have any signs of cracks in the outer jacket or visibly expand when you push the peddle hard they should be replaced. You will be amazed at the difference new flex hoses make.
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Old Aug 30, 2006 | 12:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Greyhare
A few questions/suggestions:

1: When was the last time the fluid was replaced? Brake fluid absorbs water and needs to be replaced. Every two years is a good guideline.

2: If the caliper is leaking it will let air in and it will contaminate the pads. If in doubt replace or rebuild.

3: Brake pads are compressible; more so the in expensive ones. This compressibility is not a problem but will give the peddle a spongy feel.

4: All pads and rotors need to be bedded in. The process varies by manufacturer and compound. (The pad maker should have a procedure.)
Good sound advice to replace the brake fluid every 2 years. Pump it into a clear container and see the difference when compared to new brake fluid.
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