Brake question

Karl Bebout · #1 (**permalink**) 02-10-2019, 01:26 PM

I saw a Baer ad talking about 4 piston calipers for 11" rotors. Which should fit with 15" wheels. I'm going to look into them because I'm not thrilled with my brakes.

patrickt · #2 (**permalink**) 02-10-2019, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karl Bebout

I saw a Baer ad talking about 4 piston calipers for 11" rotors. Which should fit with 15" wheels. I'm going to look into them because I'm not thrilled with my brakes.

4 piston calipers for ERA cars are an easy option. Sierra is long gone, but here's a pic of mine to give you an idea. Just ring up Bob P. and ask him what the "big brake" option will cost you. It is not a difficult upgrade.

classical glass · #3 (**permalink**) 02-11-2019, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

4 piston calipers for ERA cars are an easy option. Sierra is long gone, but here's a pic of mine to give you an idea. Just ring up Bob P. and ask him what the "big brake" option will cost you. It is not a difficult upgrade.

I also have Sierra brakes on my car, but I also noticed that my wear pattern on my rotors are nothing like yours. What I mean is I do not have the circular pattern that your rotor is showing. Now I'm wondering if there is an issue with my calipers maybe frozen up or stuck. When I first got the car (6 are ago) I rebuilt all the master cylinders and clutch hydraulics. The master cylinders were loaded with sludge and rust. I have flushed out the system at least 4 or 5 times until all fluid was clear, but now I'm thinking that there is something going on inside the calipers. I have since then installed 2 new masters, flushed the lines again (dot 4)and replaced the brake pads (the same ones you suggested in a prior thread. Time to pull apart and see if there is something frozen up. Your thoughts ?

patrickt · #4 (**permalink**) 02-11-2019, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by classical glass

Your thoughts ?

Since you have "kinda new" pads on there, pull the cotter pin, yank 'em out, and see how they compare to the images found here: https://www.phoenixfriction.com/t-di...-patterns.aspx especially the funky pattern that can indicate a Caliper or Caliper Piston Hanging Up. Then post some pics.

classical glass · #5 (**permalink**) 02-11-2019, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

Since you have "kinda new" pads on there, pull the cotter pin, yank 'em out, and see how they compare to the images found here: https://www.phoenixfriction.com/t-di...-patterns.aspx especially the funky pattern that can indicate a Caliper or Caliper Piston Hanging Up. Then post some pics.

Pads are worn evenly. I only have about 200 miles since last fall so there's not much wear. I.m going to remove the calipers tomorrow and bench test them at a local brake shop. That's about the last and only thing left that I can think of. Maybe I'm expecting too much, but it's still not safe.
Thanks

patrickt · #6 (**permalink**) 02-11-2019, 02:21 PM

If you're going down the highway at 50+ mph, can you lock the wheels up without breaking your leg to do so?

mptech · #7 (**permalink**) 02-11-2019, 02:36 PM

Making sure the car is cross-balanced will also make sure you are breaking evenly side-to-side.

classical glass · #8 (**permalink**) 02-12-2019, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

If you're going down the highway at 50+ mph, can you lock the wheels up without breaking your leg to do so?

NO....not even close.