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Improving Braking Performance


Dualie
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just change the front disc rotor to after market slotted & also after market brake pads will do nod.gif

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Neutral Newbie

Then there isn't much different expect the look. unless you mod the car like race one then much change and even the brake system.

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If worried about warranty, then the next best thing to do is to bring back to the distributor and put your foot down demanding that they improve the brakes. What ever parts ( distr.) change will not be any concern. IMHO.

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The rubber brake hose will still be ok when the car is still new, for the first 2 to 3 years wink.gif after that can change to steel-braided hose thumbsup.gifthumbsup.gifthumbsup.gif

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Neutral Newbie
If you got a conti car, they tend to have long brake pedal travel so have to live with it.

 

As for Turtlekar's advise they are good tips, do note that if you plan to upgrade your brake fluid use DOT 5.1, NOT DOT 5! DOT 5 is silicon based fluid and not suitable for our normal cars as the seals in the brake system cannot take it.

is that conti cars the brakes tend to be 'buay chai'? I tested the e240, the brakes very chai... not used to it...

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Neutral Newbie

It depends I guess, the newer ones with Electronic brake distribution (EBD) are very twitchy, I test drove the S60T5 and the brakes are so sensitive I actually triggered the ABS just coming to a stop at the first junction [:p]

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"Improve braking" is a tricky business......

 

underbraking (too little brake force) is dangerous coz will not have enough stopping power

overbraking (too much brake force)is also dangerous coz brakes will jam easily as it is too 'powerful' and may cause the car to lose control.

 

most of the time when we 'mod' this or that...its seems like it work..coz we are still testing it within the tolerable operation envelope...and for the instance of brakes upgrade you might even 'feel' that it is "better" coz there is more 'bite' on the brakes and it give the sensation of better braking power. But then braking power is determined by shorter stopping distances not how it feels....that would be brake feel and there is totally different subject...

 

So it is optimum to have 'just enough' amount of brake force...

for stock standard cars...the best way to maintain your good brakes is to keep it in optimum condition... maintenance of the brake system is important.and of course keeping to the limits of your car...if a car is designed to be travelling at recommended pace then it should be that...

 

pardon me.... but a normal sedan can never be turned into a porsche/ferrari even with any 'mod'....

 

that is my opinion ... [nod]

 

but of course i do agree being itchy backside myself...the temptation of 'mod' is always there...making something better is always on once mind.. [sly]

 

so for that...i would suggest the following recommendation if the 'itch' cannot be controlled... [laugh][sly]

in the order of

For street use...

1. better brake pads ( heavy duty ones..not racing ones )

 

2. better brake hose ( eg: steel braided hoses - no harm trying coz will only improve brake feel)

 

3. brake fluid ( DOT 4 or 5 so that they can withstand higher boiling temp and hence higher resistance to brake fade)

 

4. better brake disc ( beware of difference brands....ensure you choose one that has a better material properties than the OE, normally OE uses grey cast iron, check for any improved properties over the OE, that would increase the fade resistance of the brake, there are those with slot or cross drilled, normally in street condition it doesnt really make any different coz the those design are more for racing purposes ie: faster cooling and de-glazing of the brake pads - but those design for street use still can be used)

 

 

there are other factors to consider actually

1. brake force distribution ( front & rear)

2. brake force distribution ( left & right)

3. brake bias

 

but will 'minor' mods then the above would not be upset too much and as long you drive within the operation envelope it is still relatively safe.... [nod]

good luck in your search... [thumbsup]

Edited by Wrxblue
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