Pedal difference with MetalMaster brake pads
08-11-2001, 10:41 PM
#1
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Pedal difference with MetalMaster brake pads
Not long ago, I found that the stock brake pads on my '87 Carrera just didn't cut it for DE events. I recently switched to Axxis MetalMaster semi-metallic brake pads and ATE Super Blue brake fluid. I also had to get a new master cylinder installed. Now, the brake pedal is softer and compresses considerably further to the floor than it did with the stock pads. I get a stiffer and higher pedal after the brakes heat up, which makes sense because these pads are made to operate optimally at a higher temperature, but still, the pedal is softer and lower than with stock pads. The braking effort required is quite a bit more with the new pads, too. Is all of this normal? It could be that these pads are more compressible than stock - anyone know anything about this? My mechanic says all is well, but I thought I'd put this out there for your consideration and comments.
Will
Will
08-11-2001, 10:56 PM
#2
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Will,
Make sure your brakes are well bled, as it can take several bleedings especially when replacing the master cylinder. Also, if the brake pads were put in with the pistons compressed into the caliper more than they need to be, it can take around 125 miles of normal driving for the pistons to wiggle out to where they should be. If that's the problem, the symptoms you're experiencing are normal and will go away shortly. Or, since you have a new master cylinder, you can pump and press, pump and press (not recommended for an older master cylinder)to speed up the piston movement. Or, if you check the pads and they are loose, take them out one at a time, push the brake pedal to move the piston out a bit, the move it back in towards the caliper a bit at a time until the pad can just be reinserted. If you do this, put a piece of wood that's maybe half the thickness of new pads in between the piston and the rotor while you're pushing on the brake pedal.
Make sure your brakes are well bled, as it can take several bleedings especially when replacing the master cylinder. Also, if the brake pads were put in with the pistons compressed into the caliper more than they need to be, it can take around 125 miles of normal driving for the pistons to wiggle out to where they should be. If that's the problem, the symptoms you're experiencing are normal and will go away shortly. Or, since you have a new master cylinder, you can pump and press, pump and press (not recommended for an older master cylinder)to speed up the piston movement. Or, if you check the pads and they are loose, take them out one at a time, push the brake pedal to move the piston out a bit, the move it back in towards the caliper a bit at a time until the pad can just be reinserted. If you do this, put a piece of wood that's maybe half the thickness of new pads in between the piston and the rotor while you're pushing on the brake pedal.
08-12-2001, 03:54 PM
#3
Will,
My experience with Axxis MetalMaster pads is that they are great on the street, but not very good on the track. I use MetalMasters on my '84 Carrera for street driving only; I switch to carbon kevlar track pads for DE events.
You might want to try a different pad on the track and see if things improve.
Bruce
My experience with Axxis MetalMaster pads is that they are great on the street, but not very good on the track. I use MetalMasters on my '84 Carrera for street driving only; I switch to carbon kevlar track pads for DE events.
You might want to try a different pad on the track and see if things improve.
Bruce