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New pads don’t grab

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Old Jul 13, 2003 | 05:41 PM
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Question New pads don’t grab

I just put new rotors, pads (Metal master) and front calipers on my 1986 911 Targa. The new pads do not seem to grab and stop the car very well. At this point I do not think I could lock them up.

I know these things have a break in period but what difference in brake performance can I expect once they break in? Has anyone else used the metal master pads and had good braking performance or this problem?

Thanks for you help.
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Old Jul 13, 2003 | 05:49 PM
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Expect 200 miles run-in period. During this time, you should not overheat them. They WILL brake... eventually.
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Old Jul 13, 2003 | 08:04 PM
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I have been using Metal Master pads for street use for many years. I use then on my '77 911 and my '84 Carrera. They are great (IMHO) street pads and I have never had any problems stopping.

Since you stated you also replaced rotors and calipers, I suspect your problem is air in the brake lines and calipers. When I rebuild my calipers, it usually takes 3 or 4 brakes system bleedings to get all the air out of the brake lines and calipers.

I suggest you bleed your brakes ASAP. You may need to do it a couple of more times to purge all the air.

Bruce
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Old Jul 13, 2003 | 11:11 PM
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Another consideration is how far back were the pistons pushed into the caliper in order to install the new pads? If you were able to fairly easily put the new pads in, then some of what you're experiencing may be the pistons working their way out to the pads. Many have been disappointed with their brake performance after a do-it-yourself pad change where the pistons are levered out of the way. The fix for this is to spend time pushing and pumping the brake pedal. Or drive around 125 miles, and all should be back in order (assuming, as Bruce pointed out above, that the air is out of the brake lines. When installing new calipers, tap the sides of the caliper as you bleed them to get all air bubbles out).
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Old Jul 14, 2003 | 12:12 AM
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Thanks guys, I will try another bleed of the brakes. I have done it twice with the pressure bleeder and once with someone pumping the peddle. I give it another go just to make sure.
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Old Jul 15, 2003 | 08:37 PM
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Bleed the brakes for the 4th time, peddle is good, pads seem to have seated well after about 60 miles of driving. Just hope the Metal master pads don't eat up my rotors. They are stopping great!!

Thanks for all you help

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