UKKid35

I my recent trip to the 'Ring I attempted three laps in succession, with only a minute or so cool down time between them. Half way through the third lap I felt my brakes start to fade, so I pulled off at Adenau and didn't risk completing the lap.

The OEM front discs were brand new
The Pagid Fast Road Pads were brand new
The generic 5.1 brake fluid was less than 12 months old
The rear discs and pads were approx two years old

What is the weak link in the chain?

rixter

the year old generic brake fluid... next time flush/fill with super blue before you go out

Charley B

Check front vented rotors to make sure vanes are curling backwards. This issue won't show up on the street but it will on the track, by overheating the fluid.

shmark

Brake fluid. Water in the fluid won't have much affect in street driving but get some heat in them and it will boil, leaving you with air in the lines. We had this problem on the track last month, old fluid boiled after 7-8 laps and had to come in. Bled them, went out again and 7-8 laps later soft pedal again. Only fix is to change the fluid for good high-temp - I like ATE blue, Valvoline SynPower is also good.

dr bob

You may want to look into some of the newer Motul fluids. They claim better boiling specs than the old-school favorites like the ATE Super Blue and Gold. For the extended duty at the 'ring with minimum cooldown time, this may extend your fun a little. In the end though, you may want to study your driving to see if you can increase the percentage of time spent without the brakes in use. Trail-braking and dragging the pedal are tiougher on fluid temps than the harder stab at the pedal before you start your turn, then pedal off around the corner. Thare's a lot to technique. Perhaps the more experienced track junkies will jump in with ideas on increasing the cool-down time.

the flyin' scotsman

5.1 brake fluid? Flush the system and use Dot 4.

Hopefully the 5 fluid hasn't damaged the seals.

jon928se

NO NO NO

DOT 5.1 Fluid is completely compatible with DOT3 or DOT4.

You're thinking of DOT 5 fluid which is silicon based and does not mix with anything else at all including brake seals unless they were intended for it.

Repeat 5.1 is fine either as an emergency top up in an existing 3 or 4 system or as a complete replacement for a 3 or 4 system.

Hilton

Paul, didn't you also have trouble with your clutch on that trip?

the flyin' scotsman

Yes I was thinking DOT 5 the silicon based stuff..................where did 5.1 come from?

Never heard of it in Canada at least..........always something new to confuse the hell out of you.

IcemanG17

The brake fluid..........any DOT 4 or better should be fine like ATE super blue or gold.... Motul is the best but pricey!

dr bob

I was thinking that the cost of getting to the 'ring, plus the gas guzzler tax paid while driving at 150, would all work to make the relative impact of the higher brake fluid cost rather small.

FWIW, sanctioning groups here require that you use fluid less than 6 months in the car; There's probably a reason.

Joe F

I agree on the brake fluid. Also, since you said you had NEW front rotors and pads. Did you bed in the new parts? Brake pads must be heat cycled a few times to work properly.

123quattro

Like others have said. It was the fluid.

Mark

982Spec sells the Power Bleeder. With it, you can flush your fluid by yourself in about 15 minutes. I have ALWAYS done a fresh brake fluid prior to any AX/DE/Track Day. A brake pedal going to the floor at the wrong time (is there a 'right time'????) is NOT something you want to deal with. At around $5/flush is is very CHEAP INSURANCE!

Sab

hwen you say fade...
soft pedal?