Brakes

[fast400]

I've noticed that ever since I've had my TTA (2yrs) the brakes don't feel too good. A bit better once they're warmed up, but overall not too good. If I dive into the brake pedal hard, I can't make the wheels lock up! I've replaced the original hoses with Earl's stainless hoping for improvement, but they still don't feel quite as good as I feel they should. Do other folks have a hard time making the wheels lock up on a panic brake situation?

 

[fast400]

normal???

 

[Turbota6]

What kind of pads are you using? And what's the condition of the rotors and fluid?

For "normal" driving on the street they should be more than sufficient. On the track, and depending on what kind of track, the brakes can be overpowered by the speed and weight of the car. In other words, it's got more "GO" than "WHOA" if you push it hard enough.

 

[V6TA-MI]

I really like the earls braided line, a good choise.
A soft peddle is not normal. did you use good brake fluid, (I like Valvoline synthetic) sometimes is can be hard to properly blead them. I use the two person old school method.
I have typically been able to lock them up at 80+ mph, not a good idea but...
Whatpads are you using? I used to use the GM factory pads but the last time I checked they wanted well over $100 per axel. I have since gone to Hawks pads.

inspect the slider pins on the rears they need to slide easily. If the front wheel bearings are loose they will push the pads further away from the discs and make for a long peddle

 

[dtridente]

I have never got mine to lock up either come to think about, And mine dont hold to well at the line either....

 

[Rodimus_Prime]

I think they are borderline dangerous. Everyone always talks about how exceptional the 1LE is, I'm not impressed. I almost rear ended someone because they slammed on their brakes and then I had to doing about 60-70 on the highway. My rotors and pads are practically new. I'd rather just put on some wilwood 12-13inch brakes and put the 1LEs on the shelf.

 

[Turbota6]

It's all relative to the age of the car. The 1LE brakes were considered very good...in 1989! Today with new technology and ABS the average minivan could probably outbrake it. But if you put some aggressive pads on with good fluid and SS lines the brakes do get better.

 

[fast400]

Thanks guys! At least I think it's fairly normal then. The previous owner put ceramic pads all round...they're still like new.