I came to a hard stop today from about 80 to 5. At about 40 or so the car would barely slow down even with two feet pressing the pedal. It felt like the brakes were totally faded. I have carbon metallic pads all around. I realize the early year brakes aren't good for road racing or anything, but thought they would at least have one good stop in them before they get too hot. So my question is whether or not something is wrong with my car or if the brakes really are that crappy? As they are they're dangerous as hell.

 

When was the last time you flushed/changed your brake fluid? Most people will change the pads and rotors all the time and never in their life touch the brake fluid. It should be changed at least once a year. Brake fluid is Hydroscopic and absorbs mosture from the air, lowering the boiling tempurature. After a few years, the boiling temp is so low that even on common stops such as yours the fuild can heat up, and start to boil (or bubble) causing air bubbles in the lines and extreme brake fade.

You should also shop around and make sure you get a Dot3/4 fluid with the highest Wet (and dry, but most importantly wet) boil points your wallet will allow. Always use an unopened can, and try to avoid plastic bottles. I highly suggest Castrol SRF. Sure, it's $70-$80 a can, but you only need one, and that's the same price as 2 tanks of gas, but it could save your car (and possibly your life) some day.

-Justin

 

Thanks for the response Justin. I never even thought about fluid. I'm positive the original owners never changed it judging by the condition it was in when I got it. I'll change it and report back.

 

No problem! -I hope that takes care of it for you! For a long time I never thought about the fluid either. . . but it makes a HUGE difference, and I now change it every year in every vehicle I or any of my family own!

-Justin

 

ATE Superblue for me and $18/can

 

Check the fluid, then upgrade to the LS1 front brakes with Hawk pads. The difference compared to my stock 95 brakes was HUGE!!!

You won't believe the difference when driving in the rain either, this is one of the best modifications to LT1 cars...

 

another vote for that fluid... the best!!!

PS if youre looking for a LS1 conversion, PM me... Im going bigger in the near future....

 

i use wilwood fluid...it's 6 bucks per pint...i needed 2.5 bottles. i gave the rest to my buddy doint the wilwood conversion.

 

I got the car up on stands, got my buddy in the driver seat and proceeded to bleed the breaks...No fluid would come out of the rear calipers. Had him step on the brakes as I spun the rotors by hand and the rears didn't grab at all. Long story short--The master cylinder wasn't pushing fluid from one of the ports. Changed that, bled the brakes and now all is good. The fluid that came out looked like motor oil it was so black, so I'm sure that was at least part of the problem, and likely the reason the master cylinder plugged up.
It's amazing how much better 4 brakes work than 2. Thanks for the help everyone.