I want a firmer pedal

[jayro]

So I am wondering if there is something I can do to get my brake pedal firmer with my existing brake set up, or am I stuck with it until I get a cobra upgrade?

My set up: '96 brakes w/stainless lines. Carbotech pads up front and Autozone ones out back.

I have completely bled the system. I used a Motive bleeder and ran 3 quarts through it while tapping the calipers with a mallet. This was after I went on a gravel road and cycled the ABS 4-5 times. I am not losing any fluid. With the car off 1 pump of the brakes gives a rock hard pedal. With the car running there seems to be excesive brake pedal travel. Pumping them doesn't have an effect (or a VERY MINIMAL one). The best way I can discribe it is that it feels like the pedal needs to be adjusted so they engage further up...the first little bit doesnt seem to do anthing.

During normal street driving it isnt really noticable, but if I get on them hard the pedal feels like it almost goes to the floor.

Is this a sign of something. I have not changes the calipers or master cylinder since I have had the car (20K miles).

 

[RonPorter]

Sounds like a bad m/c.

'96 brakes, for most folks, basically give a better "feel" (much like installing a rod shifter) without really increasing brake capacity very much.

I have found better "feel" with better pads (and a Motive flush). I assume you have the Carbotech Bobcat (or whatever the new name is today) pads?

Should be fine. Although "any" AZ pad on the rear SUCKS.

I won't get into it, but my stock '89 brakes with Carbotech XP10/XP8 pads do very well..........

 

[jayro]

Sounds like a bad m/c.

'96 brakes, for most folks, basically give a better "feel" (much like installing a rod shifter) without really increasing brake capacity very much.

I have found better "feel" with better pads (and a Motive flush). I assume you have the Carbotech Bobcat (or whatever the new name is today) pads?

Should be fine. Although "any" AZ pad on the rear SUCKS.

I won't get into it, but my stock '89 brakes with Carbotech XP10/XP8 pads do very well..........

I was kinda thinking MC. Guess I will be swapping that our this week. Yes, I am using the AX6 pads (used to be the Bobcat I think). If the MC is going bad, don't you usually loose fluid though?

 

[rubydist]

depending on where the m/c is bad, it might not leak externally.

it could also be a brake hose that is 'soft' and will swell under pressure.

the only other thing that can cause that is if the rotors are not true and they push the calipers too far away, so they have to travel prior to actually engaging. this is normally detected by shimmy if on the front rotors, but I suppose the rears could be warped and one might not notice it.

I guess I would check the hoses and rotors before I dug into the m/c.

 

[RonPorter]

I was kinda thinking MC. Guess I will be swapping that our this week. Yes, I am using the AX6 pads (used to be the Bobcat I think). If the MC is going bad, don't you usually loose fluid though?

AX6 used to be called Panther Plus. The Bobcat (street pads) are now called Bobcat 1521 (??).

 

[jayro]

it could also be a brake hose that is 'soft' and will swell under pressure.

the only other thing that can cause that is if the rotors are not true and they push the calipers too far away, so they have to travel prior to actually engaging. this is normally detected by shimmy if on the front rotors, but I suppose the rears could be warped and one might not notice it.

My lines are braided stainless ones, so no bulging. No shimmy up front, and the rotors were replaces about 1K miles ago when I installed new pads. I will check the rears since I havent done anything except new pads on them.

Looks like is MC time.

 

[waffles]

A little late but, a good way to test the MC is to pump the brakes with the cap open and have someone watch to see if a foutain occurs (or anything out of the ordinary). We did this on my friends pickup and it shot fluid high enough to hit the hood. This may or may not work on the sho?

 

[kevinspann]

How is that a good test?

Edit: curious, as a car I replaced the MC on does this

 

[frosho]

I don't think the reservoir should be seeing that much pressure, Kevin. It sounds like you have a bad seal somewhere.

 

[RonPorter]

As you found at the track, your brakes are fine. With Fords, it's somewhere in the m/c size and/or booster. IMO, not worth playing with that stuff.....

 

[jayro]

As you found at the track, your brakes are fine. With Fords, it's somewhere in the m/c size and/or booster. IMO, not worth playing with that stuff.....

I think I'm gonna keep the way they are for right now, unless a deal falls in my lap. That way I can keep replacing my rotors under warranty. They didnt warp at all, but they are pretty chewed up from the pads. I wonder how many times I can exchange them at AZ before they start figuring out whats going on....hmm, if the warranty starts over with the exchange I may never have to by rotors agian.

 

[RonPorter]

I think I'm gonna keep the way they are for right now, unless a deal falls in my lap. That way I can keep replacing my rotors under warranty. They didnt warp at all, but they are pretty chewed up from the pads. I wonder how many times I can exchange them at AZ before they start figuring out whats going on....hmm, if the warranty starts over with the exchange I may never have to by rotors agian.

As you move up through the pads: AX6, XP8, XP10, etc, they get rougher on the the rotors.

BUT.....who the **** cares? IMO, rotors are as expandable as pads.