So I changed my breaks today. First time I've changed my own pads/rotors since the early eighties. I've changed other peoples brakes. I've installed SS lines. I've bled brakes more times then I care to remember. But somehow I've never had to change my own brakes in almost 30 years. Weird. Anyway, one of rotors had some buildup on the inside. While it looks like brake dust, it is hard and does not just come off. Any one have any ideas? Pic is attached:
Guess #1 OEM have a gray paint applied on surfaces that would normally show rust. Could it be some that puddled to the bottom on the inside? Guess #2 Schumtz
Looks to me like some sticky anti-squeal paste dripped onto the rotor. That stuff can dry hard like that and get caked with dust. BTW, I thought you tracked your car? Do you just leave the track pads on, or have someone change them before/after events? Changing pads is pretty easy compared to installing SS lines.
:blush2: I do track the car. Keep in mind that I usually co-drive with the wife, so the car sees double duty. I always used oem pads. I am actually pretty easy on the brakes, so I've never had an issue. This is running in advanced groups. Weird, ha? As a matter of fact, that was a conversation I had with Way when I was ordering my pads. He was confused when I said they I've never actually experienced brake fade on the track. :cornut:
I guess that you aren't braking very deep in the turns. When you do, you'll get the fade and the pucker factor that goes with it! See if the stuff will come off with a chisle. If not, it may be in the casting. Matt
Or it could be just my style of driving and being able to maintain my equipment while on the track. I do have to be able to drive the car home at the end of the day and then to work on Monday. Not to brag, but my times certainly don't show that there's anything wrong with my braking. opcorn:
Yikes. Do they even have tracks in the Arctic? That's the only environment I can envision that setup working. Or maybe you're one of those racer types that just don't use brakes. =)
Or, it could be that I am braking just right and you are braking too deep? Well, brakes tend to slow you down. I am trying to go faster. rrr:
This is exactly why I was trying to get folks to realize they don't need big-azzed brakes to do a few track days. :idea: :idea: If RSR can do a 3 hour race using the R53 JCW calipers, then we should be able to use the OEM calipers/pads for a short track day! I know I do..........lol (calipers, not pads)
I must disagree here. Sir Jackie Stewart was referring to a race car with a purpose built suspension. The most effective braking will always happen in the first application of the brake, when it is coolest. Brake hard initially, then modulate. If you haven't faded oem pads, you are leaving time on the table. RSR isn't using anything close to oem compounds. Their rules specify oem calipers or they would be running something different.
Never said they were using OEM pads, just the calipers. With the proper pads the R53/56 calipers are just fine. If you are trying to get the very last few tenths out of the car, then OEM is not going to cut it. But I can assure you that the OEM calipers are more than up to the task if driven with respect.
Wouldn't you be able to say that just about any component? If you don't have a head and a cam, you are leaving time on the table. If you are not running DOT slicks, you are leaving time on the table. If you haven't stripped every ounce of weight out of your car, you are leaving time on the table. It would not take much to fade any pad. Brake late and too hard. The formula is simple. I drive to the limit of the equipment I run that day with the idea of making the drive home. This is my daily driver. More so than it is a track car. And for those who are questioning my braking zones, my style of driving is to take advantage of trail braking in every turn. That probably means that I brake later than most.
You were the one that mentioned that your track times were "good" with oem pads. Certainly heads, cams etc would make you faster. So would a set of dedicated track pads if you are not already breaking at the adhesion limits of your tires. If your tires are the limit, I stand corrected, as no brake combo will make you faster. I used to drive my car to the track and to work on Monday. I also put on r-comps and track pads. Different strokes. Trail braking into every corner? I've not run the same tracks as you, but this is not the fastest way through all corners. I'm just putting out my .02 and I'm happy that you enjoy your car on the track.
I was referring to the OP's stated use of oem pads. JPropane is required to run oem calipers as well. He has done very well with them. Just not oem pads. What do you mean by "driven with respect"? Driving on a track means driving to it's limits. Respect is a strange word to me in this environment. Driving within the limits of your equipment, as the OP mentioned, makes sense.
It's all good. If any of us where half as good as we think we are, we'd all have paid rides on someone else's dime with sponsors breaking down our doors with bags full of cash. I go to the track for fun and any day that I've done better than the time before and get to drive home with no major damage is a good day.