Brake Nightmare

D

devicemanager

Registered
I just did my brakes myself and ended up ruining the d/s rear caliper/ I broke the seal and couldn't get the car to build pressure. Now I knew I should have replaced the front calipers but I didn't and now the steering wheel shakes more than ever. Could I replace the calipers without replacing the ne pads. I used the ceramic pads. Thanks.
 
RE: Brake Nightmare

What did you replace? If the steering wheel is shaking, that's probably bad rotors. Even if they're brand new, they can be warped. If the steering wheel is shaking, take them back, get your money back, and get better rotors. I suggest the better of the two varieties that NAPA sells.

You can replace the calipers or rotors without changing the pads again. Why do you think the calipers are bad? Did the old brakes wear out very quickly, or did one side wear worse than the other?
 
RE: Brake Nightmare

The rotors on the car are the old ones. I wanted to buy new ones but I cheaped out... So if I buy the new rotors I can re-use the pads?
 
RE: Brake Nightmare

I’m guessing If the Rotors are bad, then most likely the pattern on the Pads is bad as well, and will miss up your new rotors.
 
RE: Brake Nightmare

The rotors on the car are the old ones. I wanted to buy new ones but I cheaped out... So if I buy the new rotors I can re-use the pads?
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Yes, but check the rotors for thickness and runout. If they pass spec's - scuff 'em up w/ scotchbrite pad(s) and run 'em.

Did you pay attention to matching the wheel back to where it was on the hub?
 
RE: Brake Nightmare

I’m guessing If the Rotors are bad, then most likely the pattern on the Pads is bad as well, and will miss up your new rotors.
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But if they're $80 pads with only a few miles on them, i wouldn't worry about it enough to replace them.
 
RE: Brake Nightmare

Are you talking about the yellow lug? Yes I did. The rotors are smooth and look like they are in good shape. Lets say this happens. I want to put new rotors on the front and re-use the ceramic pads I just bought. I might have driven around 300 miles and some of it highway with hard stops. The pads could warp the new rotors and then there is no return - right? I should just go out and buy new front pads again...
 
RE: Brake Nightmare

300 Miles should not change anything in the pads. I say scuff'em just to be sure, and use them again. I thought your pads were used for over 15K+.
 
RE: Brake Nightmare

OK - I am going to buy new rotors this weekend and re-use my existing pads. What do you mean by scuff them and how do I do it? Now lets say there is a problem afterwards, will I damage the rotors or would I be able to buy new pads and solve everything?
 
RE: Brake Nightmare

I would reuse the pads with new rotors as you planned. I have installed new pads only to decide afterwards to change rotors on a couple different occasions on non-Mark autos and had no adverse problems.
I prefer to use 120 or 240 grit sand paper to scuff the pads. Lay the sandpaper on a solid flat surface and hold it stationary. Take the pad and rub it back and forth over the paper. This method will insure you do not create high or low spots. Do it until you see an even scratch pattern on the pad. This should take takes very little effort. My personal opinion is to buy NAPA rotors or OEM. Depending on application, sometimes NAPA has 2 different grades. I always go for the best but the standard rotor should be fine if your budget is tight. I've used both with good results. Very unlikely you will damage the new rotors by using the new barely used pads.
Note: Visual inspection is only one part of verifying a rotor's condition. They can look smooth but still be warped or have run-out as explained above. This needs to be checked with a dial indicator while rotating the rotor on the car or on a machine.
 
RE: Brake Nightmare

For rotors, i suggest you go to NAPA, and buy the higher of the two grades they offer for the SECOND GEN. The second gen rotors are slightly thicker, i believe. I always had rotor problems on my '94, but on my '97, i've worn out the pads before warping the rotor.
 
RE: Brake Nightmare

SMOOTH8 What would the thickness be on the best ones so I wont get the poor quality ones put over on me?
 
RE: Brake Nightmare

Are you talking about the yellow lug? Yes I did.
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Long before I heard of aligning the valve stem with the yellow wheel stud, I knew the importance of replacing the wheel in the same radial position relevant to the hub. Most wheels will leave a distinctive mark or pattern on the hub/rotor. Look at the inside of the wheel and align the wheel accordingly.
 
RE: Brake Nightmare

Well here is some news. Put the new rotors on and re-used the existing pads (ceramic) - not a problem. Took the car up to 90 mph (as many of us already know - that is not a problem) and brought it down quickly without any shaking - totaly happy Mrak VIII owner on this end. Praise the Mark VIII - once again!
 
RE: Brake Nightmare

Well here is some news. Put the new rotors on and re-used the existing pads (ceramic) - not a problem. Took the car up to 90 mph (as many of us already know - that is not a problem) and brought it down quickly without any shaking - totaly happy Mrak VIII owner on this end. Praise the Mark VIII - once again!
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I hope you broke the rotors in before doing that.
 
RE: Brake Nightmare

I tested the brakes a few times and they stopped great. I gues cause the pads were already broken in - then I did a hit it!


Thanks for all the advice - greatly appreciated! That $20 dues keeps on goin!
 
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