Brakes suck..Requesting ideas on options??

[RamblinMan]

So Ive come to realize my brakes are horrible hince thats why i can never stop in time and tend to run into things. (next mod being a brush guard) but I mean I have the stock pads and rotors up front so thats obviously my problem.. Any one know of any tried and trusted rotors/pads (possibly slotted) out there that make for a good combination.

[rayz71]

Have you checked the pads up front? Check the brake fluid?
Because I have never had an issue with stopping, I have deer run out in front of me too often going to our property in the mountains and can stop no problem.
Never heard of any issues with the brakes, that is why I ask if you have had them (and rotors) checked.
And not to be a dick but might be your driving style?
My friend thinks it's fine to ride everyones ass and stop at the last second.

[xscott71x]

Lots of places do free brake inspections. I would DEFINITELY get them checked.

[Aquivarious]

On our trucks I wouldnt think you would need High Perf. Brakes and rotors, its not like we 0-60 in 6 seconds...

[captainrab]

Talk to Jeramy 1BADI5, he is the resident brake sultan....I followed his advise and am very please with the results. Do a search on his posts along with brakes as he has a thread on the issues. I did power slots and high performance pads on the front which made a hella difference.

[RamblinMan]

Yeah Im thinking i'm gonna change the rotors here in a few months. I changed the pads around last summer but I noticed to that they are very soft but the fluid level is fine. Maybe I should check out the rears too, I dont pay them too much attention. I was just looking around to see when I do change them if I should opp for something else. My driving isnt the greatest I guess from time to time lol I tend to feel like Im in the craftsman truck series every now and then. But thanks for the tips Illl hit up 1BADI5 and see what hes got to say.

[1BADI5]

Haha, no fear fuckin Jeremy here...............

So first off, year, milage, number of owners and suspension((2wd/4wd)Zq8, Z85 or Z71)

I should be able to assist you here no problem!

[jeremie]

try driving slower?

[1BADI5]

Still waiting on the base line information to provide my insight and guidance!

I will be on for like the next 18 hours on and off! Lemme know or shoot me a PM once you back online!

[k-900]

Tires make a difference, Ive been sulking about my brakes since I had the truck, and, last week I had some michelin pilot sports put on all 4 corners. HUGE difference in braking!

[lkout4trucks]

1. get your brakes checked
2. stop driving crazy or up peoples asses lol
3. search the forums more...no im not being a douche, thats what its there for. theres TONS of info on brakes now.
4. IF your brakes are shot... powerslot rotors and good performance pads (i chose hawks and love them) are an excellent upgrade and make a very big difference over stock.

[1BADI5]

I'm thinking that his rear brakes are shot!

Tires have nothing to do with your brakes if they are gone or have not been maintained. Tires will be more notable in handling and traction then braking anyday of the week!

[throwinsparksatu]

tires do make a difference i jus put nitto 555 on stops way better i cant break traction yet and have been zippin round turns, however i always thought the brakes sucked in these things eventually im upgrading

[throwinsparksatu]

1badi5 i agree but my stock tires would kick abs in like crazy and ruin stoppin power

[1BADI5]

Originally Posted by throwinsparksatu

tires do make a difference i jus put nitto 555 on stops way better i cant break traction yet and have been zippin round turns, however i always thought the brakes sucked in these things eventually im upgrading

Originally Posted by throwinsparksatu

1badi5 i agree but my stock tires would kick abs in like crazy and ruin stoppin power

But the key word in those statements is traction, that has nothing to do with braking!

Driving is a simple equation that is broken down as such!

1. Acceleration
2. Braking
3. Steering
4. handling

When driving the equation equals 100% at all given time. The equation can comprise of all four or any combination of the four; in some cases the there can be a 0 in one of those catagories!

The Army has paid me to go to a hand full of driving schools for the nature of my work. If you better understand how all system(catagories) work together, you will understand this. All are equally important, but its all in the application of each that makes them effective!

EDIT: some schools will refer to steering and handling as the same.

[throwinsparksatu]

what is the options to upgrade the rears if any other that custom one off disks

[1BADI5]

Really there is no upgrade for the rear! New drums and shoes!

NOW, you can go with the SSBC rear disc converstion, BUT it requires you to go with the Big brake conversion up front.....comes down to issues with the ABS/proportioning valve! For parts alone for the front and rear you are looking at about 3k not including shipping!

The labor is awhole nother animal, bc you have to open up the rear diff, pull the c clips to remove the axles and remove the factory backing plates for the drum brakes! This job/task is not for the light at heart or ill equipped DIY backyard shadetree guys....but doable if you have the knowledge and tools!

[RamblinMan]

Sorry for the late response..Ok its a 2005 4wd z71 and Im the second owner of it with 88 thousand on it.

[1BADI5]

Well more then likely your rear shoes are either shot or on their way out the door!

Best bet is to pull your rear wheels off, drums and inspect. If you catch them in time you might be able to salvage the drums. But I got new replacements for $29 ea at AutoZone.

Where you have a Z71 I would recommend either going with the EBC yellow or greenstuff pads; vast improvement over the factory pads!

Check that out and we can go from there! But don't drag ass on it; mine rear brakes went from squealing to griding in a matter of days!

[FMRJPR]

Originally Posted by 1BADI5

I'm thinking that his rear brakes are shot!

Tires have nothing to do with your brakes if they are gone or have not been maintained. Tires will be more notable in handling and traction then braking anyday of the week!

Tires are the final link in the braking equation. Put a half bald set of dimestore specials up against a set of Pilot sport alpins or for that matter a good set of BFG All Terrains on a vehicle with a properly functioning brake system, there will be a difference. Tire manufacturers spend millions on design features, rubber type to help improve this. Hence on of the reasons for winter only tires, that help reduce stopping distance.
I am sure the context of this was meant to say tires have no effect on the mechanical brake system, however they are an intregal part of the whole braking system. Much the way as the master cylinder and other related hardware.