GEN 1 Power Stop Brakes + brake flush

[NOLA]

I totally agree with that !…In the morning, the first two stop signs feel weird, then they feel normal after. They do need to get "warmed up" first.

NOLA

 

[F150Feste]

I totally agree with that !…In the morning, the first two stop signs feel weird, then they feel normal after. They do need to get "warmed up" first.

NOLA

Bringing this thread alive again as I just installed the Powestop Z36 pads and rotors and not entirely thrilled at the cold stopping nature driving out of my driveway with these on, they seem to barely hold the truck with the transmission force fighting them, light-med pedal push. I'm hoping they will progressively get better as they wear/break in though. Any longer term updates with anyone running these for at least 1000 miles or so? I'll work on brake bleeding next and then try stainless lines if the bleed process doesn't help enough.

 

[TheDude]

Bringing this thread alive again as I just installed the Powestop Z36 pads and rotors and not entirely thrilled at the cold stopping nature driving out of my driveway with these on, they seem to barely hold the truck with the transmission force fighting them, light-med pedal push. I'm hoping they will progressively get better as they wear/break in though. Any longer term updates with anyone running these for at least 1000 miles or so? I'll work on brake bleeding next and then try stainless lines if the bleed process doesn't help enough.

Mine aren't that bad. Did you bed them in properly? What is the ambient air temperature that gives this result? Here in FL we get some cold days (mid teens) and I've never felt like the car wanted to creep on me with firm pressure.

 

[F150Feste]

Mine aren't that bad. Did you bed them in properly? What is the ambient air temperature that gives this result? Here in FL we get some cold days (mid teens) and I've never felt like the car wanted to creep on me with firm pressure.

To answer your first question yes on the fronts, as I did those last week and just did the rears on Sunday morning. So it's iffy on how well the rears broke in during my procedure as the fronts did most of the work it seems. It was actually a little warmer this morning, close to 55 degrees. They are spongier than my stockers were, but that can be expected going from a high metal pad to a ceramic/fiber pad with a lot of pad to it vs 2/3 worn pads. I'll hit the brakes a little harder on the way home when they warm up a bit and see if that helps.

 

[Chris@FreedomMotorsports]

Did you fully flush the brake fluid? If not, that is where a firm pedal comes from when cold. If your fluid has any color or smell to it at all then it isn't doing it's job properly. I highly recommend fully flushing your brake fluid at LEAST once a year, preferrably before winter to avoid frozen lines

 

[F150Feste]

Did you fully flush the brake fluid? If not, that is where a firm pedal comes from when cold. If your fluid has any color or smell to it at all then it isn't doing it's job properly. I highly recommend fully flushing your brake fluid at LEAST once a year, preferrably before winter to avoid frozen lines

To answer your question, no, I cheated and used a baster (automotive type) to purge most of the old out and then put new in. I probably need to flush and bleed the brake lines a little next. I typically swap out all of my fluids on regular intervals as it prevents a lot of premature wear on parts.

 

[Chris@FreedomMotorsports]

To answer your question, no, I cheated and used a baster (automotive type) to purge most of the old out and then put new in. I probably need to flush and bleed the brake lines a little next. I typically swap out all of my fluids on regular intervals as it prevents a lot of premature wear on parts.

That is probably the issue. A full flush should help that. Or at least bleeding them well since you change your fluids often already.

 

[Geo_Tactical]

I have noticed a performance drop in cold weather with these as well. They definitely prefer to be warm.

 

[F150Feste]

The additional break in time has helped, but with that much ceramic/carbon built in the pads they will stop on a dime when it's warm, but just don't grab that well until they do get warmed up I've noticed. The initial real spongy feeling has mostly gone away though as I put about 200 miles on them on a short trip and it's getting warmer down here already. Will still be flushing/bleeding them to get rid of the small amount of play I have before they grip and bite.

Quote taken from a website: A common complaint is that there’s less braking feel during the first part of pedal travel – especially when cold. One reason for this is that the optimal operating temperature of the carbon materials is much higher than those found in normal brakes. Once the brakes heat up, under serious track use, then they feel more “normal.”

 

[TheDude]

I did some high-speed, oh-dark-thirty power line road running after we got all of that rain and thunderstorm activity and these had zero problems getting me stopped quickly. I had driven 30 miles prior so they were definitely warmed up.