Brake Gurus step inside
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,699
Likes: 2
From: The Black Hole LA
Brake Gurus step inside
Even though this isn't for my vette I figure the subject and info could be used by some people.
I have a full size GMC truck that I need to upgrade the brakes on. Was pulling my new boat this weekend and realized that the stopping power with a load isn't what I want (Yes I have pulled alot of stuff before but this is under par even for that IMO). I am probably needing to change the brake pads pretty soon anyway so what are the best pads (material wise) for stopping power that will work with stock rotors. Also are there anykind of rotors that will help out? Not looking to do an upgrade with aftermarket bigger rotors/calipers.
Thanks.
I have a full size GMC truck that I need to upgrade the brakes on. Was pulling my new boat this weekend and realized that the stopping power with a load isn't what I want (Yes I have pulled alot of stuff before but this is under par even for that IMO). I am probably needing to change the brake pads pretty soon anyway so what are the best pads (material wise) for stopping power that will work with stock rotors. Also are there anykind of rotors that will help out? Not looking to do an upgrade with aftermarket bigger rotors/calipers.
Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
You might look at the Tire Rack website for pads suitable for towing use. A good semi-metallic pad from Hawk, Satisfied or Raybestos should help with towing or heavy loads.
You didn't say how many miles are on the truck, but if the rotors are original and you have a bunch of miles on them, I would consider new stock type rotors, Also do a complete fluid flush and replace with a good qauality fluid.
You didn't say how many miles are on the truck, but if the rotors are original and you have a bunch of miles on them, I would consider new stock type rotors, Also do a complete fluid flush and replace with a good qauality fluid.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,699
Likes: 2
From: The Black Hole LA
Originally Posted by c4cruiser
You might look at the Tire Rack website for pads suitable for towing use. A good semi-metallic pad from Hawk, Satisfied or Raybestos should help with towing or heavy loads.
You didn't say how many miles are on the truck, but if the rotors are original and you have a bunch of miles on them, I would consider new stock type rotors, Also do a complete fluid flush and replace with a good qauality fluid.
You didn't say how many miles are on the truck, but if the rotors are original and you have a bunch of miles on them, I would consider new stock type rotors, Also do a complete fluid flush and replace with a good qauality fluid.
Got 90K miles on it, bought it at 60K miles and dealership didn't really have much history info on it as far as maintenance. Its really clean and appears to have been well taken care of before I got it, most people are surprised to hear it is a '99. I've owned it for almost 3 yrs with no issues.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 0
From: Sebastian Florida
St. Jude Donor '06
Sounds like your rotors are glazed or your master cylinder might be going south or a siezed caliper. What are you pulling, how much does it weigh, does the truck pull when brakes are applied hard?
Take it to a reliable brake shop and have it checked or you can DIY; but it ia a PITA and will take you a good afternoon to do.
If you want to DIY, send me an IM and I will send you directions; I had almost the same problem on a van I had. Turned out I had a bad master cylinder.
Take it to a reliable brake shop and have it checked or you can DIY; but it ia a PITA and will take you a good afternoon to do.
If you want to DIY, send me an IM and I will send you directions; I had almost the same problem on a van I had. Turned out I had a bad master cylinder.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,699
Likes: 2
From: The Black Hole LA
Originally Posted by Randy93
Sounds like your rotors are glazed or your master cylinder might be going south or a siezed caliper. What are you pulling, how much does it weigh, does the truck pull when brakes are applied hard?
Take it to a reliable brake shop and have it checked or you can DIY; but it ia a PITA and will take you a good afternoon to do.
If you want to DIY, send me an IM and I will send you directions; I had almost the same problem on a van I had. Turned out I had a bad master cylinder.
Take it to a reliable brake shop and have it checked or you can DIY; but it ia a PITA and will take you a good afternoon to do.
If you want to DIY, send me an IM and I will send you directions; I had almost the same problem on a van I had. Turned out I had a bad master cylinder.
I do all my own work, on all my cars, so that is not a problem. Its not the mastercylinder, I know what they are like when they go out, had it happen to many times not too. Oh and the truck brakes perfectly straight, even with a load behind it. I'm thinking its the pads and/or rotors that are glazed and was just looking for suggestions on better perfomance parts to replace with.
