I posted this question in the C6 general forum and didn't get any replies so I thought I would try the tech forum. Can anyone answer my question? If I track my car, road course (C6, Z51, A6, 13.5K) do I have to replace the factory brake fluid with high temperature fluid? Would this hold true if the car had say <5K on the clock? I'm told I must do this or risk brake fade or reduced braking power.

 

Do you have to, no. Is it a good idea, yes it is. I always change my fluid with DOT 4 in Sept. Then track the car with the same fluid for a few months with just a bleed at every wheel at each event. If you don't change it and start to notice fade slow down or get off the track. But really for the small cost of doing it why let brake fade spoil your day.

 

If you are doing 1 lap the answer is no, if you are doing an event, then yes you certainly should. A good quality DOT 4 is recommended, look over in the Autocrossing & Roadracing section of the forum for more detailed info.

The difference on the track compared to street driving is that on the track you are using your brakes hard time after time, this causes heat and possible brake fade.

Depending on the event you may also want/need to change your brake pads, I used mine completely up in five 20 minutes sesions at my first HPDE course.

Better safe than sorry!

 

what car used up pads in 20 minutes?! not a c6 z51?

 

Well, he didn't say 20 minutes, but five (5) twenty minute sessions.

 

....I was also told last night that the '05 pads were more durable, but due to complaints of noise the '06 models had a softer (quieter pad) installed at the factory.

 

Thanks for all the good advice. I see some brake bleeding in my future.

 

I agree with the others....while it may not be absolutely necessary, it's a good idea. I changed to Motul 600 fluid. Stainless steel brake lines are also a good idea. Even if you don't change to a more aggressive brake pad(s) right away, it's a good idea to bring extra brake pads with you (or even an old set of brake pads). If you should have a problem you will at least have brake pads to put on the car to drive home.

 

Absolutley. I also see you have the Z51 package. Dont be surprised if your rotors begin to get heat checks. You may want to see if you can pickup a spare set of rotors from NAPA. They are inexpensive and do the trick for track days

 

I tracked my 06 Z51 twice at Road America in Wis. I have 4 days and 102 laps on my OEM rotors/pads/fluid and didn't experience ANY issues. I believe the reason I haven't had any issues with my OEM Z51 rotors cracking etc is I followed the bedding/seasoning procedures Baer recomends with their rotors. I did it when the car had 500 miles and I believe that makes a different in how the Z51 rotors perform when stressed on the track. Many folks take no precautions, drive their car to the track, wail on it and then complain when something fails.

RA is one of the fastest and toughest road courses in America. 4.2 miles, 14 turns and THREE high speed stratights that really work the brakes. I reached speeds in excess of 150 MPH entering turns slowing the car down to 60 MPH or so.


I just changed out the rotors and brake pads and I still had about 30% life left on the pads and the only issue I had with the rotors is how they looked afterwards. Seems the high heat cycles caused the rotors to rust faster, here's a look:

Before:

After


I just installed new DBA high performance slotted rotors and new OEM Z51 pads.


I'll flush/change the OEM DOT 3 brake fluid to some ATE SuperBlue DOT 4 and new HAWK HPS pads before my next visit to Road America in Oct. For me it's all about BRAKE's and being safe.

Tom