brake pads or fluid???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 178
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brake pads or fluid???
My 07 C6 has 14k miles and the base brakes. I have notied on a couple of occasions when stopping fairly aggressively from higher speeds (90-120) it feels as if the brakes are letting up a little and then re-grab; similar to how the ABS system would possibly work. I am not slamming on the brakes to activate the ABS, but using more pressure than normal. Anything under 90 or so seems to be fine.
I spoke to a shop local that works on these cars and he has stated that the pads are "gassing" (I believe this is what he said). This gas is unable to be released and is getting between the pad and rotor causing this issue.
I am planning on upgrading to the Z51 package along with new pads (most likely EBC pads). Do you think this will cure the issue or is this a brake fluid issue? I didnt think with 14k miles the fluid would be an issue but not sure.
Thanks in advance.
I spoke to a shop local that works on these cars and he has stated that the pads are "gassing" (I believe this is what he said). This gas is unable to be released and is getting between the pad and rotor causing this issue.
I am planning on upgrading to the Z51 package along with new pads (most likely EBC pads). Do you think this will cure the issue or is this a brake fluid issue? I didnt think with 14k miles the fluid would be an issue but not sure.
Thanks in advance.
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
I'm not exactly sure what's causing what you describe but you can do much to upgrade your OEM brakes (you could inspect/clean your rotors and even have them mic'd but I'll assume they're good). Although it takes a Tech 2 tool to exercise the ABS circuits to completely flush your old brake fluid, for all practical purposes you can change and upgrade brake fluid yourself. I suggest you use Motul 600 brake fluid. There's several DIY articles posted on how to change fluid and bleed your brakes. You could upgrade your pads as well...they're fairly easy to change. Hawk and Performance Friction both make decent, better performing pads. Switching to stainless steel brake lines is also advisable. You could even go to stainless steel caliper pistons.
The Z51 cross-drilled rotors were used solely for looks to give the car a "racier" appearance. IMO you're better off using solid/slotted rotors. There are numerous after market rotors available if you feel the need to upgrade rotors as well.
The Z51 cross-drilled rotors were used solely for looks to give the car a "racier" appearance. IMO you're better off using solid/slotted rotors. There are numerous after market rotors available if you feel the need to upgrade rotors as well.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 6
From: Los Alamitos California
St. Jude Donor '09
Gassing isn't typically a problem with modern pads. I don't buy your local shop's opinion.
I'd look at a couple of things. Are your pads glazed? How do your rotors look? I'm guessing both are fine.
"Upgrading" (if you call it that) to the Z51 rotors will do nothing to improve performance. It is likely you'll reduce performance. Drilled rotors are not the way to go.
I've never used the EBC pads and based on what I've read I think there are better choices out there.
San
I'd look at a couple of things. Are your pads glazed? How do your rotors look? I'm guessing both are fine.
"Upgrading" (if you call it that) to the Z51 rotors will do nothing to improve performance. It is likely you'll reduce performance. Drilled rotors are not the way to go.
I've never used the EBC pads and based on what I've read I think there are better choices out there.
San
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 178
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Thanks for your reply, San. Im not sure if I buy the whole "gassing" thing either, but Im not sure what could be causing the issue. I have looked at the brake fluid, and although it's dark, I wouldnt think the fluid would be bad already being the car has only 14k miles.
Ive looked at the rotors and they seem fine; no noticable damage or grooves. You think changing the pads may cure the issue?
THanks.
Ive looked at the rotors and they seem fine; no noticable damage or grooves. You think changing the pads may cure the issue?
THanks.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 6
From: Los Alamitos California
St. Jude Donor '09
Thanks for your reply, San. Im not sure if I buy the whole "gassing" thing either, but Im not sure what could be causing the issue. I have looked at the brake fluid, and although it's dark, I wouldnt think the fluid would be bad already being the car has only 14k miles.
Ive looked at the rotors and they seem fine; no noticable damage or grooves. You think changing the pads may cure the issue?
THanks.
Ive looked at the rotors and they seem fine; no noticable damage or grooves. You think changing the pads may cure the issue?
THanks.
San
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,492
Likes: 807
From: West coast CA
My 07 C6 has 14k miles and the base brakes. I have notied on a couple of occasions when stopping fairly aggressively from higher speeds (90-120) it feels as if the brakes are letting up a little and then re-grab; similar to how the ABS system would possibly work. I am not slamming on the brakes to activate the ABS, but using more pressure than normal. Anything under 90 or so seems to be fine.
I spoke to a shop local that works on these cars and he has stated that the pads are "gassing" (I believe this is what he said). This gas is unable to be released and is getting between the pad and rotor causing this issue.
I am planning on upgrading to the Z51 package along with new pads (most likely EBC pads). Do you think this will cure the issue or is this a brake fluid issue? I didnt think with 14k miles the fluid would be an issue but not sure.
Thanks in advance.
I spoke to a shop local that works on these cars and he has stated that the pads are "gassing" (I believe this is what he said). This gas is unable to be released and is getting between the pad and rotor causing this issue.
I am planning on upgrading to the Z51 package along with new pads (most likely EBC pads). Do you think this will cure the issue or is this a brake fluid issue? I didnt think with 14k miles the fluid would be an issue but not sure.
Thanks in advance.
Go out and get on the brakes enough to engage ABS. It'll say "ABS ACTIVE" on the DIC. Did whatever you experienced before feel like that? Then it was ABS. The fix: grippier tires, or don't brake so hard.
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 6
From: Los Alamitos California
St. Jude Donor '09
San
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Brakes
I have an 05 C6 with the Z51 package. I have replaced the stock fluid with Castrol SRF synthetic racing fluid. Pads are Carbotech Bobcats. With stock pads and fluid brakes started to go out, overheat, after about 4-5 laps at a track day. With these changes as well as stainless brake lines performance is much better, car will go through a session,20 minutes with no problem. You will need just shy of a quart of the fluid, it is very pricey $80-$90 per qt but worth it, much higher temp than stock or the Wilwood product. The Carbotech pads are the best I have ever used on any car. The Bobcats are a great combo pad, they actually put out less dust than the stock pads and I'm quite happy. Remember to seat them properly-important! I have used EBC pads on a Honda S2000 they were o.k but a lot of dust. If you are going to switch to Z51 brakes I was told that the Hawks are not compatible, check it out first. The next pads will be carbotech XP-8's for the fronts a bump up for track days and not neccessary for street use, but will be better on track.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,843
Likes: 16
From: Howell Michigan
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
It is compatible with DOT 3 and if some of the older fluid lingers it won’t affect the system.
The suggestion of stainless steel brake likes maybe fine for track use or if you are looking for Bling value. As far as braking performance don’t expect any improvement. There are also durability issues with them as well.
Just my humble opinion.!!
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,843
Likes: 16
From: Howell Michigan
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
