Poor Braking Quality Question

[BosnianLanos]

Ever since I installed my new pads/rotors on my Lanos and my uncle installed new pads on his Protege, we've noticed that both cars' braking quality has dropped. His significantly, mine is not very bad, but not the legendary Daewoo braking my car was famous for. Initially we thought it had something to do with our brake fluid all leaking out and potential air in the system, but after many times bleeding the brakes on both cars, no air came out. This morning, we took the pads off of my uncles car and found that the pads were super, super glossy and smooth, almost like chromed metal. I guessed that because the pads were so smooth, it could be that they can't get a good grip on the rotors and won't get good initial bite, but work later. When I asked what pads he had on his car, he told me Bendix, which is the same brand I had on my Lanos. The pads do seem to have high metal content which might cause it to gloss it over and have bad bite. I mean, both cars started having problems after the certain Bendix pads were installed. Could they be the culprit? Does anyone have any info on Bendix brake pads and their quality?

[richardmatalon]

did u resurface teh rotors before installing the pads??? Bendix pads are good, they are I think out of europe. But if they are semi metalic, u need to refurface the rotors,

[BosnianLanos]

On the box, it said "Made in USA". I also remember Bendix as having really good pads from way back when I still lived in Europe, but maybe quality has gone down?

Resurfacing rotors isn't mandatory. It is recommended, but you don't "really" need to do it, besides, I put on brand new Brembo Rotors. It isn't our first time changing the brakes, I've done at least 20 brake changes on various cars, but mainly, I put on factory pads and never had a problem. We went on a limb this time and I guess it didn't turn out so good.

[GsiTurbo]

Well, the rule of thumb is to resurface rotors EVERY time brakes are replaced. This will allow for proper bedding, and brake-in.

THe high-gloss like apperance can be caused by the following:

- high-speed glazing
- pads contamination
- improper break-in

[MMamdouh]

i would cut the guessing and try a different set of pads for a test drive... remeber ABS cars are a bit tricky when beeing bled.

also i take off my pads every some 5,000 kms and gently scrub its surface with snad paper to remove the embedded dust and get rid of the slick surface... akes a while to bed but then bits as new pads.

MMamdouh

[UK_REZ_ESSEXRACERS.COM]

brakes are a funny thing, i have used APEX pads and discs, very good value for money...maybe try another set, and rought them up well, or use brake cleaner, its there for a reason, and its a small price to pay for decent braking. failing that, get a set of stock pads or even ebc or equivilant...remember, no matter how fast you go, you always need good brakes, makes the difference bettween life or death...SHOULD BE YOUR MAIN PRORITY.