MechEng

Hello,

I have a 92 Accord EX-R, my mom was the original owner and it only has 220,000 km (136,000 miles). I just changed the front brake rotors and pads, (what a pain in the ***!) because the rotors were warped but the braking performance still seems lackluster.
The rear pads and rotors were done not too long ago and are in good shape. All the pins are lubricated and not seized.

How can I improve the braking? The fluid was flushed with Honda Fluid. The Master Cylinder is original as are the calipers. Does the Master Cylinder get lazy? Or calipers?
The pedal is firm. Or were these cars just not good for stopping distance?

Please advise on your thoughts, thanks.

dahubby

May take a little to break the new pads in. Give it some time, especially if the pedal is firm...

MAD_MIKE

To properly bed in the pads;

Find an empty stretch of highway, less traveled, or go during low/no commute.
Do ten consecutive slow downs. From 65-10MPH, do not stop and do not engage ABS(if equipped). Accelerate again, nothing aggressive, just a normal acceleration up to speed, verify there is no traffic behind/around you and slow down again.The slow down should be somewhat aggressive, like when getting off at a short offramp.
You want to induce heat to bake off any manufactureing residue, bed pad material onto the rotor, and to seat the pad to rotor for proper interface.

While bedding in the pads DO NOT STOP. After you have done the 10 consecutive slow downs, drive around for 15-20mins without stopping to cool down the rotors and pads. Your brakes should now be bed in.


As for improving braking the best way would be to use a grippier tire. If you roll on bricks it doesn't matter how many pistons/calipers/rotor diameter etc is on the car, a tire that cannot maintain traction cannot stop the car.

MechEng

I should clarify, I changed the brakes 2 months ago so I think they are 'broken in'.

Any comments on the master cylinder, would a new master cylinder help with braking or is it either they work or don't. The pedal feels fine.

ej7attack

if the pedal if fine and you wish for better braking power, upgrade your brake components along with, like stated above, better tires.

MAD_MIKE

Unless you have properly bedded in the pads, they are not 'broken in'. You will still need to induce heat into the pads and rotors to lay down an even transfer layer to provide maximum grip from the brakes. Pads that are not properly bedded in may also cause excessive wear of the rotors by machining the rotors down and use clamp force rather than friction to stop the car. You cannot over bed in pads, but you can not fully bed them in which will decrease braking effiecny and increase braking distances. There will be no change in pedal feel.

MC is sized for a given systems volume. Changing the bore size will only do one of two things;
Decreased bore size will reduce pedal effort, increase system pressure, but will require a longer stroke of the pedal. You will have to be careful when braking as the easier pedal will allow easier lockup of the brakes. Which will decrease braking efficiency.
Increased bore size will increase pedal effort, decrease system pressure, and will make the pedal hard and short. You will not be able to stop the car as easily and will increase braking distances.

MechEng

Logical advice, it all comes down to hydraulics which I knew in the back of my head.

Sounds like I need to break-in the pads, thanks!

10thcb7

just wondering if you know the proper way to bleed a hondas brake system