I don't know if I'm using the right term here, but I seemed to be having some braking problems during last weekend's Autocross. the brakes are OEM that were replaced about 2 years ago but the car wasn't driven for the last year.

On Saturday we were running on a fairly long, high speed course without too many obstacles. Weather was overcast, 40-50 degrees but dry course. Top speed apx 50mph with heavy braking at each end and total run times ranging 52-62 sec. At the end of each run I could smell a "burning asbestos" smell. I know it's not the clutch because it's only 1 yr old Excedy Organic kit on a fresh flywheel and I left the car in second through the entire course.

On Sunday we had a shorter course (37-42sec) with more obstacles keeping our speeds down. Light sprinkles kept the course damp but not soaked. No burning smell this day, and the first 3 runs went fine, but on the 4th run (not much time between runs) My brakes would not grab until the last second and then they'd just lock up.

Here's the video of the run (right click save as):
run#4

Sorry, the camera position is not really ideal on this run, but it's pretty entertaining (roomate thinks I should sell the footage to Midas for a brake comercial)

I started braking at the same place as my other 3 runs and slowed down just fine on those, so I'm starting to think the brakes themselves are to blame. Any sugestions where to start? Fronts still have plenty of pad left, haven't pulled the rear drums yet.

 

brake fade is VERY uncommon in autocross

it could be possible to have a sticking caliper or piston
(which could cause your brakes to heat up and fade)

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Crazydave &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">brake fade is VERY uncommon in autocross

it could be possible to have a sticking caliper or piston
(which could cause your brakes to heat up and fade)</TD></TR></TABLE>

Agreed, maybe check the E-brake and adjust if neccessary.

 

You have other issues, it's not brake fade.

 

Thanks guys, I didn't think it was fade but I didn't know what to call it. I'll go through the calipers and see what I can find. I'm also planning to flush the fluid (most likely never done on this car since it was new). I doubt the E-brake is to blame, I can rip up on the handle and the car gradually slows down. If anything it's too loose. (or maybe I just have no rear brakes and my fronts are trying to do all the work - yes I'm so lazy that I haven't even pulled the rear drums off to inspect the shoes since I got the car in Feb)

Edit - I just looked at the old receipts that came with the car... Dec '02 - front brakes last serviced... Dec '01 - rear brakes last serviced... Yeah, they're due!!




Modified by thumpu77 at 12:16 AM 4/20/2004

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by thumpu77 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">At the end of each run I could smell a "burning asbestos" smell. </TD></TR></TABLE>

my guess is that what you smelled was just the pads bedding in.

if you dont know the last time the brake fluid was changed, change it before your next event

 

Also dont forget to bleed the brakes.