2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Front brakes problem - poor stopping power

[JC Buck]

I have a 98 with abs and rear axle proportioning valve (rod depresses with weight and increases rear breaking power). I have new rear drums and pads, new fluid, new pads up front and front rotors in good shape.



The truck stops fine under normal braking conditions but when I have to stop quickly, there is a certain point when breaking power goes from okay, to not-so-good, to dangerous.



All this happens at the point at which the rear tires can no longer provide any additional stopping power so I clearly have an issue with the front brakes. Rear tires lock up easily under hard breaking, and the rear abs seams to kick in fine- but the rear end is not going to stop the truck under hard braking.



Has anyone had a similar problem? Suggestions on how to diagnose this problem would be excellent. Thanks

 

[Seane1987]

How long have you driven the driven the truck? If you put new pads on the front and reused the rotors, you need to do a few hard stops to break the pads into the old rotors. It will feel like the front brakes are not even there if you haven't done this.

 

[JC Buck]

The new front pads have been on for almost 1,000 miles and I've done quite a few hard stops. I noticed little to no improvement in breaking power since installing the pads.



I can say that the front brakes are doing something because the front rotors are hot after driving around town.

 

[jwinnie]

JC, I feel your pain. The third line in you post sounds like textbook brake fade. Something you don't want to experience with the family loaded up and camper in tow.

What brand pads are you using? (cheaper pads will be more prone to brake fade)



After a lot of research on brake upgrades I settled on the EBC "yellow stuff" race compound pads.



Even with stock rotors, the difference is astonishing. They advertise a 20% increase in stopping power and "fade free". I believe it.



The downside is they are very expensive and create a lot of brake dust. I can live with that though since the other option I was looking at was 3rd gen brakes and I could not afford new 17" wheels and tires right now.



There might be nothing wrong with your brakes. It's just during aggressive stops, your cooking them.



Best of luck,

 

[DSpringstead]

JC, I own a '97 with an automatic. Now knowing this I don't have compression to slow down & the fronts take the brunt of the work. So I replaced the rotors with Pro-performance slotted rotors & NAPA's 3rd gen "Adaptive one" ceramic pads. Coming over Stevens Pass with my trailer going westbound which is the steepest side never once have I had brake fade. They don't over heat... . nothing. I love 'em. A bit spendy tho but you can steer it, make it go, but you have to be able to stop it also.

 

[Missouri Mule]

JC Buck, it seems to me if rear brakes are locking up (skidding) your abs is not working. With my Mule (rwal) the rear brakes never locked up (skidded) the front would on the few occasions the rwal was activated.



Are your fronts fading? FSM states brake drag can cause that. Mite check the caliper pistons they are know to get sticky.