[Desertcat]

Hi guys,
I put the brake system to a good test last weekend. When driving down a few really steep grades, getting the brakes very warm I encountered a no pedal problem. When I would apply the brakes the pedal would go to the floor. I would hit the pedal a second time I might get 1/2 or 3/4 pedal, but with a hard pedal I could ride the brakes without any pedal fade. This would only happen when the brakes would get hot. Normal braking when they were cool. I did notice that the brake res cap indicates DOT 3 and the 2007 service manual calls for DOT 4. Any ideas? I am thinking, I was reaching the fluid boiling point. I am going to flush out the system with DOT 4 synthic.

 

[Desertcat]

So I take it no one else is having any brake problems?

 

[ArizonaProwler]

I havn't had that problem. Looks like your running some extra weight?
Let us know if the DOT 4 makes a difference.

 

[Desertcat]

I am flushing the system this weekend in preporation for a Crown King trip the following. I will get back with you on the DOT 4 change.

 

[warlock]

I threw the park brake in the garbage can. My friend prowler blew the rear brake caliper seal once climbing a hill in the cinders and had the pleasure of coming down hill backwards with no brakes.. He said that was nerve wracking.

 

[1 Phat Cat]

What you are describing is probably caused by bad brake fluid. When I say bad I mean you probably overheated the brakes to the point of boiling your brake fluid.. (like you were thinking) Once you boil the brake fluid you get moisture in the system and the only way you will get rid of it is to do exactly what you are thinking, flush the brake fluid!

FYI, this is true of your truck also.. If you are experiencing brake fade or pedal pressure problems, DO THIS!!! You will not be sorry.. If you can't do it yourself, pay someone to do it, It will be the best money you ever spend.

And as for what Warlock said about tossing your e-brake, I couldn't agree more! To make it work decent at all, you have to re-clock the arm or adjust it till you have a slight bit of drag..

I tossed mine and installed a "park-lok"
Pro's - It works awesome, Put your foot on the brakes, hit the park-lok and your vehicle WILL actually hold..

Con's - It works via hydraulics, so if you had a fluid leak and your brakes fail, so will it. But hey that POS stocker e-brake isn't going to save you anyway!

Hang tight and you will be able to buy the rear disc brake set-up from a XTZ (4 wheel disc) and believe me it works WAAAY better!

 

[sandchris]

Park lock on mine too.Works perfect and no drag from reclocking.

 

[Desertcat]

please tell me more about the park lock!!

 

[1 Phat Cat]

It gets plumbed in line with your brakes.
Brake line goes from master (rear brake feed) to park-lok out of park-lok to a tee, then to my rear brakes..
Simple and very effective..
Hit your brakes, push the park-lok let off the brake pedal and your rear brakes are applied.
Push on the brake pedal again and it releases the park-lok..

 

[sandchris]

You can even mount it the parking brake release hole if you like.I got a front caliper and replaced the e brake rear caliper with a front one.That was after i smoked the rear brakes,rotor pads and probably caliper from the e brake left on for way to long.OOPS
Hey desert cat Let me know where you want that copy sent.

 

[Desertcat]

Ok I will send you a private message

 

[Desertcat]

Does someone make this brake lock kit?

 

[sandchris]

You can get them at buggy supply places,Empi makes one.About 20-30 dollars.And you can make the lines yourself or have them made up.I think Foddrills will have everything you need to make the brake lines up.Karls sells the park locks.Cheaper to buy them online though.

 

[Desertcat]

Ok guys I understand the concept on how it works now. Did you guys buy a kit?

 

[sandchris]

No kit that i know of.Really simple to do.

 

[1 Phat Cat]

Here is the one I used:
CB Performance - Online Catalog

 

[Desertcat]

Thanks for the info guys. Sounds like a better parking brake. No more brake shoe draging. So are you guys happy you made this change?

 

[Desertcat]

Ok guys, I wanted to get back to you about my brakes. I flushed my system out with new Dot 3-4 synthetic brake fluid. Took her out and drove on an 80 mile trip without any problems. Fully loaded with family and cooler never did the brakes get hot and cause me to loose pedal.

 

[1 Phat Cat]

Sweet... I'll bet the pedal felt solid also...

 

[Desertcat]

It worked very well. I am happy so far.