Question about brakes...

[texan279]

Let me start by saying I know nothing about brakes or brake install. Hopefully my queation and wording will make sense. A few weeks ago I had my mechanic put on Powerstop Z36 pads and rotors, truck had about 21k miles on it but I am always looking for an excuse to upgrade something. Ever since he put them on, it seems like it takes the truck a much longer distance to stop than before, but when it does stop it "grabs" or stops harder than before. I never broke them in, didnt know I needed to at the time. My question is could the issue be caused by me not braking them in, could I need new or different calipers, or could it be something totally different? Thanks in advance!

 

[OC455]

Breaking them in usually helps to "bed" the pads to the rotors. I followed the manufacturers recommendations for the wear/break in. It's usually 30mph, slow down stop, cool down, 30mph, slow down stop, cool down....repeat.

This process was done when I changed the brakes on my Charger (cross drilled/slotted rotors & new pads). Everything is good with them still. I would eat pads and rotors on my Charger with a short lifespan for them. This set of rotors & pads have lasted longer than the others I have tried.

 

[RedSRT4Me]

Let me start by saying I know nothing about brakes or brake install. Hopefully my queation and wording will make sense. A few weeks ago I had my mechanic put on Powerstop Z36 pads and rotors, truck had about 21k miles on it but I am always looking for an excuse to upgrade something. Ever since he put them on, it seems like it takes the truck a much longer distance to stop than before, but when it does stop it "grabs" or stops harder than before. I never broke them in, didnt know I needed to at the time. My question is could the issue be caused by me not braking them in, could I need new or different calipers, or could it be something totally different? Thanks in advance!

Bleed the system. Air can get in the line over time. Getting the air out lets in only fluid which is what causes the caliper to collapse squeezing the brake pads onto the rotor.

 

[TatertotScott]

Some friction compounds need to heat up to be most effective.

This would be consistent with your feeling more bite as they heat up through a stop cycle.

If you can lock up, or activate your ABS, there is no loss in your peak braking, but in brake feel you may see a difference...

Once you have enough brakes to lock up/activate ABS, your tires are the limiting factor....if you can do it with a heavy load and/or multiple times, your brakes are doing great.

Friction material temperature range, cooling efficiency/effectiveness, swept area....

These are the largest contributors to brake effectiveness.

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