I have a new master cylinder, Hawk HD pads, new rotors and flushed the lines. 03X at 8600 lbs. hit the brakes and the pedal is solid but it feels like its never going to stop. Thinking of going to SSBRAKES for help. What's your ideas guys???

 

Ideas to try out:

If you ave a gas engine check the vacuum booster for leaks.

Same concept with the diesel hydraulic systems. Check the boost circuit.

make sure the master cylinder op rod is at the corect length. You may need to adjust it.

Hope you find the issue!

 

I'm not familiar with the boost circuit??? What's that? And how do you check for vacuum leak on the booster??

Thanks, Slug-O

 

Is your a gas or diesel engine?

 

If it is gas, this will explain the system:

Vacuum Brake Booster Problems Operation Diagnosis

 

Well whether you have purchased hawk or someone elses linings you need to ask questions......
1. What is the braking coefficiency (anything less than .49 i would not have), this is the amount of bite the lining has.
2. What is the operational temperature range.....oem is anywhere from ambient to around 900 degrees F; if you are having brake fade in a heavy load (such as towing application, then the operational temp range is too low for you, I would guess maybee max is 1000 degrees)

If the bite is not enough requiring more pedal pressure and the temp range is too low, either of these or the two combined would keep the fade very prevalent.

 

Oooops it's an V10 gas

 

I read that and thanks for the link but that doesn't sound lie the problem as for the last sentence in the link.

 

Ok reading this made my head hurt!!!! All I can say is I called Hawk and told them what I drove and I needed the best they had to stop my beast and I got what they told me to get.

 

You know what... Re reading that info opens an question...When I got the truck I don't remember having bad brakes. But I put an K@N ram air system and am now wondering if that has affected my brakes with the 17-21 vacuum thing???

 

well, probably too generic of info given to Hawk sales or they didn't ask the right follow-on questions....

The questions should have been something like this......

When are you experiencing brake fade
is it when you are towing, going downhill, heavy freeway high speed braking or city diving?
Does ambient temperature make any difference? (ie it doesn't happen when it's 50 degrees outside, but at 100 degrees F, I can really start to see brake fade when I'm in city fraffic and after I step on the brakes the 3rd or 4th time)

The answers to these questions will all give excellent indicators as to when brake fade is occuring and if you need more "bite" (meaning less pedal pressure is required to stop the vehicle & less pressure means lower temps) or a higher operational temp range (meaning the brake linings are not cooling off quickly enough and if the linings are designed to operate in a higher temperature this reduces the chance for brake fade) or a combination of both

 

I know everyone loves the Hawks but I didn't. Switched to EBC and no more fade.

 

I spoke to Hawk and told them my driving style and what I was towing and they recommend the LTS pads vs. the Super Duty pads. I have zero fade and no issues with pedal feel or stopping length. If the SD pads do not have enough bite or stopping force then you have another issue. You may be onto something with the intake - check for vacuum leaks. I'm curious as to what you mean by brake fade. Fade typically means the pads are overheated and no longer offer sufficient braking power due to the heat or outgassing. If you mean the initial bite or pedal feel then you have another issue vs. the parts you chose.

JMatthews - I've heard good things about the various EBC pads but have heard they dust a lot and are hard on rotors. It's all a toss up honestly - these trucks are heavy and will wear out all brake parts quicker than the average vehicle - especially if towing.