Hi all,

I have not been happy with the brakes from Day 1 on my 07 expy and I have some other issues now that the dealership is addressing (could be abs module needs replacement). Anyhow, I'll be paying for them to flush, bleed, etc. so figured I might want to go with a big brake kit at the same time. However, I can't seem to find one anywhere?

Anyone ever upgraded their brakes?

Thanks,

Russell

 

I guess the real question is why do you think you need to upgrade or what is/are the issues you are having. In most cases, unless you are involved in racing conditions, the oem systems are very capable and simply require a different (better) friction lining.

 

The brakes have always had a spongy feel since new requiring 2/3 or more pedal travel to grip. They just don't feel very good. I've driven other SUVs like the escalade, armada, etc and they all felt better.

I have replaced the stock rotors with Brembo blanks and with powerslot rotors. I have also used hawk pads and EBC pads with no change in the feel.

Of course I can get the stock system to lock up and engage the abs eventually, but it takes me a ton of force to do it. Not sure my wife could manage it.

We also like to pull a boat or travel trailer which are both small enough that they don't require trailer brakes but big enough that they make an impact on the braking system.

 

Sounds like the master brake cylinder, and/or abs module is a potential issue.....could be brake line obstruction as well.

 

Dealership has diagnosed a faulty hydraulic control unit. Lucky me, I get to pay a $1,000 to replace it. If they're going to be in there doing work, might as well upgrade the rotors and calipers.......any suggestions?

 

Calipers are fully cable and no requirement to replace. With regards to rotors..for street use and general towing, etc., slotted/drilled rotors are just “cheese-graters” for the brake pads IMHO, because unless you are involved in true racing conditions, the brake linings do not produce the gases which slotted/drilled rotors are designed to relive. In some cases, brake testing indicated reduce brake efficiency in street-based operations using slotted/drilled rotors when equal comparisons were made. Heck, even fire department aerial trucks which weigh in at 33 tons or better, do not use slotted/drilled rotors.

With regards to aftermarket rotor, if you are experiencing warping ro similar issues, OEM replacement rotors that are cryogenically treated at Diversified Cryogenics, making them almost as hard as stainless steel. Unfortunately, Brembo, Powerslot, Raybestos, Bendix, Hawk etc. are all purchasing their rotors from the same foundary in China (with the exception of the $300 each composite high end units for Ferrari, Porsche, etc).

They purchase the highest grade rotors made, laser mic them for quality, scrap the ones that are out of spec and cryogenically treat the good ones which are now as strong as stainless. DC's service, price and quality are excellent as well.

 

I will have to take a look at DC next time I replace the rotors. The hawk pads should be good though. I also just got the phone call that the replacement is $1600 . Apparently there are two versions of the HCU for my truck and of course mine is the more expensive one.