88 CS 5k Brake upgrade

[Brett Goetz]

Based on all of the input I received, I'm going to stick with the stock
rear setup and do a complete overhaul on the system.  I haven't replaced
the brake fluid since I had the master cylinder replaced three years
ago.  I'll also rebuild the calipers, replace the lines and check the
brake  proportioning valve.  I also plan to check and relube the guide
pins.  What I would like now is your input about compounds and brands
for the pads both front and rear.  At this time, I'm using the house
brand of semi-metallic pads from Auto Zone.
Thanks Again,
Brett






When was the last time you checked and relubed the guide pins?  Clean
them completely, look for bent pins or notches.  Rotors are within wear
spec, and not glazed over, or wearing unevenly inside vs. outside edge?
  Have you removed the pistons, cleaned up the bore and piston(I
discovered some odd stuff built up one time, like cooked
paste/grease...alcohol did a decent job), and reassembled lubed with
brake fluid?  Check the boots while you're there, replace any that look
like they might split.

Are you sure the proportioning valve is working?  One dead giveaway on
this one is no brake dust, period, on the rear wheels, and a stuck valve
is semi-obvious(driver's side, look for a spring off the rear suspension
to a valve.)  Proper adjustment procedure is in the Bentley, involves
using a specific size drill bit to space the spring properly on the tip
of the lever.


I would think an upgrade of the rear disc would not increase your stopping
power as much as doing something to the front.  The fronts do the majority
of the stopping.  What setup do you have up front?

You can change to ATE slotted disk, which is what I have on both of my 10v
Type 44's.  The benefits of this upgrade are debatable, with the claim
being that the slots provide channels for hot gases and water to escape
without the cracking problems of cross-drilled rotors.  The ATE slotted
discs costs similar to the stock ones and are available from many
suppliers such as Adirondack Auto Brokers.  I have them and I have no
complaints.

Have you tried different compounds for your brake pads?  Brake pads are a
compromise between stopping power, dust, wear rate, and noise.  Many
listers have favorite pads that they would recommend.  I would investigate
options for changing front and rear brake pads if I were you.

Have you pressure-bled the brake system recently using an appropriate
high-quality brake fluid?  I always like to know my system is working as
intended before I decide to upgrade anything.

If you do decide to change the rear brakes, I would love to know if it
actually improves anything.  There are probably other listers who have
done this upgrade.

IMO, working on the front brakes is a more important place to focus

______________________________________________________________________
This email transmission and any documents, files or previous email
messages attached to it may contain information that is confidential or
legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient or a person
responsible for delivering this transmission to the intended recipient,
you are hereby notified that you must not read this transmission and
that any disclosure, copying, printing, distribution or use of this
transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
transmission in error, please immediately notify the sender by telephone
or return email and delete the original transmission and its attachments
without reading or saving in any manner.