trouse40

iTrader: (3)

at the track i first noticed it but now any time i brake hard the brakes get real soft and go down alot, further than normal, and they feel soft, i bought the car about 1 month ago, do i need to bleed them? if so how?

VIP1

Bleed the system and replace the brake fluid with something better.

Here is some reading:
The Brake FAQ (check out the "white papers"):
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/353903-brake-faq.html

Some more brake tech:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/211436-how-about-some-hard-core-brake-tech.html

Brake Fluid Bleeding/flushing Procedure:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/464372-brake-fluid-flush.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/445910-bleeding-brakes-there-any-good-write-ups-articles-procedure.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/358815-what-best-way-flush-system.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/382873-brake-fluid-change.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/251569-how-w-pics-bleeding-earl-s-solobleed-bleeders.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/250972-bleeding-earl-s-solobleeders.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/149144-how-much-brake-fluid-complete-flush.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/90248-brake-bleeding-hose.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/55505-bleeding-brakes.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/55089-how-correctly-bleed-brakes-castrol-srf.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/54593-how-bleed-brakes.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/53475-flushing-out-old-brake-fluid-need-help.html

Threads about brake fade:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/423980-what-problem-my-brakes.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/397506-brake-fade.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/355050-how-can-i-reduce-brake-fade.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/321744-scary-brake-problems.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/103381-why-doesnt-my-car-stop.html

Threads about fluid:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/205587-brake-fluid-so-many-but-one.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/533355-brakes-die-after-driving-bit.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/521894-brake-fluid-s.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/494621-dot-4-brake-fluid-question.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/442555-brake-fluid.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/433152-what-brake-fluid-dot-3-4-5-a.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/385498-good-brake-fluid.html
(Also check out the "white papers")

BTW, many on here recommend ATE Super Blue (or something of similar or better capabilities) for the fluid.

DONAIMIAN

iTrader: (18)

Well damn

VIP1

trouse40,

Did any of that help?
Did you flush/bleed the system with new/better fluid?
How are the brakes now?

VIP1

Why?
Many on here say to leave the stock hoses and get better fluid (ex: ATE Super Blue which is DOT 4). It seems that the jury is out on whether or not the improved feel is from the braided lines (since the stock hoses arent just cheap rubber, they do have an inner braid -- i havent seen it, just what i have read) or if its the fluid change and bleed that happens when they are installed.

VIP1

Rubber does expand/contract with hot/cold, but if the stock ones do have an inner braid (do they? can someone show pics of cut hose?), then switching to braided hose is a moot point.

Besides, my question was more pointed at why not use a higher grade fluid?

VIP1

Correct!
DOT 5 is Silicone based and not compatible with other fluids. It also has some undisirable qualities. There is more information in the "white papers".

It is often recommended to change brake fluid every 2 years for optimal performance (more often if racing).

trouse40

iTrader: (3)

thanks everyone, i havent done anything yet but im buy some better fluid and goin to bleed them as soon as i get a chance, the car already has braided lines. when racing how offten should you change the fluid?

VIP1

At least once a season. Some replace it more often. Maybe some of the autox and roadrace guys can chime in.

Foxxtron

iTrader: (1)

I would like to mention that also DOT 5.1 is compatible with DOT 3 and DOT 4. As usual, do not fill with DOT 5 under any circumstances.