ollyshorey

Are subaru brakes really crap, or have I got a problem.

I understand from what I have heard that the clasic shape impreza had naf brakes, but the new shape (bug eye) this was not a problem.

The problem I am having is that the pedal travels far too far for my liking. Also it just doesnt feel positive.

The dealer told me last service that I have heat cracks, but these are minute, so the disks do not need changing urgently. Also my pads were low, but I have now done these myself, but to no avail.

I am now on my second year waranty, so the disks are not convered, also I dont want to spend any money, but I am worried if I take it to the dealer, I will get a big bill. I have only done 12K Miles!

Do all bug eyes have this problem ?

Do I need to bleed the brakes.

Also my mate told me to put some dot 5 through the system. Would this help ??

Please somebody help !!

stockcar

Dot5 is no better than any good quality dot4 (the higher no. does not relate to temp. rating as many would have you believe!!)
i take it the car is 2yr old from your post, should not have any of the problems you suggest - and i'm sorry but ANY kind of heat cracks would have me changing discs........why did the dealer suggest not to, was it under warranty then??
sounds like you need to get a 2nd opinion...........
the 4pot set-up should work without probs., do you do track days with the original pads?? or drive hard on the road??
you could do worse than a proper set of pads (Pagid, Ferodo, etc.), goodridge lines (for improved pedal feel/response) and a flush thro' with quality brake fluid!
alyn - as performance

ollyshorey

Thanks for the advice.

I have not done track days in the car, but do drive it hard on the road. The car is 1 1/2 years old.

The heat crack problem is an interesting one, as I think I would still have the pedal problem !

These liners you mentioned, are they what go between the pad and the pot ? if so how do they help ?

I am a little annoyed as the disks arent covered by waranty !

My Pads are not 1 month old and are Mintex brand.

stockcar

the brake lines (aeroquip) replace the rubber flexible hoses (that go "mushy" with age) that conect the solid lines on the chassis to the brake caliper, once done you will not have to replace in the life of the car - barring damage of course!!..........makes a good improvement on pedal response, having said that at 1 1/2yrs old you should not have this sort of problem, maybe there's some air in the system or the dealer hasn't bled them thro' properly??
do you know which Mintex pads were fitted?? compound can sometimes affect pedal confidence
alyn - as performance

ZIPPY

Olly, i know what you mean with the pedal feel on the MY01 car,i wasnt happy with the travel on the pedal so i installed Ferodo DS2500 pads and had my dealer install DOT 5 fluid in the system and the pedal did firm up and the brakes are so much better than standard.
I have driven 2 cars with standard pads but with DOT 5 fluid and braided lines and there wasnt any difference from the standard setup,go for fluid and pads but dont waste your money on goodridge hoses as they are IMHO of no use unless you are doing major track work.My rally driving dealer also confirmed that in his opinion the hoses are not needed for fast road driving.

Zippy

Godspeed Brakes

iTrader: (259)

The hoses WILL firm up the pedal with a fluid change and I am also a 'rally driver'

ozzy

Yeah, but are you 'good' rally drivers?

ZIPPY

Fair comment Ian, but i've driven 2 cars with them, both MY01 models and the pedal was still cr#p and mine felt better with the uprated pads and fluid.
The sport MY01 the dealer lends me when mines getting something done has a better brake pedal feel, even with 2 pots.

Zippy

Godspeed Brakes

iTrader: (259)

Yes I am a good rally driver

Except when I did this




That white thing hanging out the bottom of the car is my arm... waving at the crowd .. god I'm such a poser



[Edited by Ian Godney - 3/18/2003 4:18:28 PM]

JulesB

Nice one Ian!

Olly, using higher temp pads like the Mintex will cause higher temp discs, hence the cracking. Keep a very close eye on those cracks, I split a disc using mintex pads and lets just say you wouldn't want to be going quickly when it happens.

IMO braided hoses do help the firmness, but all scoobs seem to have a softish pedal (even with Big Brake upgrades). I think its the master cylinder/ servo that is most resposible.

northernmadbugger

Olly I have noticed on mine following the recent mods that the brakes are struggling pads on the front are 1/2 worn rears not touched now on 18k (and you know how I drive!)

No wonder your disks are cracked the way you drive ! and with all the at power aswell - agreed shouldn't go that quick though!

Curious you don't want to spend cash but your after a new vauxhall xxxx was that with the missus cash ?

Catch you later mate¬!