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are smooth stops possible?

Old Dec 27, 2001 | 12:42 PM
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are smooth stops possible?

With my old rotors and brake pads (OEM), it was difficult (almost impossible) to drive to a smooth stop. When I press the brake pedal, I feel the car slowing down, and a second or two before the stop, the car sometimes creates some kind of lag, and then it'll come to a stop after that.

I got new blank rotors and poterfields installed...and I have to admit it's a little better. But I still have the same problem as above.

AND!! the other problem is during the split second when the car stops (and the car kind of "tips to rest") and when I let go of the brake pedal, it's a little creaky. What I mean by that is I can kind of hear/feel the pads rub on the rotors. I'm not sure how else to explain it. BUT...on with the others cars that my family has, and every other car I've driven, it's always been a soft (but firm) stop, and a good feeling when the brake pedal is released.

help please?
Old Dec 27, 2001 | 12:45 PM
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when was the last time you bleed your brakes?
Old Dec 27, 2001 | 01:34 PM
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I bled them when I got the rotors and pads replaced. There were also bled just a few months before that, by the Nissan dealer.

Here's more detail:

This feeling of the brakes being "creaky" is VERY apparent after I wash my wheels really well (since a lot of water gets in the rotor area). Could something need lubrication?
Old Dec 27, 2001 | 01:45 PM
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Get different brake pads...
Old Dec 27, 2001 | 01:48 PM
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maybe the rubber boots around your calipers are worn.. and thats causing the problem.. sounds like it might be a caliper issue if you have brand new rotors and pads and you bleed the brakes recently.. if the calipers aren't performing up to par.. then you might experience this problem.. have them checked.. or check them yourself
Old Dec 27, 2001 | 01:48 PM
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I already stated that it's not the brake pads or the rotors.
Old Dec 27, 2001 | 01:50 PM
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Originally posted by Turd Ferguson
I already stated that it's not the brake pads or the rotors.
check my last post.. ignore that other useless comment..
Old Dec 30, 2001 | 02:52 PM
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okay Sprint, thanks for the suggestion.

Could anyone help me on what to look for? Just the rubber components?

Hopefully, someone who's experience the same problems as me will read this. Thanks.

Another added detail: When the car comes to a full stop....in all other cars I've been in, it's as it the stop falls onto a soft, rubber cushion, while my car kinda just drops to a stop.

Anyone relate?
Old Dec 30, 2001 | 07:47 PM
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Have you ever changed your brake fluid? Assuming you have rubber brake lines, what is the condition of them?
Old Dec 30, 2001 | 08:55 PM
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The brake lines are fine. The brake fluid has been change twice in the past 6 months.
Old Jan 2, 2002 | 02:11 AM
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Okay I just want to repost what the simple problem is...

I don't get smooth stops...sometimes there is a lag right before the stop, and sometimes there's not. Nonetheless, I still have a pretty harsh stop. When I say harsh, I mean it isn't "cushiony" when the car stops to a rest.

Anyone know what I mean?
Old Jan 2, 2002 | 05:31 AM
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Originally posted by Turd Ferguson
Okay I just want to repost what the simple problem is...
Get yourself a 5 speed.
Old Jan 2, 2002 | 05:50 AM
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I had a similar problem with my 97 before I did a complete break job. I replaced the pads, rotors, rebuilt the calipers, and flushed the fluid.

After that, the problem was gone. I don't know which of the above did the trick.
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