Mods for better braking?

[imq707s]

I've got a 1997 Mercury Mountaineer (just like an X). Even with new pads all the way around, the brakes still don't seem to wrok very good, and when ever I'm pulling a heavy load, they fade very quick. What kind of mods can I do to improve my braking? I would like to know everything from a $50 mod to a $1500 mod. What do you just suggest? Thanks

 

[jssong]

if u have the money, do what troll did, brembo brakes. probably cost a pretty penny, but by his video on the track, they are no joke. or u can just get some ART rotors and some nice pads.

 

[coltman]

pads

I put performance friction pads front and back on my explorer and could tell a great difference. I think with front and rear pads and four rotors turned plus brake cleaner and guide lub I only spent around a $100. My explorer now stops as good as my wifes contour.

 

[Hartman]

Yeah Brembo breaks would rule. I wish I had some.

 

[aldive]

Do slotted brake rotors offer any "real world" benefits.

 

[The Godfather]

I was about ready to dump $$$$ into getting my old Explorer to brake better. I bought my Taurus instead, but it solved my problem with bad braking. I'd try some Performance Friction or Hawk pads. If it's fading, it could be due to gas build up so slotted/cross drilled rotors would solve that. Other than that the Brembo kit is about the only way to go.

 

[FORDisKING]

Brembo

Jason

 

[nytefog]

You could try stainless steal brake lines or Kevlar.

 

[nytefog]

i meant steel.

 

[unabonked]

Originally posted by aldive
Do slotted brake rotors offer any "real world" benefits.

I was told my mechanic that these were a serious no-no. He said he saw a few street trucks around that had them and it tore the break pads up pretty badly. I guess the weight of out trucks tends to put a lot of stress on the rotors, which can actually break at the slotted or drill points!

I think explorer express has a 13inch rotor/caliper kit available for $12-1400 if i'm not mistaken. I'm not sure how good they are, i'm looking for better breaking myself.

 

[rokke17]

If you are using slotted or drilled rotors you MUST use brake pads that are approved for such. If you fail to do so, extreme heat can be generated and pads wear out extremely quickly, and the rotors can also fail. I find it doubtful that the rotors would fail because of the vehicle being to heavy. By the way, go Brembo!

 

[FrankRizzo]

Originally posted by unabonked


I think explorer express has a 13inch rotor/caliper kit available for $12-1400 if i'm not mistaken. I'm not sure how good they are, i'm looking for better breaking myself.

FYI - The EE kit is only for late model 4WD/AWD's that have 2-piece rotors.