Any Interest for an Aftermarket Solution to Brake Problems?

Beaker · 10-27-2004, 10:23 PM

After reading about all these brake problems with the titan (and experiencing it myself, would anyone be interested in an aftermarket brake kit?

I feel that the combination of poor pads and small diameter rotors are the cause of the rotors to warp.

I am considering doing some more investigation and design work to create some larger carriers and larger rotors, packaged with some better pads, with options of slotted/cross drilled rotors.

I figure there is not many parts out there for the titan and this would be a good place to jump in to contribute. I have connections for the machine work, I just need to figure out if there is a demand.

I just wanted to see if there's any interest. I know I'd like a set

-Beaker

Beaker · 10-27-2004, 10:33 PM

Before someone jumps on here and claims someone already makes a big brake kit (stoptech).....ill admit, i just found this and I was unaware....but also, notice the price....$2,895.00!!!

I was looking at doing a kit for like 300-400 bucks....and still use the stock calipers.

I did a kit like this on my VW (i know, its a whole different car) but it was a night and day difference.

bestatchess · 10-27-2004, 11:35 PM

I was interested in the stainless lines and also I would like to know how the ceramic pads work out. I was looking at some of the other truck forums and they seem to have success dealing with rotor warping by using cryo treated rotors.

And yeah, I think stoptech costs way too much and also requires buying new wheels.

honeykeeper · 10-28-2004, 06:27 AM

Question: if you use a cross-drilled and slotted rotor can it ever be turned down if it warps????? I don't think so.......would break the lathe bit????
So since the brakes are under warranty pressure on Nissan is whats needed to get the final solution. Maybe they should offer the drilled and slotted rotors with better pads and a 50K warranty. I haven't had the problems yet but only have 1,000 miles. My road conditions are as bad as it gets for steep up down and windy roads so I'm really working the tranny and going easy on the brakes.......I really hope everyone gets the brake bugs out and can go back to listening to their radios without fade.......and their mpgs go up!!

adjmcloon · 10-28-2004, 07:52 AM

For $300-400 I would be VERY interested. I assume that price would be for the front two only?

GETSOMZ28 · 10-28-2004, 08:30 AM

Interesting, but it doesnt seem the rotor is the primary cause of the "brake judder" problem. I really dont buy into the slotted/drilled rotor is better. In fact, they are structurally weaker and more prone to cracking. Actually aftermarket calipers would be a better idea, since that is where the problem lies (improperly lubed pistons, etc)

Pugsly · 10-28-2004, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GETSOMZ28

Interesting, but it doesnt seem the rotor is the primary cause of the "brake judder" problem. I really dont buy into the slotted/drilled rotor is better. In fact, they are structurally weaker and more prone to cracking. Actually aftermarket calipers would be a better idea, since that is where the problem lies (improperly lubed pistons, etc)

yes, if you buy the chaep-o brand rortors. a good quality cross drilled rotor should never crack. I had brembo cross drilled on my jeep and NEVER ran into an issue. i am a beleiver in the fact that they keep the brakes cooler. If they come out with a cross drilled i will certainly look into adding them.

Chemist2000 · 10-28-2004, 09:41 AM

Very Interested!!!

vector6 · 10-28-2004, 10:00 AM

hell yes... 3-400 bucks... see what you can do..

GETSOMZ28 · 10-28-2004, 10:47 AM

I am just saying that this wont be any more a cure for the "brake judder" than the stock brakes because it doesnt address the actual problem areas.

drrv1 · 10-28-2004, 10:50 AM

I've been looking into new brakes as well. If you can come up with a kit for 3-400 dollars I'd definitely be interested.

**loufish** · 10-29-2004, 12:17 AM

Quote:

I am just saying that this wont be any more a cure for the "brake judder" than the stock brakes because it doesnt address the actual problem areas.

As I understand it, the rotor run-out is caused by a transfer of pad material to the rotor right? Slotted/drilled rotors could help keep that transfer down, maybe by the break-up in the rotor surface, maybe by keeping the rotor below some temp that aids the material transfer, and you could be right, it may make no difference at all.

At my work, we are having problems with frt brakes only going about 3500-4000 miles before needing pad replacement, and even with Ford helping, we are testing slotted/ drilled rotors, not willing to rule anything out. We are now running slotted/drilled rotors on the rears, not because of a real problem, but through all the latest brake testing, we found that the rear brakes performed a little better, and had less "cooking" of the rear pads during high speed pursuits.

fklentz · 10-29-2004, 12:53 PM

Well there's more engineering into a system like this than most people realize. Also if you were to modify the brake system in any way, especially with the problems that are occuring, you would be left out of any fixes from the OEM. All Titans are designed the same way, that stated not everyone is having a problem, mine works as well as the day it was new. The current fix from Nissan is to replace the torque member bolts along with rotor repair and new pads. I think what is occuring is that the rotor is "Binding" on the torque member bolts rather than sliding back as intended. This in turn will cause them to over-heat while driving due to un-intended friction. A better fix would be changing the size/design of the fit of the caliper to torque member bolts. Maybe a teflon sleeve or longer sleeve or closer clearance, something to keep the alignment and prevent the binding.

I've tested the hell out of my brakes, doing some extreme stops, the rotor size is not an issue. The slotted/cross drilled rotors only advantage is for cooling. The area drilled/machined out effectively reduces friction area. For a performance car it's ok because they are for short periods of hard braking coupled with lots of air cooling in between. For a heavy truck you need as much contact area a possible so a mod like this would need new calipers so as to fit on larger area rotors to keep the same volume of contact area. Nissan will figure out a permanent fix for the brakes eventually, I would suspect the 05's already have the fix and if they have no issues there will be a retrofit for the 04's eventually.