I think what we have is excess flex in the system. Here is an excerpt from the Big Brake website:
Component rigidity
A consideration sometimes overlooked is the overall rigidity of the various components of the brake system. If a component flexes or yields under the pressure to which it is subjected, it limits the maximum pressure in the system. Rubber brake flex hoses are known to expand under pressure, some calipers flex under pressure, a poorly designed brake pedal can flex, causing an overall drop in system efficiency. Flexing of components creates a mushy, not solid, feel to the pedal, usually requiring greater pedal travel to achieve a given force at the calipers. Removing flex from the system can make a marked improvement in brake function. The first choice for improvement is typically the flex hoses as most other system flex problems are more difficult to solve for the average enthusiast.
When I get around to it, I intend to install speedbleeders so I can bleed the brakes by myself, ATE super blue DOT 4 brake fluid and a set of stainless steel braided teflon brakeline hoses. I did this on a chevy caprice and I have about an inch of travel to hit solid brake all the time.
I think what we have is excess flex in the system. Here is an excerpt from the Big Brake website:
Component rigidity
A consideration sometimes overlooked is the overall rigidity of the various components of the brake system. If a component flexes or yields under the pressure to which it is subjected, it limits the maximum pressure in the system. Rubber brake flex hoses are known to expand under pressure, some calipers flex under pressure, a poorly designed brake pedal can flex, causing an overall drop in system efficiency. Flexing of components creates a mushy, not solid, feel to the pedal, usually requiring greater pedal travel to achieve a given force at the calipers. Removing flex from the system can make a marked improvement in brake function. The first choice for improvement is typically the flex hoses as most other system flex problems are more difficult to solve for the average enthusiast.
When I get around to it, I intend to install speedbleeders so I can bleed the brakes by myself, ATE super blue DOT 4 brake fluid and a set of stainless steel braided teflon brakeline hoses. I did this on a chevy caprice and I have about an inch of travel to hit solid brake all the time.
juma
Please let us know when you do this mod and how it works for you.
__________________
2004 Titan Smoke LE CC
Born 11/18/03
Bed Extender, Overhead Racks
Hood Protector, Banks Monster Exhaust, Volant CAI, Hellwig Rear Sway Bar, Bilstein shocks
Never argue with idiots. They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
-Gambit
I will probably wait till the summer is over and cooler dry air is around - don't like getting water in the brake fluid from the get go. If someone out there can tell me the size of the bleeder screws, front and rear, according to the maintenance manual, it will help me get started. juma
I think what we have is excess flex in the system. Here is an excerpt from the Big Brake website:
Component rigidity
A consideration sometimes overlooked is the overall rigidity of the various components of the brake system. If a component flexes or yields under the pressure to which it is subjected, it limits the maximum pressure in the system. Rubber brake flex hoses are known to expand under pressure, some calipers flex under pressure, a poorly designed brake pedal can flex, causing an overall drop in system efficiency. Flexing of components creates a mushy, not solid, feel to the pedal, usually requiring greater pedal travel to achieve a given force at the calipers. Removing flex from the system can make a marked improvement in brake function. The first choice for improvement is typically the flex hoses as most other system flex problems are more difficult to solve for the average enthusiast.
When I get around to it, I intend to install speedbleeders so I can bleed the brakes by myself, ATE super blue DOT 4 brake fluid and a set of stainless steel braided teflon brakeline hoses. I did this on a chevy caprice and I have about an inch of travel to hit solid brake all the time.
juma
Your project sounds excellent! Let us know how it goes. I've been having the darndest time trying to find straight DOT4 fluid. Everything I see is the combination of both 3 and 4. I have even gone to the dealer and they do not carry it. Of course the manual says DOT 3 heavy duty.
Your project sounds excellent! Let us know how it goes. I've been having the darndest time trying to find straight DOT4 fluid. Everything I see is the combination of both 3 and 4. I have even gone to the dealer and they do not carry it. Of course the manual says DOT 3 heavy duty.
ATE super blue is simply the best. usually available at sports car/import car parts places for about 12 bux a quart. the titan is big and may take more than a quart.super blue DOT 4 has the highest boiling point of any commercial brake fluid and the greatest resistance to water absorption. it comes in bmw's and mercedes and you can buy it at those dealers too. The next best brake fluid in DOT 3 is Ford. juma
I use super blue in my 240sx - that in conjunction with steel braided lines and metal master pads worked wonders for braking when I still had my stock setup.
__________________
2004 Smokin Nissan Titan SE CC 4x4
-Big Tow
-Offroad
-Banks
-K&N Drop-In
somewhere else in the forum, it was mentioned about mushy brakes. and it was said to back up several times and get on the brakes fairly hard and they will adjust and stay hsrd ! i know sounds stupid, but i did it and it greatly inproved the firmness in my brake pedal no i have no mush at all and it has stayed that way for 2 weeks now, it was a huge improvement
yeah, I did that and it improved somewhat. basically though, there is still a softer pedal than I want and I suspect its due to the flex in the system. juma
Well I have 2800 miles on my Titan, I have yet to have any problems or shudder with my brakes. (although it seems like everything else has been wrong with it).
Next week I leave for a trip to yellowstone, pulling a 3000# popup. The Mountains and camper will definately give my brakes a workout (though camper has its own Electric brakes). From other posts, I am almost positive I will have warpered rotors by the time I get back, as it is apporx 3000 miles roundtrip.
I will post when I get back how the brakes held up, (and the rest of the truck).
AutoForums.com is the premier network of enthusiast-owned
enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
We operate more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share
experiences and opinions as a community.
06-03-2004, 06:18 AM
no i have no mush at all and it has stayed that way for 2 weeks now, it was a huge improvement
Linear Mode
