Posted by andy the barber on April 17, 01 at 12:55:54:
Question just popped into my mind. There is lots of talk about upgrading stock brakes to gain more
reliable stopping power. It all made sense to me until I added the ABS factor into the equation. I'm
no expert, so my logic may be flawed here.
When I make a panic stop with OEM brakes, the ABS applies the greatest pressure to pads/drums
that it can without locking them up, yielding the least stopping distance, right? Now, let's assume
that the OEM brakes are a bit hot and I need to make a panic stop. Wouldn't the ABS simply apply
more pressure, providing the same results as those in the first example? Wouldn't this fact make
all brake parts "equal" up to the point where they get so hot that they fade? Assuming I don't drive
my Sub in such a way that heats up the brakes, what would be the advantage to putting on high
dollar brake parts if the ABS is going to control the stop? Does the only advantage appear during
instances when brakes are at a temperature that would cause OEM parts to completely fade?
If so, why would I want to install after-market parts if I don't tow with it, drive up and down mountains,
run from the police, or race the thing? (Race in a Sub??? Naaah.) Do they last longer? (From what
I've read, that is quite likely.) If they last twice as long, but cost twice as much, I see no financial
advantage.
I plan on doing the brake thing fairly soon, and would like your input so I can make an informed
decision.
Thanks.