Z4 Braided Brake Hoses
Discussion
Hi Al
Goodridge make a set, or at least, they will make them if they're not already a stock item.
Racing blue fluid should sort out the fade if it is caused by vaporisation. Has the fluid ever been changed??
The giveaway is, did the brakes fade gradually or did they just virtually disappear all of a sudden?
Brake fluid vaporisation causes the pedal to suddenly disappear. Genuine brake fade is gradual. It could just be that the pads are getting low. Minimal front brake pads fade really quickly. It may be prudent to invest in some brake pads with a more 'enthusiastic' character. EBC Green Stuff or even yellow stuff if you're really keen are both available for the Z4.
Goodridge make a set, or at least, they will make them if they're not already a stock item.
Racing blue fluid should sort out the fade if it is caused by vaporisation. Has the fluid ever been changed??
The giveaway is, did the brakes fade gradually or did they just virtually disappear all of a sudden?
Brake fluid vaporisation causes the pedal to suddenly disappear. Genuine brake fade is gradual. It could just be that the pads are getting low. Minimal front brake pads fade really quickly. It may be prudent to invest in some brake pads with a more 'enthusiastic' character. EBC Green Stuff or even yellow stuff if you're really keen are both available for the Z4.
Hello Michael,
It happened on the last run on Boxing Day after about 40 mins a fairly enthusiastic braking (out with two Lotus!). Not all of a sudden nothing, but slowing down and realised that I was having to press the brake pedal a lot harder. Sorted itself out after five mins with no heavy braking but needs rectifying,
Do you think it may be simply the front pads? I am hoping a fairly simple job that my local garage can do, as it is a bit tricky getting over to you and having to leave the car.
The RR will be over in the next couple of months though for a few bits and pieces - Sat Nav, rear camera has decided to stop working, and a new driver's door mirror cover and glass!
It happened on the last run on Boxing Day after about 40 mins a fairly enthusiastic braking (out with two Lotus!). Not all of a sudden nothing, but slowing down and realised that I was having to press the brake pedal a lot harder. Sorted itself out after five mins with no heavy braking but needs rectifying,
Do you think it may be simply the front pads? I am hoping a fairly simple job that my local garage can do, as it is a bit tricky getting over to you and having to leave the car.
The RR will be over in the next couple of months though for a few bits and pieces - Sat Nav, rear camera has decided to stop working, and a new driver's door mirror cover and glass!
A gradual fade is pads. Fluid boiling (usually due to water content) happens suddenly. You hit the pedal and nothing happens except your boxers change colour and the pedal sinks to the end stops.
Gradual fade is the pads getting too hot for the friction material to work properly. Worn pads can't dissipate the heat as easily and fade quicker. If they're worn, new pads (as long as they're a decent make) will sort out the problem. Green stuff are decent pads that resist fade well for little extra cost. If a local garage can't fit pads properly, then they really shouldn't be in business.
Gradual fade is the pads getting too hot for the friction material to work properly. Worn pads can't dissipate the heat as easily and fade quicker. If they're worn, new pads (as long as they're a decent make) will sort out the problem. Green stuff are decent pads that resist fade well for little extra cost. If a local garage can't fit pads properly, then they really shouldn't be in business.
How are braided lines going to prevent either fade or fluid vaporisation?
A family member of mine takes his Z4M Coupé to trackdays and a long pedal was a major problem until he changed to Racing Blue fluid. Yellow Stuff pads were not the answer to fade and longevity, but Blue Stuff are much better. They still last only a couple of trackdays though.
A family member of mine takes his Z4M Coupé to trackdays and a long pedal was a major problem until he changed to Racing Blue fluid. Yellow Stuff pads were not the answer to fade and longevity, but Blue Stuff are much better. They still last only a couple of trackdays though.
Braided hoses don't help.... as mentioned. A long pedal is not the same as brake fade. The pedal travel remains the same with brake fade. Its the effort that increases.
Long pedal travel is either caused by a brake system that need bleeding (in which case, the long pedal travel will be there all the time) or caused by fluid vaporisation.... as mentioned. I suspect the fluid in your friends car may well have been due for a change anyway. Modern DOT 4 or 5.1 fluids are very good at resisting boiling as long as they're fresh. One or two years use and they will have absorbed enough moisture to cause a problem under heavy use. Super Dot 4 (racing fluid) has a higher boiling point but will still suffer deterioration over time with water absorption. An easily overlooked service item, brake fluid!
Long pedal travel is either caused by a brake system that need bleeding (in which case, the long pedal travel will be there all the time) or caused by fluid vaporisation.... as mentioned. I suspect the fluid in your friends car may well have been due for a change anyway. Modern DOT 4 or 5.1 fluids are very good at resisting boiling as long as they're fresh. One or two years use and they will have absorbed enough moisture to cause a problem under heavy use. Super Dot 4 (racing fluid) has a higher boiling point but will still suffer deterioration over time with water absorption. An easily overlooked service item, brake fluid!
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff