Brake problems

[DSH]

was at the track yesterday, noticed that the left front wheel on my 01 S was locking
up briefly under heavy high speed braking during early sessions. later in the day
it wasn't locking up but the car would pull to the right drastically (not fun!).
I dont know if this is a caliper problem or an abs problem, any ideas?

[Racer Boy]

It’s most likely a caliper problem. If it was an ABS issue, you’d get a warning light.

The question is, do you rely on the ABS regularly at the track? If so, you might want to rethink your approach to braking.

[DSH]

generally i brake late and hard until i feel the abs start to pulse, the only way to keep
up with the higher hp cars

[JayG]

Most likely you engage ABS more than you think.
I had an ABS sensor go out at an autocross which disables ABS and was really surprised on how much I was locking up the brakes with ABS disabled

[thstone]

First, I have had one front wheel lock up once or twice, but if its happening repeatedly then something is wrong with the ABS system. Based on your description of the problem (locking up and then pulling to one side), I'd have the calipers and ABS system checked.

Secondly, try to brake at the threshold just before ABS engages. I know that is easier said than done, but it's just like avoiding getting into the rev limiter on the engine - ABS is there for protection not maximum performance. Furthermore, once the ABS engages, it's nearly impossible to modulate the brakes.

Third, the best way to keep up with higher HP cars is to out corner them, not out brake them. Learn to drive the very best line using every inch of the track, then trail brake at corner entry to keep the car at the limit (don't over brake), carry your speed through mid-corner at max g, and get back into the throttle early (often before the apex) and hard (even a S model doesn't really have enough power to create a lot of power on oversteer at race track speeds).

[Racer Boy]

Yes, if you are relying on ABS, that’s a very bad habit to get into.

[maytag]

Originally Posted by thstone

(even a S model doesn't really have enough power to create a lot of power on oversteer at race track speeds).

This is so true.
Everytime I take a "pro" with me, we have a conversation (usually many times) that goes like this: "ok you should be getting on the gas a little more right here"......"yeah. I've been on the floor since about 5 seconds ago"

Hahaha. It's true: we don't have the hp to keep up with them pob the brakes. I know that's counter-intuitive, but every mph you shed is one you have to get back.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[maytag]

Originally Posted by maytag

This is so true.
Everytime I take a "pro" with me, we have a conversation (usually many times) that goes like this: "ok you should be getting on the gas a little more right here"......"yeah. I've been on the floor since about 5 seconds ago"

Hahaha. It's true: we don't have the hp to keep up with them pob the brakes. I know that's counter-intuitive, but every mph you shed is one you have to get back.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[DSH]

thanks guys, i was leaning toward the caliper but wanted more input.
JAYG when your sensor went did you get a warning light?
i will probably rebuild the caliper this weekend, i'll update after.

[Frodo]

Originally Posted by maytag

This is so true.
Everytime I take a "pro" with me, we have a conversation (usually many times) that goes like this: "ok you should be getting on the gas a little more right here"......"yeah. I've been on the floor since about 5 seconds ago"

I love it!

[JayG]

Originally Posted by DSH

thanks guys, i was leaning toward the caliper but wanted more input.
JAYG when your sensor went did you get a warning light?
i will probably rebuild the caliper this weekend, i'll update after.

Yup. When it failed I got ABS SYSTEM FAILURE in the display and a brake idiot light