Truck brake update
Trucks and SUVs are notorious for having inadequate, small brakes. While it may be fashionable to slap on a set of chrome rims, big tires and mean-looking brush guards, these enhancements are mostly cosmetic. Conversely, a set of upgraded brakes will actually add to the vehicle's functionality and safety.
The problem is, the relatively small diameter rotors on trucks and SUVs don't provide enough leverage for calipers to slow the rotational mass of bigger wheels. Hence, trucks and SUVs have longer stopping distances and allow less reaction time in an emergency than cars. Truck brake upgrades, then, provide an additional margin of safety for both truck occupants and the drivers around them.
As with cars, truck brake upgrades are especially critical if you've done any power modifications to make the vehicle faster.
While few SUVs ever venture off-pavement, if you do go off-road, brake parts like braided stainless steel brake lines might make sense. They were originally devised, by the way, for racecars that often had to drive over and through jagged track debris. The steel-sheathed Teflon lines held up better than ordinary rubber lines, which were often severed in such conditions.
Off-road drivers must concern themselves with jutting boulders, snagging logs and other hazards that can create havoc in the undercarriage. A brake part like the braided stainless steel brake line goes a long way toward reducing such worries.
Bigger isn't necessarily better when it comes to all things automotive. But when talking about brakes, size generally does matter.
That's because braking performance depends in large part upon how much surface area the brake pads have to bite into. Larger pads and larger brake discs make for shorter stopping distances. In addition, the increased surface area allows for greater heat dispersal. Excessive heat, as we learned, is the enemy of stopping effectiveness.
Before investing in a big brake upgrade kit or individual big brake parts, there's one thing you should check. You must be certain that your current wheel size is compatible with the kit. Factory wheels often don't provide the clearance necessary for big brake upgrades.
The kit or upgraded, upsized rotor in question will usually indicate on its packaging or description the minimum wheel size. The wheel size refers to the diameter of the rim only, not the diameter of the rim and tire combined. You'll also want to be sure about other issues with each big brake part: Are the rotor and caliper compatible with anti-lock braking systems (if your car is so equipped)? Is there enough room between the caliper and the backside of the rim? If not, can you use spacers? Or, is there a better-fitting kit on the market for your vehicle?
If you're new to brake work, you may be wondering, "Can I do this myself?" The short answer is yes, with the proper tools and safety equipment. The brake installation procedure is beyond the scope of this article, but it's fairly straightforward. Be forewarned that dust from older brakes may contain asbestos, a highly toxic substance that is inhaled easily. Also, brake fluid is highly caustic to paint, so if you do it yourself, make sure to keep the brake fluid clear of the painted surfaces on your vehicle.
To learn even more about the world of braking, stop by the next page.