Big Tundra upgrade issues.

[wake_rider]

I did the 235 Tundra upgrade last night with the PowerStop full kit and went through the bedding/break in process last night. However, this morning the braking is pretty subpar, truly with less power than with the stock setup. I can't even get the brakes to lock up for even a moment, and I'm having to smash the pedal to get even reasonable stopping distances at stoplights and such.

I was very thorough bleeding the system, but it really feels like there's just not enough resistance on the pedal. Is this indicative of the pads and rotors just needed to break in a bit, or should I be re-bleeding the system tonight when I get off work? I was really hoping that stopping power would increase greatly with the upgrade, but so far I'm not stoked with the results.

 

[A.Wilson013]

I did the 235 Tundra upgrade last night with the PowerStop full kit and went through the bedding/break in process last night. However, this morning the braking is pretty subpar, truly with less power than with the stock setup. I can't even get the brakes to lock up for even a moment, and I'm having to smash the pedal to get even reasonable stopping distances at stoplights and such.

I was very thorough bleeding the system, but it really feels like there's just not enough resistance on the pedal. Is this indicative of the pads and rotors just needed to break in a bit, or should I be re-bleeding the system tonight when I get off work? I was really hoping that stopping power would increase greatly with the upgrade, but so far I'm not stoked with the results.

Be sure you're bleeding in the correct order.

Also, if while you were bedding the brakes last night you weren't having this issue, look for any brake fluid leaks around the bleeder valves, and the hose connections.

 

[I-4x4]

I have noticed the same thing when the brakes are brand new. Have you gone through the break-in process?

AKEBONO

400 to 500 miles of moderate driving is recommended. Consumer should avoid heavy braking during this period.

ATE

400 to 500 miles of moderate driving is recommended. Consumer should avoid heavy braking during this period.

BREMBO Gran Turismo

In a safe area, apply brakes moderately from 60mph to 30mph and then drive approximately 1/2 mile to allow the brakes to cool. Repeat this procedure approximately 30 times.

HAWK

After installing new pads make 6 to 10 stops from approximately 35 mph with moderate pressure. Make an additional two to three hard stops from approximately 40 to 45 mph. Do not allow the vehicle to come to a complete stop.When completed with this process, park the vehicle and allow the brakes to cool completely before driving on them again. Do not engage the parking brake until after this cooling process is compete.

NOTE: Hawk racing pads (Blue, Black, HT-10, HT-12) may require a different bed-in procedure. Contact your sales specialists at the Tire Rack for racing application information.

POWER SLOT

Follow the brake pad manufacturer's recommended break-in procedure taking care not to produce excessive heat in the system. Avoid heavy braking for the first 400-500 miles.

More: http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/tech/techpage.jsp?techid=85

 

[Run 4 Fun]

I did the 235 Tundra upgrade last night with the PowerStop full kit and went through the bedding/break in process last night. However, this morning the braking is pretty subpar, truly with less power than with the stock setup. I can't even get the brakes to lock up for even a moment, and I'm having to smash the pedal to get even reasonable stopping distances at stoplights and such.

I was very thorough bleeding the system, but it really feels like there's just not enough resistance on the pedal. Is this indicative of the pads and rotors just needed to break in a bit, or should I be re-bleeding the system tonight when I get off work? I was really hoping that stopping power would increase greatly with the upgrade, but so far I'm not stoked with the results.

Hmmm I have the same set up and didn't notice a wow factor when I first had them for a few days, but the more miles I used them the greater difference I noticed. The most difference is the lack of brake fade and everything feeling secure and tight when braking hard or longer duration of time. Before I experienced brake fade going down the canyon even with engine braking and could smell the brake fluid. All of that is gone now.

I'm not much of a person to slam on brakes or brake at the last second when approaching a light. I usually brake well before and let off then brake again so this may be the reason I didnt expect better stopping distance, but was looking to fix brake fade.

Does your brake pedal feel spongey?

 

[MojaveMadMan]

With ABS your not gunna notice a huge difference in straight up performance on cold or even normal temp brakes. As soon as you mash on that peddle the ABS is kicking in and slowing you down at the rate it wants to. Like others mentioned the big impact is felt (not felt) towing, on hills, after many hard breaking moments by the fact that your brakes don't fade. You do the Tundra upgrade for better longevity because they are just more robust, and for continued brake power in harsh conditions. If you were to turn ABS off and compare, I guarantee you would notice a lot more.

 

[Mynameistommy510]

It could be a sign of your brake booster beginning to fail. Coincidentally my booster failed right after installing the 231's.

Same symptoms