Question about RA Brakes

[dmitchell]

Hey guys (and gals). I've been driving my RA now for about 2 weeks, and first off let me say - I LOVE this car. There's one thing about it though that I'm not so crazy about. The brakes... to me the brakes aren't really up to par with the rest of the car. I find that there's a fair amount of play and travel in the brake pedal before serious braking begins, and the stopping power is not really what I would have expected.

Is this normal? Or should I get the brakes looked at?

Thanks.

[MTZL]

Mitsu had Brake Recall so yeah you should have them look at it. I dont have a issue with my brake but Im suppose to schedule an appointment this week to take it in for Brake and Fuel Return Recall.

[dmitchell]

Ah... I seem to remember reading about this. Is this for all 2009's?

What was the issue with the brakes?

[dmitchell]

http://www.mitsubishicarclubcanada.com/forums/showthread.php?t=961

[TheBlackBeast]

Ah... I seem to remember reading about this. Is this for all 2009's?

What was the issue with the brakes?
Mine did not require the brake system recall.

Still, you need to ask your dealer if this applies to your specific VIN.

[TheBlackBeast]

Hey guys (and gals). I've been driving my RA now for about 2 weeks, and first off let me say - I LOVE this car. There's one thing about it though that I'm not so crazy about. The brakes... to me the brakes aren't really up to par with the rest of the car. I find that there's a fair amount of play and travel in the brake pedal before serious braking begins, and the stopping power is not really what I would have expected.

Is this normal? Or should I get the brakes looked at?

Thanks.
In short, the brakes suck, imo. They fade real quickly and pick up some major vibrations/sounds when braking hard. But then again, they are not the wonderful Brembo's found on Evo's. You really cannot even begin to compare the RA's 2 piston calipers vs the 4 piston Brembo's on the Evos. This is why eventually I will be upgrading the brake system. It is however, going to be a pricey and lengthy process...

Wheels need to be upgraded to fit the new brake system first, then tires needed for wheels unless they come already fitted. Then the brake system itself needs to be swapped. Master cylinder, all 4 calipers, rotors, brake fluid, plus may as well go with SS brake lines as long as you are changing that much stuff.

Then there is the question of whether or not the ABS will still function properly or not.

[TheBlackBeast]

Hehehe...

That reminds me, I gave a co-worker a ride in my RA the other day. He had gotten an MR a month or two ago without telling me or asking me. At one point in the ride he exclaimed: "Where the hell did all my money go?!?!" lamenting the price he paid for the MR. Then at one point he got on the brakes and said: "Now I know where some of my money went"...

So there you go. Until you go to a track with your RA, don't worry about the brakes - they'll be just fine.

[dmitchell]

Yikes. That DOES sound expensive.

[dmitchell]

Hehehe...

That reminds me, I gave a co-worker a ride in my RA the other day. He had gotten an MR a month or two ago without telling me or asking me. At one point in the ride he exclaimed: "Where the hell did all my money go?!?!" lamenting the price he paid for the MR. Then at one point he got on the brakes and said: "Now I know where some of my money went"...

So there you go. Until you go to a track with your RA, don't worry about the brakes - they'll be just fine.

Yeah, maybe I'm stressing about it a bit too much. I'm still gonna call the dealer with the VIN and make sure. Might as well see if there's any outstanding recalls to be performed.

[Ladogaboy]

I'll give you my thoughts and then a few suggestions. First, the problem with the breaks was a sticky caliper release, and there was a recall on that. Second, the braking problems with the RA start with the tires. They suck... no other way to put it... and they are too small for the car.

That all has to do with stopping distance, but it sounds like the thing you are complaining about most is brake feel, and that is where my suggestions come into play:

First, consider pads. Works discovered that the front brakes on the RA are the same as the stock brakes on the 2nd Gen Eclipse. There are some decent street pads you can get that will REALLY improve the bite of the brakes. A good, cheap possibility is the Axxis Ultimate Kevlar/Ceramic pads. They come highly recommended from a friend who had them on his GSX.

Second, you could consider stainless steel brake lines. These I would suggest to wait on until after you try new pads because some people feel that SS brake lines are too aggressive for a daily driven vehicle, but they will definitely improve the responsiveness of the brakes.

Finally, and this isn't really a suggestion, more of an FYI. There is still a debate about the rear brakes. People believe that they are lifted from the Pajero, but it is possible that they are unique to the Ralliart. Either way, IMO, the rear brakes are the ones most in need of improvement. I HATE solid rotors. They are terrible from both a heat distribution and weight perspective.

[dmitchell]

Cool. Very informative post Ladogaboy. You're correct - it's the brake feel that I'm not really digging. Any online places you recommend to purchase the brake pads?

Is there any sort of warranty issues with putting on aftermarket brake pads?

[TheBlackBeast]

First, consider pads. Works discovered that the front brakes on the RA are the same as the stock brakes on the 2nd Gen Eclipse. There are some decent street pads you can get that will REALLY improve the bite of the brakes. A good, cheap possibility is the Axxis Ultimate Kevlar/Ceramic pads. They come highly recommended from a friend who had them on his GSX.

Second, you could consider stainless steel brake lines. These I would suggest to wait on until after you try new pads because some people feel that SS brake lines are too aggressive for a daily driven vehicle, but they will definitely improve the responsiveness of the brakes.

Finally, and this isn't really a suggestion, more of an FYI. There is still a debate about the rear brakes. People believe that they are lifted from the Pajero, but it is possible that they are unique to the Ralliart. Either way, IMO, the rear brakes are the ones most in need of improvement. I HATE solid rotors. They are terrible from both a heat distribution and weight perspective.Interesting finds! If what you are saying is true for the front calipers, then I wonder what RRE has to offer from its existing parts catalog of pads for its 2G eclipse?
http://www.roadraceengineering.com/eclbrakes.htm

I've used their MetalMaster pads before on my old eclipse with good memories, although that car weighed significantly less...

[Ladogaboy]

I'm sure RRE has quiet a few options... they've been a great support to DSM owners since the beginning.

dmitchell, since you are in Canada, I'm not sure of where to refer you. I'm guessing you're going to take quite a hit for shipping. :rolleyes:

[dmitchell]

I've ordered tons of stuff from the States, usually very heavy electronics. Shipping usually isn't too bad, but it's the import duties and brokerage fees that usually kill you. If the parts are manufactured in the USA, they'd be covered under NAFTA and less expensive to import, but I'm guessing most Mitsu after-market parts would be from the Far East. Now the Canadian Loonie is almost on par with the US greenback, it might be a good time order.