Brake Replacement

[Sparx Macgyver]

So I'm going to be replacing the brake lines on my Z. So far I've gotthe following list of parts:

~Calipers

~Drums

~Pads

~Rotors

~Shoes

~Master Cylinder

~Brake Lines

Did I miss anything? Should I be wary of anything from the auto store? I can change brakes fairly easily, though this will be my first Z brake job.

[texasz]

While you're at it put on some Speed Bleaders, several people here have done so and like them. I'm putting them on when I do my brake system, in fact I've already got them sitting on the parts shelf in the garage.

On the front you may also consider doing the 4Runner 4-piston caliper upgrade. This is another change I'm going to be making.

Lastly, on the master cylinder consider going from the stock 7/8" model to the 15/16" model from a later Z car.

The last two will make a noticable difference in your braking distance from what I've read. The above are items I'm changing on my brake system as a result of much research. I'm also doing drilled and slotted front rotors.

Edited January 18, 2010 by texasz

[Sparx Macgyver]

Thanks for the tip about the Speed Bleeders. Defiantly adding those to the list of items to grab for the Z.

If I upgrade the calipers/rotors to the Toy 4X4 ones, I'll grab a the 280ZX BMC.

I haven't decided if I'm going to upgrade yet. For now, I just kinda figured on keeping ti stock to get everything in proper functioning order. But again thanks for the heads up.

[tlorber]

I was reading that the 4 piston sumitomos were a very easy conversion. My only question is, do you really get much more stopping power if you are still using the same rotor?

[Powerglide]

Make sure to use the original style ALUMINUM rear drums. The iron replacements are VERY heavy and will dramtically increase UNSPRUNG weight. They'll make your car ride like $^!#.

[Sparx Macgyver]

Thanks for that tip too. I wouldn't have known about that.

[VITAMIN Z]

I am also changing the hub bearings, and packing them with fresh synthetic grease, I did not want to have a major tear down later due to worn out bearings.