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Crappy Brakes on R51?
Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2014 7:51 pm
by DanJetta
I know the Pathfinder's brakes are known for being weak but I just rear ended someone and am wondering if there's something wrong with mine.
On dry pavement, I find it nearly impossible to lock the wheels enough to engage the ABS. When I pound the brake pedal, it goes all the way to the ground and the truck feels like it takes way too long to stop. There's not enough grab from the pads to cause ABS interaction unless the ground is wet. It's missing that skin-gets-pulled-off-your-face feeling I get in other cars during an emergency stop.
My rotors, pads and fluid are about 9 months old and in great shape. Lines are properly bled.
Thoughts?
Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2014 8:36 pm
by DanJetta
Sorry, my post won't accept a title for some reason.
Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2014 10:09 pm
by smj999smj
I can't say without having driven your vehicle, but the brakes on the R51 are a bit "lacking." They'll stop you, but I try to give plenty of space between me and the car ahead of me when I'm driving.
Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2014 7:37 am
by disallow
Had to do an emergency stop while traveling in the US a year ago or so. Brakes were way to spongy. Got to it when I got home, replaced brake fluid, bled the brake lines, and it definitely got better.
Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2014 10:16 am
by NmexMAX
disallow wrote:Had to do an emergency stop while traveling in the US a year ago or so. Brakes were way to spongy. Got to it when I got home, replaced brake fluid, bled the brake lines, and it definitely got better.
I also did this and it really did help.
Even my heavily equipped Pathy stops fairly well. Although knowing I have extra weight, I tend to be far more cautious these days.
Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2014 3:23 pm
by sts9292
This is true ... took my PF to Firestone to check the pads. The tech came back and said they were fine ... the PF has 98,000 miles !!
Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2014 4:38 pm
by smj999smj
I'd love to get that Big Brake Kit from Stillen, but $2000 is too rich for my blood!
Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2014 8:54 am
by disallow
smj999smj wrote:I'd love to get that Big Brake Kit from Stillen, but $2000 is too rich for my blood!
Yeah $2000 to stop better... vs going faster! tough decision lol.
Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2014 11:27 am
by DanJetta
$2k, wow. I'll be looking farther down the road, I guess!
Brake shop says everything looks okay. I'm gonna flush the fluid this weekend and refrain from tailgating.
Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2014 2:00 pm
by psinsyd
DanJetta wrote:$2k, wow. I'll be looking farther down the road, I guess!
Brake shop says everything looks okay. I'm gonna flush the fluid this weekend and refrain from tailgating.
Picked up my '09 used and immediately noticed the spongy brakes.
Stealership said that the front pads were way worn and the brake fluid was dirty. Replaced the front pads, resurfaced the rotors, flushed and refilled the fluid, and it was noticeably better.
I still however want to circle back around with some upgraded pads/rotors for front and rear, such as EBC or something, and also braided stainless lines.