I spent part of my day down at "Race Brakes" today and I must say that these guys run an absolutely top notch business. The shop closed at 1pm and I rocked up at 12:50pm just wanting to pickup a front set of RB74 pads and abit of discussion about my current brake issues.
Steve was incredibly knowledgable with my problems and spent the time showing me exactly where the problem was and what needs to be done to fix it. They stressed how important bedding in these RB74 pads were (they said if it isn't done properly the pads are good as useless) and I actually suddenly became quite scared of bedding them in so asked if they could fit n bed there n then which they quite happily did (even after hours).
I spent 2 hours with them as they worked on my front brakes and had a look at all possibilites. They took my wheels off and checked over the pads and calipers and then found air in my lines. Even though my DOT5 brake fluid is only 3mths old its completely useless because my caliper seals are gone and are putting shit in my lines.
The pads cost me $130 (SAU discount, normally $148) and the fitting and checking and bedding in of front pads cost $45 (SAU discount, normally $65). I insisted on paying the standard price coz I was their with no notice and they would have been working out of business hours but they wouldn't take my money.
1 of the mechanics took me out while he was bedding in my front RB74's and really gave it a good hammering. Straight away he could notice air in my rear lines and afew other issues. He noticed that the ride height in my front suspension was too low and I was hitting the bump stops quite often. This will cause more pressure to be put on the tyres/brakes and front wheels will have a tendency to lockup instead of slow down. He suggested a 20mm height adjustment.
The week after next my car will be going back to get a complete overhaul. Here is a SAU discounted quote:
* Rebuild front + rear calipers = $440
* Replace rear pads = $125
* Flush brake fluid, replace with GP600 = $100
* Paint calipers, rotors n anything else that can be painted = $40
* Adjust front ride height 20mm = $40
= $745
Not wanting to go back anytime soon (except for pads) I asked about braided lines. He suggested only getting the front done and then go n give it a good hammering as I probably won't need any further work done for trackdays. The front brake system in the Skylines uses 2 brake lines on each side where as most other cars only use 1 line each side. The cost to get the 4 front lines upgraded to braided lines was ~$340 (give or take $20 as he forgot to write it down).
I'm not sure if I will get this done (it is already putting my bodykit fitting back another 2-3mths) but I really would like to get -everything- sorted and done for track usage.
Just would like to say a huge thanks to Steve and the guys at Race Brakes (an SAU Sponsor) a huge wrap as these guys were absolutely fantastic. Time wasn't an issue for them, they let me walk throughout the workshop to look at the work being done and show me the problems etc.
Top notch business.
www.racebrakes.com.au
Steve - 02 9609 1101