ARZ BBK customers, chime in please

rayall01

New Member
Oct 10, 2008
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rmjsupra;1378392 said:
DOT 4 is the highest fluid Wilwood recommends, the DOT is n ot the issue. Unless you are tracking the car their is no need for a high temp DOT 4

There is a need for DOT 4, as every set of steel braided lines I've seen specifies using it. I use it in mine. Dot 5 however, is not to be used with ABS systems.
 

adampecush

Regular Supramaniac
May 11, 2006
2,118
3
38
Edmonton
I've had zero problems with my 4-piston wilwoods. Even when I had a ton of air in my system, I didn't need to pump the pedal before the power would come on. Start with the MC test and go from there.
 

rmjsupra

New Member
Mar 11, 2009
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DOT 3 and DOT 4 are similar hydroscopic fluids (absorb moisture). Steel braided line is nothing more than a rubber brake line hose wrapped and a steel braiding, so it should not matter if DOT 3 or 4 is use.

I know for a fact from a very reliable source the Wilwood recommend either DOT 3 or 4 in their systems. The Wilwood 570 brake fluid is a DOT 3 and the Wilwood 600 brake fluid is a DOT 4.

DOT 4 is better and yes it is what I use as well, I actually run the Wilwood EXP 600 on my daily.

The Silicone in the DOT 5 makes the fluid non hydroscopic and the fluid needs to be changed regularly, not doing this will cause you to have moisture build up seperately from the brake fluid (oil is heavier that water and DOT 5 does not absorb water). Only real benefit to DOT 5 is that it will not ruin paint.

Most of the top performing high temp brake fluid out there is a form of DOT 4.
 

Poodles

I play with fire
Jul 22, 2006
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Fort Worth, TX
Gotta find the article, but DOT5 doesn't like vibration and as such DOT4 is far safer...

Also, your master cylinder could be completely fubar but you'll never know until you pop it loose from the brake booster as there is a seal and no weep hole to allow the fluid to escape (until it destroys the seal on the brake booster and starts going into the engine).
 

Boosted Supra

AEM 7MGTE 6765
Apr 7, 2005
353
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44
Valley Stream, New York, United States
Did the Brake MC test, pumped for about 5-10 times and is doesn't really get firm, it's stiff but not as I would have expected. Pedal drops 1/4 of the way, maybe even 1/2 way.

I also checked the pads, it seems a bit low. Pads were never replaced since I installed them back in 2003 (hardly drove the car).

Looks like I need a new MC and a new set of pads.

Do I need to replace brake booster as well?
 

rayall01

New Member
Oct 10, 2008
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Westfield, ma
rmjsupra;1378714 said:
DOT 3 and DOT 4 are similar hydroscopic fluids (absorb moisture). Steel braided line is nothing more than a rubber brake line hose wrapped and a steel braiding, so it should not matter if DOT 3 or 4 is use.

This I know, nonetheless, every set of Steel Braided hoses I've seen, has recommended using Dot 4. Also many brands use teflon and kevlar, not just plain rubber.
 

rayall01

New Member
Oct 10, 2008
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Boosted Supra;1378817 said:
Did the Brake MC test, pumped for about 5-10 times and is doesn't really get firm, it's stiff but not as I would have expected. Pedal drops 1/4 of the way, maybe even 1/2 way.

I also checked the pads, it seems a bit low. Pads were never replaced since I installed them back in 2003 (hardly drove the car).

Looks like I need a new MC and a new set of pads.

Do I need to replace brake booster as well?

Only if there's something wrong with it.
 

adampecush

Regular Supramaniac
May 11, 2006
2,118
3
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Edmonton
or just let the car sit for 10 mins and pull the line to the booster....it should still be under vacuum thanks to the check valve.
 

Poodles

I play with fire
Jul 22, 2006
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Fort Worth, TX
adampecush;1378849 said:
or just let the car sit for 10 mins and pull the line to the booster....it should still be under vacuum thanks to the check valve.

Yes, but that won't spot a small leak as you won't have a gauge. Easy to rent a gauge, suck it down, and then let it sit for a few hours and see if it's moved.
 

bfr1992t

The quiet one
Oct 29, 2005
272
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Ohio
Have you always had this problem or just recently? If only recently, or slowly increasing over time (and you confirmed your pads are low) sounds like you need new pads. Change those first (easiest and needed anyways) and inspect the calipers and pistons and brake lines. If the problem persists test your MC per the manual.

BTW what rear calipers do you have?
 

IJ.

Grumpy Old Man
Mar 30, 2005
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I come from a land down under
Boosted Supra;1378817 said:
Did the Brake MC test, pumped for about 5-10 times and is doesn't really get firm, it's stiff but not as I would have expected. Pedal drops 1/4 of the way, maybe even 1/2 way.

I also checked the pads, it seems a bit low. Pads were never replaced since I installed them back in 2003 (hardly drove the car).

Looks like I need a new MC and a new set of pads.

Do I need to replace brake booster as well?

You only need to pump it to exhaust the booster vacuum, if it creeps towards the floor at all over time while holding firm pressure you have a leaking MC so time for a new one as it's letting air in on it's return stroke and explains your long pedal.
 

Boosted Supra

AEM 7MGTE 6765
Apr 7, 2005
353
0
16
44
Valley Stream, New York, United States
bfr1992t;1378934 said:
Have you always had this problem or just recently? If only recently, or slowly increasing over time (and you confirmed your pads are low) sounds like you need new pads. Change those first (easiest and needed anyways) and inspect the calipers and pistons and brake lines. If the problem persists test your MC per the manual.

BTW what rear calipers do you have?

I'm actually going to replace the brake MC cause I believe it's original (20 yrs old). I also purchased some new pads.

I have stock rebuilt calipers in the rear
 

Boosted Supra

AEM 7MGTE 6765
Apr 7, 2005
353
0
16
44
Valley Stream, New York, United States
Good news.

After replacing my tired 20 year old brake master cylinder and upgrading to DOT4 brake fluid. I can honestly say that my brakes are extremely good. The thing stops on a dime and I've never felt so safe when braking. The braking power is amazing and NO pumping of brakes is required; I'm loving my supra even more.

I let Howard H drive my car to experience the braking power, he was impressed. I'll let him chime in to give you his thoughts.

So all you Jim King BBK owners, replace your old BMC and bleed until it's perfect.

Thanks to Brian@ BD performance

Thanks to wilwood for the exceptional advice, and everyone else.
 
Last edited:

arz

Arizona Performance
Nov 14, 2005
955
0
0
Mesa, AZ
www.ArizonaPerformance.com
Boosted Supra;1378003 said:
Found the specs

1.88/1.62" 47,8/41,1 mm 1.25" 31,8 mm 120-5031-FS 120-5032-FS

So what do I do now?
Those calipers will definitely NOT work on the front of a MKIII just so no one gets any wise ideas.

IJ.;1378056 said:
Wouldn't matter what size pistons are in the calliper you shouldn't have to pump the pedal, all that's affected by piston size is force required at the pedal to stop the car.

2 things that will affect it are air in the system or runout of the disc knocking the pads back, you need 1>2 thou runout so the pads don't drag/squeak in use any more will cause pan knock and a long initial pedal.
This was my first thought too. Especially you new brake installers, since they all just got done cracking the system I always cover proper bleed techniques with them (farthest, to nearest, then inboard to outboard on each caliper). If they still have issues, then make sure to check the runout and make sure the mounting surface is VERY clean and flat, and not dinged.

Boosted Supra;1378375 said:
I will re-bleed the system, should I upgrade to a higher DOT grade fluid?

Should I just replace the brake MC? I don't think it was ever replaced since I owned the car.
Dont upgrade your fluid just for the hell of it. Make sure the fluids are compatable, swapping fluid in some directions will swell ever seal in your brake system and you will be in for a lot of work.

Boosted Supra;1378817 said:
Did the Brake MC test, pumped for about 5-10 times and is doesn't really get firm, it's stiff but not as I would have expected. Pedal drops 1/4 of the way, maybe even 1/2 way.

I also checked the pads, it seems a bit low. Pads were never replaced since I installed them back in 2003 (hardly drove the car).

Looks like I need a new MC and a new set of pads.

Do I need to replace brake booster as well?
Yea if it moved at all you have a leak somewhere. Glad to hear you found it.

Boosted Supra;1378862 said:
Found the correct specs (I had a picture of my wilwoods unmounted), sorry for the confusion guys.

1.75" 44,5 mm 1.25" 31,8 120-7429-R/L
Yea that's the same one I use for my 4 piston.

Again glad to hear you found your problem and solved it.

I have and a few of my customers experience similar problems and it was always due to them not cleaning the hub surface or some piece of debris. Once I accidentally fastened a small chip between the rotor hat and the rotor. Now I make every effort to make sure that interface is perfect.