I just bought a 92 Protege LX and the brakes seem to suck. I was wondering if this is common for the four wheel disc brakes.

I may just get some vented rotors. Will these help alot or should I upgrade to stainless steel lines and pads. I want to save money cuz I plan on selling this car in a few months because its an automatic. So if vented rotors will help by themselves that would be great.

Thank You,
Alan

 

Hi Alan-

Yep, the OE really doesn't do all that well. Best way to increase bite and efficiency is going to a more agressive pad material. I am thinking the Hawk HPS-They are at $54 for the front axle.

Hoep this helps!

Best,

Wes

 

Thanks that does help. Pads are cheaper then vented rotors. How long on average to those pads last though?

 

Really depends on how you drive them. If you are tracking the car, like all pads, not long at all. I would tell you that you should get roughly 40k from them with normal street usage. Mine are fine at 40, but I do a lot of interstate travel.

 

i have a base 323 too w/ LX rear disc swap. Mine dont suck like urs tho... I drag race my car from stop to stop light and my brakes hasn't faded on me eversince i did my swap and change my worn out rotor to OEM rotor...

 

I just had all new calipers rotors and pads put on all 4 corners. I pick up the car tomorrow so ill update you on the improvement.

 

I did it myself, I trust my judgement in the parts. I have had no problem with the same manufs. on my 323.

 

Make sure that the back brakes are doing their share of the work. Typically if the fronts are doing all the work, stopping distances will be long and the brakes will feel like "they suck". Try pulling up the parking brake handle 2-3 clicks (without your foot on the brake pedal), and try a semi-panic stop. If the car feels 100% better, with a firmer pedal feel, your rear brakes are slacking off on the job.

 

That's exactly my problem and i did replace the pads not so long ago. I discovered that they do not use well in the drum, only the edges are used. I tried to adjust them, it worked only for a couple of days. Sometimes, i really feel (on the brake pedal) that they are working well and brake distance is way better and sometimes it really sucks.

as suggested by someone, i replace the dual proportionning valve (junkyard) without luck. I have no clue if it was working well before and the original at the dealer is $145 canadian.

So i'm stuck here..any other suggestions?

thanks