Hot brakes!

mazza_2_2

Yesterday I was running massively late for work :eek:
I had to pick my mates up for work who also had to start at the same time. So being late was not an option.
I had to give it the beans and braked very hard and frequent. I came to a round about where i had to stop from 70 to rest quick. When stationary my mate notices smoke coming from the left arch area, i looked and noticed there was some from the other side too.
Is it possible to set fire to your brakes? Is it normal when driving hard to see smoke coming from them?

miniator

you must really have been pushing hard to get brakes that hot - particularly on the public roads.

Wouldnt really worry too much, although there may be a possbiliity of the brake pads glazing. Also, if theyre that hot and you parked up straight away you run the risk of seizing the brakes on. (seen this happen at the track day i was at, the owner parked up and put the hand brake on)

mazza_2_2

There's no doubt i was making swift progress. Thankfully the roads weren't busy (doesn't fully excuse me i know!)
When i noticed the smoke i was stopping at a round about where the ground was flat, i was conscious of the fact my brakes may seize if handbrake was used so didn't use that or the brakes. Just let them loose to cool down.
Driving out today they feel fine as does everything else so I'm releived at that!
Some decent grooved ventilated disks are in order methinks.

miniator

front disks are vented as they are mate! grooves or drilled disks wont help them cool any quicker!

leaving 10 minutes early would though lol

JohnnyN

Might want to consider changing your brake fluid now too.

Matt

JohnnyN said:
Might want to consider changing your brake fluid now too.

^^ Yep, I'd agree with this as well. If you've cooked the brakes, the fluid will have boiled as well.

mazza_2_2

miniator said:
front disks are vented as they are mate! grooves or drilled disks wont help them cool any quicker!

leaving 10 minutes early would though lol

Cheers mate. At least I've established standard brakes are shite and will not be cut out for a track day use, something I was planning on doing.

JohnnyN said:
Might want to consider changing your brake fluid now too.

To be honest I'm not even sure when the last time the fluid was changed, certainly not in the 2 years I've owned the car anyway so a change is definitely needed especially now for peace of mind.

Matt

I noticed quite an improvement when Neil changed the brake fluid on my VXR, as that had never been done previously.

si_c1978

funnily enough ive had the same thing, i suspect it was a mixture of driving in auto and the extra ambient temps weve had recently.
it was around 30 degrees outside according to the car, i was in auto as i was knackered and couldnt be arsed to use manual, towards the end of my trip people were looking at my wheel archs when i went by the odd junction, saw a lot of smoke opened the windows and christ did they stink! :eek: