So I'm going to be doing a HPDE class next weekend, and I've been getting my car ready, making sure it's in top form, etc. Aside from my tires being junk (should be getting new ones installed this next week), I think I may have an issue with my brakes/ABS.

It was damp out, went to stop, thought "this is a good time to test the brakes/ABS". Stomped on the brakes, slowed...slowly, got some weird almost clicking like noise from the front left side of the car (could have been both sides), and then I slid a little bit, as in it felt like my wheels locked up and I slid. Huh, that's not supposed to happen.

Needless to say I was surprised. Never really got any pulsing in the pedal from the ABS (I've had 3 loaner MINI's in the past month, don't ask, and driven a friend's '04, so I know how the brakes should feel), just that weird noise and slow stopping/sliding.

Bled the brakes yesterday, no air, so that's not the issue, but still not a whole lot of stopping power. Bought the car in Oct, it had new front brakes put on shortly before, thought maybe they didn't bed them right. Took the brakes apart today, cleaned the pads/rotors, feels a bit better, but when stomping, still just that odd clicking noise and slow to stop.

Checked my fuse for the ABS, all good. Checked all connections at the master cyl and the DSC/ABS unit, all good as far as I can see.

Could I possibly have a bad master cylinder? MINI did the brakes, so I'm sure the pads/rotors are stock issue, but there's just no grip like how I had in the loaners, my friends car, or any other car I can remember driving.

I'm planning on taking it to a german auto shop nearby this week to have them test drive it, but looking to get some ideas? Granted, there can't be too may things that it could be, but...I dunno??

Thanks in advance.

 

Update...I think the pads weren't properly bedded with the rotors. I did some speed stops out and about, got the ABS to kick more consistently the more I did it, and now the brakes seem MUCH grabbier. Will test again after it's cooled off, but I think this was the issue.

I think it's also the tires, but those are going away.

 

Glad to here that has worked out for you. If you haven't done so already flush out the old brake fluid. Very important to have fresh fluid before you hit the track.

 

Thanks, yeah, we did ATE super blue yesterday.

 

Coop where are you doing the track day? I am headed to Thunder Hill in CA for the 21st and 22nd. I have race pads on order and just got my Konig ECO wheel and Nitto NT01 track tires. Was hunting for aluminum hub centric rings for the new wheels. The plastic one's would melt I would think.