Brakes on AU1

bart2170 · 17-07-2006, 05:23 PM

Hi,
I understand it's common knowledge that the brakes on the AU1 aren't the best. My AU Fairmont wagon developed brake shudder. It's especcially bad after braking a couple of times, so that they warm up. I checked the brakes and found that the all the pads are at least 80%. The rotors on the back are 9 mm thick, the rotors on the front look thin, are 23.2 mm thick and I assume that they have been machined a couple of times. Both front roters seems to be a bit worped.

I did some reading on this Forum and concluded that I most likely need new rotors. Although I am not the most sportive driver (depends a bit on mood) I figured that an upgrade to slotted DBA with Bendix CT seems to be a sensable one and this will cost me $ 300 on parts.
What to you people think do I also have to replace the rotors and pads on the back or can I leave them as is?
Thanks for your inputs.
Bart

JC · 17-07-2006, 05:30 PM

You can do fronts only, and that will be a big difference. If you also do rears at the sam etime, you won't even know the car - it will stop on a dime.

I just installed RDA rotors on the weekend, and they look very similar to DBA, at about 2/3 cost. Might also be worth considering.

rag top · 17-07-2006, 06:13 PM

Further to what JC said in regards to RDA's, I did the same thing, and bought them off EBay, very cheap, and I'm very happy with the result.

bart2170 · 17-07-2006, 06:57 PM

Hi,
Thanks for the fast reply.
I had a look at ebay, there's a business in Cheltenham who sells a RDA slotted rotor set with RDA pads.
Rag top is that the same set you put on yours? Price looks ok for $160?
Bart

rag top · 17-07-2006, 07:27 PM

Sounds about right. I also bought an exhaust system as well, and they combined the freight for me to my door.

SVR73 · 17-07-2006, 07:51 PM

I've only gotten shudder once on the VCT so I just machined the fronts slightly
My experience with RDA rotors ain't so flash so I'm gonna give Mr cebco a call and go two to four piston calipers, dba 4000 wiper slot rotors all round and then find a super strong pad (probably kevlar compound)

In most cases you can leave the rears alone, I never did the forte rears, even after 130,000 km

bart2170 · 17-07-2006, 08:18 PM

Hi SVR73,
As I will order new rotors soon, may I asked what's your negative experience with RDA?

**Papa Smurf** · 18-07-2006, 10:58 AM

I upgraded from an EB to a AU XR6. I can say that I am more confident when braking in an emergency than I ever was in the EB. Having ABS would also be a plus I know but, I am still happy with the XR6 brakes.