Hope this isnt a re-post, but I couldnt find any info. I have about 1,200 miles on a 2004 maserati and I'm noticing the brakes will squeak once in a while at about 2-5mph as I stop. I've been told this is common with metallic brakes, but it doesnt seem right. It doesnt happen every time but its loud as hell when it does. Has anyone had this issue with their brakes. The first 500 miles, I was careful with the engine and brakes not to over rev or over brake. Actually, used the brakes hard only a few times. I even did some hard braking in hopes of removing a glaze, but it didnt work. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.
This DOES happen with metallic/semi-metallic brake pads. Many people have this start after their first day at the track when they excercise them and get a bit of heat glaze. I finally gave up and went to carbon-kevlar brake pads, and have never been sorry. They take just a slightly longer amount of time to fully warm up, but NEVER any squeal after several track days and aggressive street driving. They're also nearly dustless and the dust is a light color so it is less noticeable. I use the R4-s pads from Porterfield (www.porterfield-brakes.com)
I just inquired about a set for my 360 Modena. The R4S which is their high performance/autocross pads are good cold up to 1100 degree F. Have you noticed any fade due to boiling brake fluid lapping a circuit? How long will they last? And do you have good brake modulation/feel with these pads? Thanks for the info.
I don't know, brand new brakes shouldn't sqeel. You may be getting dust trapped in between the pad and the rotor. Every once in a while you should brake hard to clear it. I usually do most of my braking before coming to a stop and sort of roll into a stop with my foot off the pedal. This method definitely helps with the squeel. But I have high performance brake pads and they squeel once they warm up. My orginal brakes never squeeled until I replaced them.
Put R4S 's on my 2000, 550, about 3k miles ago. Much better than stock pads..... almost never squeals and much less dusting. I recommend them. Cost about $ 280 for a set of fronts and rears.
I use high temp brake fluid also, and have had no fade when I drive, but if I let my race-driver friend push the car as hard as he likes, he can start to get a little fade after about 15 laps on a 2-mile roadcourse. The feel of the pads is excellent. I've been using them for several years now, and they seem to last just about as long as the Lucas/Axxis MetalMax pads did.
Good info thanks. I have talked to the distributor in Southern Cali and also confirmed they will be good for my type of driving. But they were cautious about tracking the R4S. I am going to consider them for my next brake service. Cheers, Matt
Thanks for the info. I think I will change them out too when I replace the pads. The rolling stops have been helping for now although it doesnt happen everytime. By the way, is this something the dealer service ctr will do when i take it in?
They are not designed for full-race track-only cars. They are, according to Porterfield's old website, suitable for aggressive street driving and light track. On their new website, they say, "For high performance and heavy-duty street conditions. Perfect for prolonged everyday street use while also being capable of tolerating the most severe street use without any fade. Rotor friendly of course. The R4-S friction level will give you an impressive increase in stopping ability with very minimum pedal effort. R4-S compound has the absolute lowest noise and dust levels, far below OEM equipment or any other high performance brake material. Good for autocrossing, some drivers schools, solo events, and rallys."
