Unfortunately, it sounds like going to the dealer is the only alternative at this late date. I'd suggest changing both pads, unless the rear disc is badly scored.

 

Well, last minute brake problems are dropping our numbers again: Rjg, Kevinapex, GaryM05, Jgray, Resolute, Zmanco, myspivey, bamyi and me.

Bottom is definitely out. Amarao is now on the maybe list and funkymonkey1111 doesn't look hopeful at this point either. GaryM05's better half will be joining us (luckily) to make our mandatory tenth car with her Audi Allroad. We'll have several others joining us to spectate (and to ride along at some point).

 

The rotor is pretty badly scored, about 1/3 of the back rotor surface. I probably could just slap some new pads on and be good for Saturday. Not sure what I'm gonna do, if it isn't taken care of under warranty due to caliper failure then I probably wont make it.

I'm not dropping $450 for an oem rotor when I can get slotted stoptechs on the rear for $240. Why couldn't this happen next week this time? :/

 

Drop $600 and get the Stage II StopTech kit!!! Link for it in my sig.

 

i'm going to give it my best shot when i get back friday night. I'm happy to pony up the $100 for the cause--I made a commitment to go--and I'll stand by my financial obligation.

david, can you recommend an auto-parts-store brand brake fluid that is blue, so maybe i can see if i'm pulling any through the system? I don't have anyone to help me bleed the brakes the old fashioned way, so i may try using some sort of heavy implement on the pedal. any suggestions? a cinder block if i can find one.

 

Dave- thanks for the offer, but I think we'll be OK on the financial obligations if everyone shows up.

As for brake fluid, the only blue stuff I've used is Motul and we both know that isn't easy or cheap to find. Remember that if you don't totally flush the system it's not a disaster. As long as you move the majority of the old fluid and trapped air out of the lines, you'll have a solid pedal. If you can't easily get more Motul, I'd get some Valvoline Synpower which mixes with most any brake fluid effectively and use that.

Regarding the "heavy implement on the pedal" technique, it sounds both tedious and not very effective. Have you tested the brake pedal? If you have any doubts, I'd suggest securing the bleed valves, taking it off the stands, top off the master and take it for a slow spin. As long as the brakes are functioning, I'd just take it to a nearby brake store and have them power bleed the system.

Sorry I won't be around Friday, or I'd help you with it. Good luck!

 

funkeymonkey, I'm in Castle Rock, and you're welcome to stop by my house on Friday and we'll get your brakes bled. Give me a call on my cell at 720-883-2868 if you'd like.

Daniel

 

Daniel- that's a very nice offer. I think funkymonkey1111 may still be out of town for a quick Thanksgiving trip. His schedule was very tight in making this track day and I'm not sure when he gets back in.

BTW- it's the morning after Turkey Day and I'm headed down to Pueblo for work. I'll try to check this thread later tonight at the hotel.

 

yeah, right now i'm in Florida, and won't be getting home until about 8:30 or so tonight.

 

check your PM's when you get back. I have a pic of a solo bleed kit you can make.

 

Well, it's Friday night and I'm now in Pueblo. Just wanted to warn everybody who is driving up tomorrow morning that the stretch from just past Lincoln Ave. to just past Castle Rock is crawling with speed traps! Two Crown Vics (probably more), a silver Intrepid and a white truck/SUV were out hunting that stretch. DON"T GET CAUGHT ON THE WAY TO PMI!

 

Dave,

I'm home now and about the take a crack at the brakes. If i don't get it worked out, is it possible for me to come down and watch?

dave

 

Just caught this before I leave for the track from the hotel. Yes! You'd be more than welcome to come and watch. At this point it looks like there'll be almost half a dozen coming down just for that!

 

I wish that I could have joined you at the track today. So how was it? Any pics or video of the event?

 

It was great. Very well orgainize and in return very informative. At least for guys like me who have no track experience. Instead of learning bad habbits, Dave, Gary, Joel, Will, and Daniel were all generous with sharing their knowledge and teaching you the fundamentals.

Can't wait for the next one.

 

Saturday turned out to be a day to remember! The weather was gorgeous- 65 degees F and sunny, with just a bit of wind. The track was in great shape and we were on from practically sunup to sundown. The HPDE part of the program went well and everyone had multiple attempts at each exercise. This group really improved at each step and will be much better at REACTING to emergency situations in the future!

Getting out to the track is always a lot of fun and we slowly progressed in learning the line around PMI. I think everyone would agree that the beauty of it is that once you begin to master one part of the track, there's always another to work on! The cool day was good for horsepower and my NA powered Z was closing in on Turn 1 at 112-119 MPH! And that's only where the real FUN began...

My thanks to Gary and Joel for helping me instruct. It's great to see Z drivers who have progressed through past HPDEs step up and help others. We had a great spirit of cooperation throughout the group and that made it a lot of fun throughout the day. I particularly want to thank KevinApex for letting me sample his FI Z- while fuel pressure problems kept me from getting a consistent run, his car was quite impressive!

After the event, we drove a few miles into town for dinner and wouldn't ya know it, the town's Christmas parade was going on! We ended up having to WALK several blocks to the restaurant, but had a great time at a quiet place. One last thank you to Darrel and Art Singer (Associate Publisher of Nissan Sport Magazine) who came down to help, spectate and snap a few photos. It was much appreciated and I look forward to seeing any pics of the day!

 

BTW- no Z's (or other cars) were harmed in the making of this HPDE/track day.

Seriously, for those who were concerned about damage to your vehicle- not one ding was suffered during the day. This has maintained our record of NO DAMAGE to any participant for over four years of doing these HPDEs!

As mentioned in the early parts of this thread, BRAKES were the limiting factor in having fun throughout the day, so there were some smokin' brakes (literally)...

 

Yes, brakes limited me right out of the event!

 

Wish I could have attended, last minute more pressing issues came up. Sounds like there was alot of "learning" going down. Hopefully next track I will be there...
Sean

 

Well I was thinking about the events as I was going up/down Pikes Peak on the Cog with the family. Hopefully I'll be able to make the next events. Glad everyone had a great time and stayed safe!