Saturday, October 11, 2014

Baer Brakes - Big Brake Kits




For 43 years Baer Brakes has participated in every type of racing and performance activity. Thru Racing, Baer Brakes first recognized the need for improvements ...





Baer Brakes are known worldwide for superior braking performance and outstanding quality. Baer offers everything from replacement brake rotors & brake pads ...





Baer Disc Brake Systems is an industry-leading manufacturer of brake systems which deliver next-level stopping power for all of your safe ...





When it comes to performance brakes, the industry's top choice is the Baer line of products. Racers and enthusiasts alike choose this Arizona-based brand for its ...









When it comes to performance brakes, the industry’s top choice is the Baer line of products. Racers and enthusiasts alike choose this Arizona-based brand for its high level of craftsmanship and product quality. For over 43 years, this company has provided the most innovative brake products that are perfect for street performance vehicles. Recognizing the importance of precise and accurate brakes, this manufacturer ensures that every unit has been finely tuned and specially engineered to provide a long-term service life and lasting performance. With this, the company has not stopped in its quest of continuously upgrading its offerings together with the technology used in manufacturing. By using the latest CAD and CNC machining technologies, Baer has been capable of producing specialized brake systems without charging customers a rate that’s worth and arm and a leg. Every brake system produced by this company uses intricately machined components: callipers that have been forged out of aluminum, curved vane rotors, pistons made of steel, and high-grade hardware that includes nuts and bolts that are easy to use. The only challenge is to choose the right brake system for your ride’s application. Baer’s SS4+ systems are the usual choice for small vehicles, while track 4 is applied on trucks with massive wheels. What’s more, because of their special designs, Baer’s replacement units continue to dominate the market as well; the decelerator front brake disc possess a cross-drilled and slotted design that ensure a higher level of durability, while Baer’s Eradispeed-Plus-1 brake disc are coated with zinc to prevent easy corrosion.





Get your Baer parts today! You can start shopping simply by filling your virtual shopping cart with your needed components and add-ons. Premium parts are sold right here at Auto Parts Warehouse, an online auto parts store that’s dedicated to providing high-quality replacements and accessories with a low price guarantee to ensure that customers get the best value out of their hard-earned money. Whether you are in need of a more efficient brake system, a light bulb to illuminate dark roads, a new radiator to ensure proper cooling, or a more efficient fuel injector to improve fuel economy, we are there to help you out. Our wide inventory of products will definitely be able to cater to your every need. Check out Auto Parts Warehouse’s product inventory by looking through our online catalog. You can search by typing in the year, make, and model of the vehicle, the name of the part, or a specific brand and part, such as Baer performance brakes. And there’s more. We provide a hassle-free shopping experience for customers through our secure and flexible payment gateways, quick order processing, and reliable international shipping service. So if you’re looking to upgrade, restore, repair, or simply maintain your auto, head straight to Auto Parts Warehouse. Should you have questions or concerns about our products and services, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and dial our toll-free hotline number. Our customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you out.







Baer Brake Disc Kit



When you buy a Baer brakes kit, you are purchasing the result of years of focus specifically on brakes. Baer Racing, Inc., is a name known in the racing world and by the top automotive manufacturers for quality braking systems and the superior performance of the Baer brakes kit clearly demonstrates that firm focus on brakes. A Baer brakes kit is designed to be a simple install, and there is no welding involved. In addition to a simple bolt on installation and fine performance, a Baer brakes kit also comes with a durability and dependability that can be counted on. The Baer brakes kit is available for numerous makes and models of vehicles, and the odds are that we carry just the right Baer brakes kit for your specific vehicle.



Baer Brake Pad Set



Since 1986, Baer brakes systems have been providing superior and dependable performance. Like many of the companies known for high performance parts, Baer Racing, Inc., proved their Baer brakes systems on the race course, winning numerous awards. In addition to enjoying the proven performance of their Baer brakes systems on the race track, Baer Racing, Inc., has worked with the top names in the automotive manufacturing world, contributing the knowledge used in the design of Baer brakes system to helping to improve stock factory braking systems. Today, Baer brakes systems are available for street use on a broad range of makes and models of vehicles. Designed with simple installation in mind, Baer brakes systems are an excellent choice in terms of quality, performance and convenience.



Baer Performance Brake Kit



In addition to complete breaking systems and brake kits, Baer Racing, Inc., also makes available a variety of individual brake parts, including their Baer brake discs. Like each and every braking system, kit or individual part that carries the Baer name, Baer brake discs can be counted on to provide a high level of performance and safety reliably for many miles. The quality inherent in Baer brake discs is a direct result of the company's devotion to just brakes and their use of only high-grade materials in the manufacture of their brake parts and systems, including Baer brake discs. Dependable brakes are an essential part of automotive safety, and you and your vehicle deserve the best, which should make Baer brake discs your first choice.



Baer Performance Brake Kit



Baer brake rotors are a smart decision when it comes to replacing your rotors. Designed to look just as sharp as they perform, Baer brake rotors are available for a variety of makes and models of vehicles. The premium, high performance Baer brake rotors are built to significantly outperform the rotors that come factory installed on your vehicle. Part of the high performance of these Baer brake rotors has to do with an innovative design that is meant to offer greater airflow and heat dissipation. The zinc-coated surface is pleasing to the eye, as is the slotting and drilling of the high performance Baer brake rotors. Just important as high performance and good looks, however, is the durability that is built into Baer brake rotors ? and you can count on that.


aftermarket brakes-BREMBO: QUALITY FOR THE AFTERMARKET




BREMBO: QUALITY FOR THE AFTERMARKET





Brembo now offers the quality and performance of the world's leading braking system manufacturer to all models of car. The cutting-edge technology and vast experience of a company that manufactures braking systems for the world's major automotive constructors, combined with absolute control in every stage of the production process, allow Brembo to offer the Aftermarket professional a more comprehensive and reliable range of spare parts that covers over 96% of all vehicles on the road today.



Brembo brake pads are the new benchmark for performance, durability and reliability, and also offer unparalleled braking comfort. Brembo's range of brake discs and drums is unrivalled in terms of both size and innovation. Brembo rear wheel kits provide all the components necessary for drum brake maintenance. On top of this is a complete range of hydraulic components engineered for absolute reliability.



But Brembo also stands for consistent quality in every component and a comprehensive aftersales service. A choice that is up to any challenge, for any car.





A comprehensive range of aftermarket products makes Brembo technology accessible to every workshop.





Brembo Aftermarket offers a suite of services to support all professionals in the sector.


bedded-in brake pads




All brake pads must be bedded-in with the rotor they will be used against to maximize brake performance. The bedding-in process involves a gradual build up of heat in the rotors and pad compound. This process will lay down a thin layer of transfer film on to the rotor surface. Following the bed-in procedures provided by the manufacturer will assure a smooth, even layer of transfer film on the rotor and will minimize brake judder. Here are a few things to keep in mind when installing new rotors and pads:





When installing new pads, the rotors should be new or at least resurfaced to remove any transfer film from the previous set of brake pads.





It is critical that the installer clean any rust, scale, or debris from the hub mounting surface thoroughly and check it for excessive run-out with a dial indicator gauge before installing the rotor.





The new rotor should also be checked for excessive run-out using a dial indicator gauge before the caliper and pads are installed. If a rotor has excessive run-out of over .004" (.10mm) it should be replaced.





If your new rotor has excessive run-out, please contact our customer service department for a replacement rotor. Do not install and drive using the rotor! Rotor manufacturers will not warranty a used rotor for excessive run-out. Running with excessive run-out on the hub or rotor will cause vibration issues.





Failure to follow these procedures may result in brake judder, excessive noise, or other difficulties in bedding-in the new brake pads. The pads need a fresh surface to lay down an even transfer film. Residue from the previous pad compound on the surface or an irregular surface on a used rotor will cause the pads to grip-slip-grip-slip as they pass over the rotor surface under pressure. The resulting vibration will cause noise and telegraph vibrations through the suspension and steering wheel. This vibration is known as brake judder or brake shimmy. This is typically caused by an uneven transfer film on the rotor surface or an uneven surface on the rotor not allowing that transfer film to develop evenly. This is often misdiagnosed as a warped rotor.





Bedding-in new pads and rotors should be done carefully and slowly. Rapid heat build up in the brake system can lead to warped rotors and or glazed brake pads. Most brake pad compounds will take up to 300-400 miles to fully develop an even transfer film on the rotors. Following are the recommended bed-in procedures from each manufacturer:





AKEBONO





400 to 500 miles of moderate driving is recommended. Consumer should avoid heavy braking during this period.





ATE





400 to 500 miles of moderate driving is recommended. Consumer should avoid heavy braking during this period.





BREMBO Gran Turismo





In a safe area, apply brakes moderately from 60mph to 30mph and then drive approximately 1/2 mile to allow the brakes to cool. Repeat this procedure approximately 30 times.





HAWK





After installing new pads make 6 to 10 stops from approximately 35 mph with moderate pressure. Make an additional two to three hard stops from approximately 40 to 45 mph. Do not allow the vehicle to come to a complete stop.When completed with this process, park the vehicle and allow the brakes to cool completely before driving on them again. Do not engage the parking brake until after this cooling process is compete.





NOTE: Hawk racing pads (Blue, Black, HT-10, HT-12) may require a different bed-in procedure. Contact your sales specialists at the Tire Rack for racing application information.





POWER SLOT





Follow the brake pad manufacturer's recommended break-in procedure taking care not to produce excessive heat in the system. Avoid heavy braking for the first 400-500 miles.


Why Ceramic Brake Pads?




We want our vehicle's brake system to offer smooth, quiet braking capabilities under a wide range of temperature and road conditions. We don't want brake-generated noise and dust annoying us during our daily driving.





To accommodate this, brake friction materials have evolved significantly over the years. They've gone from asbestos to organic to semi-metallic formulations. Each of these materials has proven to have advantages and disadvantages regarding environmental friendliness, wear, noise and stopping capability.





Asbestos pads caused health issues and organic compounds can't always meet a wide range of braking requirements. Unfortunately the steel strands used in semi-metallic pads to provide strength and conduct heat away from rotors also generate noise and are abrasive enough to increase rotor wear.





Since they were first used on a few original equipment applications in 1985, friction materials that contain ceramic formulations have become recognized for their desirable blend of traits. These pads use ceramic compounds and copper fibers in place of the semi-metallic pad's steel fibers. This allows the ceramic pads to handle high brake temperatures with less heat fade, provide faster recovery after the stop, and generate less dust and wear on both the pads and rotors. And from a comfort standpoint, ceramic compounds provide much quieter braking because the ceramic compound helps dampen noise by generating a frequency beyond the human hearing range.





Another characteristic that makes ceramic materials attractive is the absence of noticeable dust. All brake pads produce dust as they wear. The ingredients in ceramic compounds produce a light-colored dust that is much less noticeable and less likely to stick to the wheels. Consequently, wheels and tires maintain a cleaner appearance longer.





Ceramic pads meet or exceed all original equipment standards for durability, stopping distance and noise. According to durability tests, ceramic compounds extend brake life compared to most other semi-metallic and organic materials and outlast other premium pad materials by a significant margin - with no sacrifice in noise control, pad life or braking performance.





This is quite an improvement over organic and semi-metallic brake materials that typically sacrifice pad life to reduce noise, or vice versa.





Ceramic brake pads are available at a cost that is only a little higher than conventional premium pads. Options are listed when you search by vehicle (shown as "Material: Ceramic" in search results).


Remanufactured with brand new components Vehicle brake caliper




FLOATING CALIPER DESIGNS



Floating calipers can fail from sticking that can occur from dirt or corrosion if the vehicle is not operated regularly.



Causes the pad attached to the caliper to rub on the rotor when the brake is released.



Reduces fuel efficiency and cause excessive wear on the affected pad.



Additional heat generated can lead to warping of the rotor also.



ALL CALIPERS



All calipers are susceptible to internal breakdown of the rubber seals or phenolic pistons. This cannot visibly be seen and is only detected when leaking occurs.



Heat generated in the braking system will eventually break down the rubber seals.



Severely worn friction can also cause the piston to overextend and the seal to leak.





The brake caliper is the assembly which houses the brake pads and pistons. The pistons are usually made of aluminum, chrome plated steel, or from a composite material called phenolic. There are two types of calipers: floating or fixed.





CALIPER ADVANTAGE



Remanufactured with brand new components that meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer specifications



100% factory tested



Include 100% new boots, seals, phenolic pistons (if required) and bleeder screws



Include factory installed hardware


How long do brake pads last?




The lifespan of a given set of brake pads is dependent on a very wide set of variables ranging from personal driving style to the impersonal laws of physics. Mechanics and manufacturers have a loosely agreed upon mileage range from around 30,000 to 70,000 miles (48,280 to 112,654 kilometers), but stories of pads lasting a mere 100 miles (160.9 kilometers) to an astounding 100,000 miles (160,934 kilometers) abound.





These far-ranging numbers are understandable. Pads come in an array of types and compositions -- from composite to metallic to ceramic -- and are attached to an even more bewildering array of brake systems and rotors, all of which affect the life of the pad. Added to the mix are heat, pressure and friction in amounts that would astound most drivers. Indeed the brakes, especially the pads, are some of the hardest working components in your car.





For the purpose of this article we'll deal solely with brake pads, meaning the pads used in caliper brakes rather than drum brakes. The pads used in drum brakes are referred to as "shoes." They serve the same purpose and are often constructed of the same or similar material, but they function in a slightly different way.





Let's begin addressing the longevity question by looking at what brake pads are made of, or their frictional material. Pads generally come in four types: organic, semimetallic, metallic, and synthetic. Each of these types has their own characteristics that must be weighed against brake pad life:





Organic: Made from non-metallic fibers bonded into a composite material. The material is then treated with friction modifiers including graphite, powdered metals and even nutshells. Fillers are added to reduce noise and to affect heat transfer, among other factors.



Semimetallic: This pad is a mix of organic material and metals -- ranging from steel and iron to copper -- molded and bonded to form the pad. These pads are harder and more resistant to heat.



Metallic: This material, formed of a variety and mix of pressure bonded metals, was once used extensively in racing. Advances in organic and semimetallic pad composition have made metallic pads almost obsolete.



Synthetic: This is what is often referred to as ceramic pads. These pads are made from a composite of non-organic and nonmetallic material, usually fiberglass and aramid fibers. These pads weigh about half the weight of the average pad, they are stronger, have better cold and hot stopping power and they last much longer than the average pad. They also cost about twice as much.





For the pad materials above, the best stopping power is found in the organic pads. But this same stopping power means more of the pad material is worn away during a stop. Because of this, organic pads last the least amount of time on average. Semimetallic pads, the pads that are now on most cars, are harder and last longer but they don't stop as effectively as organic pads do. The same goes for ceramic pads, though these pads do often last longer if the driver is willing to pay the price and have a slightly longer stopping distance.





And as pads are all about stopping it's time to take a look at mass. The reality of mass or specifically stopping a given mass -- like a car -- brings us to the physics behind pad wear.









The Physics of Brake Pads





At its most basic, a brake system converts the kinetic energy of a car into heat energy through friction devices -- namely the pads. How much kinetic energy is at work in a car is determined by its weight (I use this interchangeably with mass thought the two are not exactly the same), its speed and how much the speed changes. From a physics standpoint, kinetic energy is calculated by multiplying the weight of the car times the square of its speed. The product is then divided by 29.9 and the result is the amount of kinetic energy in foot-pounds.





A more practical application is this: Two cars are traveling at 30 miles per hour (48.3 kilometers per hour). One weighs 2,000 pounds (907.2 kilograms), the other 4,000 pounds (1,814 kilograms). The lighter car is generating 60,200 foot-pounds (81,620 newton-meters) of kinetic energy, the heavier car is generating 120,400 foot-pounds (163,240 newton-meters) of kinetic energy.





Our theoretical car is traveling and generating torque and essentially nothing is happening until the driver steps on the brake. Then a whole bunch of things happen. The brakes must overcome dynamic inertia (the car in motion) and impose static inertia (make the car come to a stop). It does this by changing the kinetic energy to thermal energy or heat -- and it generates a lot. The pads on the smaller car going 60 miles per hour (96.6 kilometers per hour) will reach about 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232.2 degrees Celsius) during an emergency stop. This, of course, can affect the life of the pad. Or, more simply put, every time a driver stops, or rides the brakes, the pads wear down, heat up and die just a little bit.





The final portion of this long equation on pad life has nothing to do with the pads directly. Remember, the pads must press against a rotor to slow the car. This is accomplished using a set of calipers, and the pads are pressed against a rotor.





A rotor may look like a simple piece of metal but it's designed very specifically to work with the calipers and pads. The mass of the rotor, as well as built-in heat fins, help dissipate some of the heat energy developed during braking and extend pad life. The surface also has a specific finish that is smooth enough to extend the life of the pad, but rough enough to allow effective braking.





Similarly, the calipers must work to correctly apply the piston and press the pads when needed, and release when not needed, too. A stuck or sticking caliper can mean a pad is in constant or too-frequent pressurized contact with a rotor. This increases the heat energy and premature wearing away of the pad.





The variables in a brake pad's life are so wide that setting a specific lifespan is almost impossible -- although 30,000 to 50,000 miles (48,280 to 80,467 kilometers) for semimetallic pads is a good guesstimate. Even the type of transmission a car has can affect pad life. Manual transmission drivers who know how to shift to control speed will see longer brake life than automatic transmission drivers. On the other end of the spectrum, people who ride the brakes, or brake very hard, often see their pad life halved when a simple shift in driving style could save them money.





Given this variety, the best way to handle pad life is to have them checked during routine oil changes. A set of brake pad gauges can be used to measure wear, and a good shop can tell you how much friction material you have left on the pad and how long they should last. Many pads have audible indicators as well. A small piece of metal, usually a spring clip, attached to one of the pads. When the pad wears down, the clips rub against the rotor and make a squealing noise.





Regardless of how long typical brake pads may last, always pay attention to the signs of brakes going bad -- fading power, loss of power when the brakes get hot, or pulling to one side or another during braking. All of these signs are an indication of brake pads going bad, and brakes are critical to a car's good operation.





For more information about brake pads and other related topics, follow the links on the next page.


brake mechanic Brakes & Brake Repair




Do you need more runway than a 747 to stop your car? If you answered yes it's time to have your brakes inspected at your neighborhood Midas.





From the brake pedal to hydraulic brake fluid, brake master cylinder to power brake booster, drum brakes to disc brakes and electronic anti-lock brake sensors, Midas technicians know every part of your brake system inside and out and can perform brake repair on any make and model.





No wonder Midas is one of North America’s brake service leaders.- With locations throughout the US and Canada, you can be confident we’ll always be there when you need us.





You know you need brake repair when:





the brake dashboard light glows amber, indicating problems with the anti-lock brake system (ABS)



the brake dashboard light is red, indicating a system imbalance



the brake pedal is spongy or slow to respond



you hear grinding or constant squealing during braking





Any time you notice these or other symptoms, it’s a good idea to have your brakes checked. At Midas, if our inspection reveals you do need brake repair service, we will explain exactly what's required, what’s optional and provide you with a written estimate before any work is done.





Answer: 55



Question: How many items are inspected during the MIdas SecureStop? brake service?





Midas understands how important brakes are and has developed a 55-point inspection process to diagnose the health of your brake system. Our ASE-certified technicians will let you know which components need immediate attention and which ones can wait. And they’ll discuss brake repair options that fit within your budget.





Our quality pads and shoes come with the famous Midas Lifetime Guarantee.* Brake pads and shoes purchased with this guarantee are warranted for as long as you own your car.







Brake systems - more than you wanted to know.





Your vehicle’s brake system has one job – to stop your vehicle. But it takes several key components to deliver that singular end result. To bring a vehicle to a halt, three things are necessary: leverage, hydraulic force and friction. Leverage is supplied by the driver’s leg pressure and the brake pedal. The pedal is connected by levers and rods to the back of the power booster. The power booster uses either engine vacuum or a hydraulic pump to multiply and transfer the force of that leverage to the master cylinder. The master cylinder is the heart of your vehicle’s brake hydraulic system. It uses applied leverage to force a reservoir full of brake fluid through valves, steel lines and rubber hoses into hydraulic calipers and wheel cylinders. That hydraulic pressure is then used to help create friction.





For example, disc brakes use a hydraulic caliper fitted with brake pads to grab a spinning disc (or rotor). Drum brakes, on the other hand, have a hydraulic wheel cylinder that pushes a brake shoe against the inside of a spinning drum. Either design involves highly engineered parts and precise movement. The more force a driver applies to the brake pedal, the greater the stopping force that is applied at the wheels.





In addition to this primary braking system, most of today’s vehicles utilize an electronic Anti-lock Brake System. Using electronic sensors and high pressure pumps, under certain conditions, your ABS system can measure vehicle speed, wheel slip and brake force. Then it actually pumps the brakes for you during an emergency stop.





That’s why it’s essential to be proactive about testing overall brake components. And to know whether a brake component needs simply to be serviced or totally replaced.









ASK THE MECHANIC



Brakes & Brake Repair FAQs







Q: Do I have to change my brake fluid?





A: You don’t have to change your brake fluid, but consider this: When the brake fluid shows signs of high levels of copper content, the additives in the brake fluid are breaking down. This increases acid levels, and causes erosion of parts and possible damage to Anti-Lock Brake System components. Today’s anti-lock brake systems are expensive – some parts cost thousands of dollars, not including labor. Changing your brake fluid protects this investment.







Q: My car shakes when I hit the brakes. What's going on?





A: It’s possibly a sign that your rotors need attention, but we’ll know for sure once we take a look.







Q: I only have 10,000 miles on my car and my brakes are squeaking. Do I need new brakes already?





A: Probably not, but whether it’s a squeal or a grind, brake noise means the brake system needs some attention. Bring your vehicle to any of our stores, and we’ll be happy to take a look.







Q: How long do brake pads and rotors last?





A: All brake pads and rotors wear down. The rate at which this happens depends on your driving style. Cars that drive in town with lots of stop-and-gos will consume brake friction material much faster than cars that drive primarily on highways. Vehicle loads are the other factor. The heavier your car is, the more braking power it requires to stop.