Help - C6 Z06 Brakes

[cbjetboy]

I was replacing my tires yesterday and looked at my pads while the wheels were off and noticed they are almost ready to replace. What is the average life for street use? What is the best pad for street use? I keep my wheels clean so dust doesn't bother me. I want the best average stopping power for street use. This is my daily driver so I don't track the car but I do drive it to the limits when safely away from others so I want the best I can get for everyday stopping...not track heated or whatever. Thanks for any help and suggestions you guys offer.

C4C5 - Can you tell me the proper bleed sequence for my 2008 Z06? I have seen many on the forums but I want the real answer...also, if I compress the pistons to install the new pads, is the fluid really so dirty I need to bleed? I have done that in the past without bleeding but I read in a forum that you should bleed the fluid as it is dirty. Thanks for the help!

[NORTY]

3 year old brake fluid? Sure, go ahead and change it out. 2 years is the GM spec, I think. HAWK HP+ pads for your use. Get your rotors turned to remove the current pad residue. This will reduce brake vibration later on. Don't forget to check your rear antiswaybar mounts for tightness. Might as well check your axle nuts too, since you're there.

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,

YOU NEVER EVER EVER compress a caliper piston without opening a bleeder screw FIRST!!!!!!!

That way the fluid that has been exposed to heat is NOT forced back up through the system.

Certainly do also understand that sometimes there are contaminants in the fluid that should not be forced back up.

Allthebest, c4c5

[NORTY]

You don't want to compress the pistons back into the caliper until you have totally washed the dust/crud off of the piston OD. This will reduce the "sticky" piston syndrome.

Be sure to use lubricant on the backsides of the pads to reduce noise during braking.