Reducing brake drag

**sen2two** · 12-21-2014, 02:42 PM

I'm looking for ways to reduce or eliminate brake drag on my 95 VR4.

I'm not looking to upgrade to aftermarket brakes as my stock ones are more than enough fire my car. I'm just looking for a way to modify my current set up to let the rotors spin freely without dragging on the pads.

Anyone here done this?

**R/T93** · 12-21-2014, 02:46 PM

Completely free? You would have to get a drag racing type setup, they are about the only true no drag designs out there. I do not think they are street legal, however.

If your brakes are really dragging there is something wrong. If you jack your car up, you should be able to turn the wheel with a bit of force and it will probably spin a few revolutions. If not, that is not normal.

**Memphetic** · 12-21-2014, 02:48 PM

Full floating setups, like the one ABM is selling, are the only way to really "fix" that. However, you will then have brake chatter and it costs significant change. It's a tradeoff.

Like R/T said, though... if your wheels are tough to spin by hand or bind up before rotating even three times, you have an issue.

**anyonebutme** · 12-21-2014, 02:48 PM

I don't understand why anyone would want to do this beyond land speed record attempts. Proper functioning calipers don't drag enough to have a measurable effect on anything, and zero drag calipers result in wonky and long pedal feel. BUT, what you want is easily doable. Look up the pad spring style used in ford superduty calipers, and some other calipers like Honda SUV, find one that has the dimensions you need and drill some small holes in your pad backing plate for install. They are a royal pain to deal with but will give you the desired result.

No, you will not get a MPG benefit from this, BTW.

**sen2two** · 12-21-2014, 02:54 PM

With no wheels on the rear. I still have to turn my the rotors with some force for them to move. They definitely do not spin freely for a few revolutions. I did not find any problems visually.

Are there dimensions I can check to see if mine are binding somewhere causing excessive drag?

**R/T93** · 12-21-2014, 02:55 PM

Your calipers probably just need a rebuild. Pistons likely dragging. Rebuild kits are cheap and you can do it all with hand tools.

**anyonebutme** · 12-21-2014, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by sen2two

With no wheels on the rear. I still have to turn my the rotors with some force for them to move. They definitely do not spin freely for a few revolutions. I did not find any problems visually.

Are there dimensions I can check to see if mine are binding somewhere causing excessive drag?

If you have a vr4.....you are trying to move all 4 wheels. Don't forget there's an LSD in their rear and center diff's.

**green-lantern** · 12-21-2014, 07:08 PM

If you want to see if they are dragging get a temp gun and drive down the road about 60mph trying not to use the brakes at all. Then pull off using the e-brake and check the temps on the rotors. They all should be about the same temp. I think when I did this before they were about 160F or less. If one is much hotter you know it's hanging up.