Brake problem during autocross

[Acrdys]

Hey guys! Just finished my 2nd official scca autocross event and my 5th autocross event overall.

I've incorporated left foot braking into today's event as i've become comfortable to it.

However... after the first hardbraking corner, the it feels as if I suddenly lose power from my brakes. (Brakes are really stiff like when the car is turned off) It's sometimes stiff and sometimes goes back to normal.

Successful event overall though. 5 runs. 54.035 (Missed a gate and had to reverse back in to avoid dnf), 43.985 43.394 43.102 42.811. Slowly shaving off those seconds

Anyways I'm fairly new to and would like to know if my brake situation is normal. Here's some eye candy for taking the time to help.


DSC_2878 by ,


DSC_2877 by ,

[SD_GR]

Left foot braking adds another variable because it is easy to lose sensitivity in the left foot when switching back and forth between the clutch and the brake. If what you described happens when you are braking with your right, what it sounds like is that the brakes pump up -- the pedal is initially soft, then goes hard after being pressed first. This implies air in the system and/or a leak.

To exclude the master cyl, with the motor on press the brake pedal while at a standstill. If it sinks to the ground suspect the master. Otherwise, check fluid level and if low, suspect leak (or worn pads of course).

Another possibility would be that you are seeing the effects of hydrated fluid heating and cooling, but it's "only" autox and if your fluid is relatively fresh I'd not go that way at least initially.

Since you've just started left footing though that's suspect in and of itself.

[Acrdys]

Thank you! Looks like I have something planned for today other than watching football ^^

[teflon_jones]

Nice pic there with the wheel in the air.

Your brakes aren't made for this type of situation so they're not going to do well.