chimchim

I've been struggling with this problem for a bit.

CAR: '97 Civic EX sedan

PROBLEM: After needing new pads/rotors, I have a set of new front Brembo OE blanks and some PBR Metal Masters professionally installed by a trusted mechanic. The right front produces LOTS of brake dust, and hard straight line braking keeps causing the right right tire to activate ABS or the tail starts kicking out to the RIGHT. It's as if for some reason the right tire is doing more braking than the left.

INFO:
- I followed the PBR proper brake in technique for braking in the pads
- brake fluid was replaced at time of rotor/pad replacement
- I had the mechanic check them a month later and he said the pad and rotor were just mating
- I never had a collision
- My struts needed replacing so I thought this problem was because of the struts. However, after installing new H&R's and KYB's, the problem is still there.
- alignment was done and is within Honda specs
- all other front suspension parts are OEM
- This was never a problem before the Brembo/PBR combo

Any suggestions?
- worn bushings?
- I weigh 185, is my fat butt giving more traction to the left side?
- ????

JoePoonani

you should check your right front brake line. it could be kinked inside the line, like the plastic hose within the rubber might have broken and it could be creating a valve that doesnt let hydrolic pressure leave that easily but lets it pass with greater pressure. i hope you understood that.

chimchim

Good suggestion... I'll check that. Is this a common problem?

I guess I could just have my brake lines replaced. How long do steel braided lines last? I heard that although they feel great, they might not last as long as regular OEM lines.

JoePoonani

i have no clue as to how long they last. but for future refercence whenever you do a brake job you should never let the caliper hang on the brake line, it would twist and break the platic hose inside. and whenever you install a caliper you should always make sure the brake line isnt twisted either, notice how they are ridged long-ways. the ridges should all be straight throughout.

chimchim

Is the kink most likely near the caliper?

Is there ever problems with the prop valve?

JoePoonani

nah it shouldnt be anywhere near the prob valve. but i wouldnt totally neglect that in the future though. the kink would be anywhere on the brake line

Andy

It's also possible you've got a hanging/stuck caliper. That's what I would typically assume when one side of the car produces more dust than the other.

JoePoonani

that could definately also be a concern.

chimchim

What causes a hanging/stuck caliper?

Andy

I'm not really sure, I would assume some sort of internal failure? A dust boot or seal that's misaligned and jamming the caliper so it won't fully disengage when you release the pressure. You can probably replace the caliper with a parts store reman unit for a reasonable price?