WTK: EK 3 brake problems

2 d Max Auto · Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 11:31 am Post subject: WTK: EK 3 brake problems

Hey guys, I have a 97 EK 3 Honda Civic, with the d15b non vtec eng and multi matic CVT tranny.

The car is stock, no performace mods.

Although the car stops pretty well, since I've had the car I noticed that I had to apply the brake a bit hard to stop, at both normal and fast driving speeds, especially at faster speeds, sometimes I wonder if it will stop in time Smile

I also have Nissan Almera and the brakes on that is excellent, a gentle to moderate touch and the car stops in short distance.

The questions I have are as follows:

1. Have any other tuners experienced this?
2. Is there any thing I can do to increase the braking power without brake upgrades (keeping in mind the brake pads and shoes are of a decent quality and in good shape)?
3. If I have to upgrade the brake system, what would be the most effective and cost conservative method of doing so?

Thanks in advance tuners Smile

reiXmann · Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 11:36 am Post subject:

When was the last time you had your brake system checked/service?

Change fluid, pads (get good pads..OEM is excellent), check brake lines as well

2 d Max Auto · Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 11:56 am Post subject:

reiXmann · Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 1:02 pm Post subject:

if the fluid is dark,that indicates that the seals on the master cylinder need to be changed..take out the rubbers and go to autorama..you can get a non-oem kit made up for ~$100

autonation/classic has them for like $600 or something Neutral

Honda_Crew · Street 2NR Joined: 11 Apr 2008 Tech posts: 58 My 2NRide:

Your brake calipers may also need serviceing.

2 d Max Auto · Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 2:46 pm Post subject:

reiXmann, thanks bro, that's for sure, I'll have them changed asap

Honda_Crew, I didn't think of that, thanks bro, I think the car is due for a total service now, been neglecting it for a while Sad

reiXmann · Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 4:09 pm Post subject:

brake calipers aint hard to service..you can even do it yourself if you're a little mechanically inclined

i say call over some friends, get the stuff and some beer and make a lime out of it Laughing

praise · Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 7:18 pm Post subject:

Also check your brake shoes adjustment. The handbrakes should be between 3 to 5 clicks. If you are getting more the shoes needs to be adjusted.

2 d Max Auto · Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2009 9:00 am Post subject:

reiXmann, great idea, I'm sure I can handle it, and of course the guys will have to walk with the beers since I'm the one with a pool table Smile

praise, thanks bro, I looked at that but the problem persist through a range of handbrake positions, even when the shoes were changed Sad

TK! · Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 12:37 pm Post subject:

old brake lines (the rubber part) can expand under braking... replace or upgrade to SS braided.

VexXx Dogg · Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 3:33 pm Post subject:

also check the condition of the rotors if they have gone below the minimun recommended thickness.

2 d Max Auto · Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 8:46 pm Post subject:

TK!,, thanks bro, I've checked the brake lines and they're fine, will still consider upgrading to the steel lines though.

VexXx Dogg, hey bro, how do I check the rotors to know if they're under the minimum thickness.

TK! · Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 12:40 am Post subject:

you can search the torrent sites for the honda civic 96-00 service manual. it will tell u the thickness.

ah doh have mine here rite now, sorry

bluesteel29 · Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 2:56 am Post subject:

VexXx Dogg · Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 9:15 am Post subject:

2 d Max Auto · Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 10:53 am Post subject:

I'm not 100% sure but I believe Trintrac and Trinidad Hose (not hoes Laughing

), can manufacture them to your spec.

I believe you can take your old lines in and they'll reuse the ends to save cost and replace the line with a steel braided one.