Why do I lose braking power in the wet? - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

antigravity · 10-13-2002, 06:24

Everytime I drive in the wet, I lose considerable braking power. I have to press the brakes down alot further than in the dry, and I find it almost impossible to lock the wheels up in the wet (not that I would want to, but this obviously prooves that I have less braking power in the wet, as I can lock them up in the dry real easy).

Does anyone else have this problem? My braking system is fine in the dry which makes this all the more puzzling..

Dave

SiX_iN_a_RoW · 10-13-2002, 15:19

Its caused from moisture/water getting on the rotor and brake pads themselves.....it is a good idea to drive with the brake pedal applied gently for a few minutes after driving through a decent sized puddle, to dry off the brakes.

The best thing you can do is keep your distance and give yourself around 4-5 more braking metres than you would in the dry ( Alot of people do not realise that the braking efficiency is greatly reduced in the wet...Hence more accidents in wet weather.

Other than that you can fit slotted rotors to the front which will help dissipate most moisture and they last longer than the original ford rotors.

But until then....in wet weather, keep your distance and dry off your brakes every now an again...

antigravity · 10-13-2002, 21:39

Oh..

I always thought that you had to keep more distance between yourself and other drivers only because the ROAD was wet, therefore making it easier to SKID.

So basically it's pretty much normal to lose considerable braking power during the wet due to the rotors/pads getting wet?

If so, I can live with that, as long as it's a normal thing and not a mechanical problem with my car.

Thanks,
Dave

SiX_iN_a_RoW · 10-13-2002, 23:51

yep its completely normal....

Its a hell of alot worse in cars fitted with plain solid rotors I have found. The water/moisture has basically nowhere to go...

The road being wet is part of the equation also.....but what you will find is that if your brakes are wet you can damn well push the pedal as hard as you can and you will have smashed up the ass of the car in front before the front wheels are even CLOSE to locking up.

Brakes rely on friction....add water, road grime, grease, oil etc and it acts more like a lubricant than anything.

Another thing ALOT of people do not understand is that if it has gone without rain for a fairly long period ( month or two ), oil, grease, rubber all builds up on the roads surface and as soon as a little water is added it becomes a lubricant, hence all the accidents when it finally rains after a bit of a drought......so take care in ALL wet conditions but especially just after a long dry period..

All things they should really be teaching us when going for our licence........

especially teenage girls

Martin · 10-14-2002, 01:56

I never had a problem with wet weather braking in my old EA, but my ED is terrible even with the slotted rotors.

So the problem probably lies with the Pads, but I have no idea what was on the EA or ED....

Rollin · 10-14-2002, 06:05

i dunno what you guys are on about...i have the standard EB discs and pads on my car and the brake feel is the same wet or dry, its just the grip between the tyre and road that changes....it might be the design of the wheels, making the 'mist' of water swirling aroung the wheel arches get sucked onto the disc...the only time i have ever heard of your problem is after driving through a creek or washing the car and cleaning the wheels...

Martin · 10-14-2002, 06:11

Mine did it with the old 15in wheels and the 17s, different brand tyres also.

sleepwalker · 10-14-2002, 06:23

It's true that it takes longer to stop in the wet cos of the water running through your tires, losing grip, and pads and discs getting wet. Although if you're driving through city and continuosly stoping and going, the discs and pads should not be a problem. Also you should not use the brakes any more than you would if it was dry to stop, just alow more distance between your self and the car in front. If it feels a lot different in the wet, get it checked out by a specialist or some day you might use the car in front of you to stop. ;o)

SiX_iN_a_RoW · 10-14-2002, 15:30

Type of wheels does have a big effect on braking in the wet.
Also we are not talking about a little rain here...I am talking about in heavy rain driving through puddles it is bound to happen.
If it is happening when its been a light shower than change your pads to a different compound.
If you do happen to drive through a puddle, you should dry off your brakes...and its only common sense to give yourself more braking distance in wet conditions.

My escort with solid rotors used to be terrible in heavy rain...I'd basically have the pedal pressed on for around 10 seconds before itd start to pull up...it was a little better with the standard rims but they looked shithouse so it had to have mags....

So bottoms line is :
if it happens in very mild conditions...get someone to look at it and maybe change to a different compound pad

If it happens in heavy rain it is normal and just adjust your driving accordingly

antigravity · 10-14-2002, 18:45

Well I certaintly don't have to press the brakes for 10 seconds before I start to slow down. It starts to slow down straight away when I apply the brakes, however I have to press the brake pedal down much further than if it was dry.

I think i've got standard bendix pads in both the front and rear. I gotta change all of them though as they are getting pretty low. What other pads are good? I only really know of bendix...

Thanks, Dave