Problems with Wilwood Brakes & Troubleshooting
Hands down, Wilwood brakes have the ability to stand with some of the top-notch brands regarding disc brake systems! However, it does not make them flawless, meaning they also might have noticeable issues, just like other high-end brands.
Some common problems with wilwood brakes include a defective caliper, improper pedal ratio, and cracked rotors can cause problems with Wilwood brakes. Sometimes, the braking system can also fail to perform due to brake drag and resistance or inappropriate pad materials.
In order to get a detailed overview of the issues and their fixing, keep on reading.
Brief Overview of Wilwood Brakes [Source]
In 1997, Bill Wood introduced Wilwood Engineering Inc. They have gained popularity day by day for producing and manufacturing some of the top-class disc brakes.
Including these, they also serve engineering techniques to assist workers in creating brakes for almost every application possible!
Talking about the headquarters, it stands in Camarillo, California, with nearly 320 employees. Through computer-assisted manufacturing and designs, Wilwood has been delivering high-performing brakes to serve reliable options.
Potential Problems with Wilwood Brakes
Wilwood brakes get prepared by the touch of well-experts does not mean they are free of errors! In fact, just like other braking systems out there in the current marketplace, they also have some problems. Below, we listed some of the potential issues you may face using the Wildwood brakes:
- Inappropriate pedal ratio [Source]
- Faulty caliper [Source 1, 2]
- Resistance and drag to braking [Source 1, 2]
- Cracked rotors [Source]
- Inappropriate pad materials [Source]
Apart from these, there might be some other issues that occur with your Wilwood brakes, but these are significantly noticeable and complained by the majority.
To fix them, you must apply individual techniques for each, where some may need replacement, while others will be fixed by slight repairing!
Troubleshooting the Problems with Wilwood Brakes
As you saw, problems with Wilwood brakes occur for different compartment defects, you must deal with them separately to fix these. So here are the following methods you should go through to troubleshoot the Wilwood brakes’ issues –
#1 – Adjust the Pedal Ratio
Undoubtedly, an ideal pedal ratio assists in preventing poor brake feel. So in case you fail to adjust it in the way it should be, then it is common for the Wilwood brakes to face issues. Note that both too great and insufficient pedal ratio can cause problems with your Wilwood brakes.
Mpbrakes do suggest sticking with the 5:1 or 6:1 for manual braking systems. And for the power braking system, 5:1 or 4:1 is considered the ideal. You can also visit Wilwood’s official website to get familiar with their suggested pedal list.
#2 – Repair or Replace the Caliper
The caliper is known to be a crucial component of the vehicle’s disc brake system, which houses the pistons and brake pads. So if there are minor-to-major leakages or its seal has turned dried out or old, it is mandatory to either repair or replace the caliper!
For instance, you can prevent the leakage by slightly repairing it with an expert’s help. But if its seal gets older or dried, ensure to replace the seals with new ones. This is going to be a snap to fix loose calipers by simply tightening the mounting bolts of the caliper.
Apart from the above issues, if you find the caliper is flexing too much, consider observing the pressure. This should not go beyond the 1200 PSI.
#3 – Replace Brake Pads or Consult a Mechanic
During the brake resistance, you will feel like the Wilwood brakes are giving out, which usually occurs for brake fluid errors. And the worst thing is, if you notice resistance, even for a single time, it will start increasing gradually! To fix it, go for a mechanic right away without thinking twice!
When it comes down to brake dragging, it happens if the caliper fails to release brake rotor on 1 or more of the wheels. This can give you a feeling that your car is braking on a continuous basis, resulting in a decrease in the speed of the vehicle!
Poor master cylinder or incorrect bracket alignment can cause significant brake drag as well. And guess what? Brake drag is fully responsible for the premature brake pads’ wearing.
To eliminate the issue, align the brackets perfectly or check the alignment of the caliper to the rotor. You may also need to replace the master cylinder in case they become completely useless.
#4 – Rotor Replacement
Over time, the Wilwood brake rotor is prone to wear and tear, possibly because of frequent uses. In addition, overheating and rusting are the two common reasons why the brake rotor can become useless, which can cause issues with the Wilwood brakes!
In that case, there is no option, except for replacing the rotor immediately. Generally, the replacement cost can be around 30-75 dollars, excluding the labor charge.
#5 – Select Correct Pad Materials
Brake pads play a significant role in delivering smooth, even, and constant contact with the vehicle’s drum or rotor. In fact, it is also effective in decreasing the overall friction level. So, over time, it also requires replacing.
But are you facing issues with the Wilwood brakes, even before wearing out the brake pads? If so, then you might have selected the inappropriate pad material!
In this case, all you need is to choose the one that matches the rotor’s temperature range. Feel free to visit Wilwood’s website to see which type of material suits your car perfectly.
Should You Call an Expert to Deal with the Wilwood Brakes Issue?
Not every issue listed above can be fixed by yourself, even if you have pre-knowledge in the mechanical field. In fact, you may notice some other issues with your Wilwood brakes, although these are almost rare. But if the occurrences are frequently noticeable, it is time to call an expert!
On top of that, you may end up with critical conditions, especially when there is an issue with brake resistance or a major component’s replacement. In those situations, it is safe to consult a pro mechanic, unless you are too skilled.
Last but not least, many car owners notice noises like “squealing,” “grinding,” or “humming.” If that is what happening to your car as well, go for a mechanic straight away.
FAQ’s:
Are you still not convinced with the solutions? Well, go through the queries to earn more education on Wilwood brakes:
What is the recommended master cylinder for Wilwood brakes?
For manual braking applications, Wilwood suggests using the 15/16” master cylinder. This is quite efficient in terms of appropriate pressure conversion. Consider trying this one if your car’s master cylinder is in need of a replacement.
How much does it cost to replace faulty Wilwood calipers?
Depending on the calipers’ models, the price will be varied. Excluding the labor charge, Wilwood’s official site serves calipers starting from $66 to $1299. Read your car’s owner’s manual to see which fits your vehicle.
How reliable are the Wilwood brakes?
If you are someone riding a performance car, then it is obligatory to have performance brakes. In that case, you can surely consider Wilwood brakes a reliable option.
Final Words
From maintaining the appropriate pedal ratio to choosing the correct pad materials, you need to follow every step to deal with the problems with Wilwood brakes.
But some issues cannot be fixed by your hands, even if you are skilled. Like, if you are noticing weird noises, consulting the mechanic should be your ultimate way to go!
