I have the WORST luck of all men kind

[pkw1]

I swear man, I'm not going to make it through this year alive... NOTHING has been going right.

to keep this post on what happened just mainly on the brakes issue..

I picked up a 1995 240SX at the end of summer, and the car has very low brakes left already.. so I drove it through the winter then change to 300ZX brakes as soon as spring comes.

Sping's here, and I've been trying to collect parts for the brakes for 2 months... no joke.. 2 freaking months. Not because I left things at last min. but my luck. EVERYTHING I tried to order was on EXTREME back order. And I basically BOUGHT my way through stuff... paying DAM DAM DAM extra to get things in.

my car sat in my garage for 2 weeks because it's got no brakes left... none... zero...

so finally the last part came in today, and I spent the day installing everything. TONS of complications as usual, but i went through it... till the very last.

I was putting on the LAST wheel and the LAST lug stud stripped on me.

@)(#*@_($&_@%+@)(#*+@)($*_@(#*_@)(_@%&+@(#*@+)(&$<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>@*&#+_@(&%+@&#@*$(@*$+@&#@)

sorry.. i really needed to vent this out or i'm going to go crazy..

I swear I was going to cry when this happened.

But after a night of good sleep, I felt much better.

so I'll share some of the funky pictures that i took last night and this morning.

http://members.shaw.ca/sidewaysdriver/Silvia/front04.jpg

The front didn't give me THAT much of trouble. The only time consuming part was to cut parts of the heat shield off to clear the thicker rotors.

http://members.shaw.ca/sidewaysdriver/Silvia/rear04.jpg

As you can see.. the back gave me just WAY TOO MUCH trouble. After putting everything together, all ready to go, the last 2 studs decide to strip on me. So i have to take everything apart again for that rear side.

http://members.shaw.ca/sidewaysdriver/Silvia/rear05.jpg

Now beside the retarded studs breaking off, look what happened when I was trying to remove the rear rotor off the hub. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sigh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':rolleyes:'>

http://members.shaw.ca/sidewaysdriver/Silvia/rear06.jpg

Pretty scary stuff If you ask me man... these things are supposed to save my life??!! I'm NEVER buying non-oem parts or non-big name brakes like these .. now-2-piece rotors...

and the rest of the pictures can be found here] (http://community.webshots.com/album/38513280bkHQiY)

[DSC]

http://members.shaw.ca/sidewaysdriver/Silvia/rear06.jpg
<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>

HOLY SHIT!

<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>

Where'd you buy all the stuff from? &nbsp;How much $? &nbsp;Stock 240sx master cylinder? &nbsp;What kind of pads are those? &nbsp;Give a review when its all done!

[camppain]

u should always start your lug nuts by hand then do it with impact or a socket. is not u will increase the chance of striping the stud. you can try rethreading the studs if u have a tap & die kit.

also what the hell did u do that cause the rotors to break in 2 like that? where u poundin on them with a hammer?

if so u can fit a bolt in those 2 extra holes to use that to get a stuck rotor off the hub and then put some grase for future removal.

glad to see u at least got everything done

but kinda messed up u spent extra $$$ to get the parts. how my u pay?

i see brembo rotors are those ebc green stuff pads? and new or used calipers? they look new to me... <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/eh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':eh:'>

[pkw1]

That retarded rotor was so rusted on the hub, I tried almost EVERYTHING, and it won't come off, so eventually I just started pounding it with the hammer.. and off it came.. well, 1/2 of it did. Then I eventually just soaked WD40 through the back for hours and hours, and banged it out with a hammer.

30mm 300ZX calipers(new), 300ZX front conversion stainless lines, speed bleeders from PDM. <prices on their website>

30mm 300ZX brembo rotors x-drilled/slotted/plated, 240SX rear stainless lines from heavy-throttle <prices on website>

Project "Mu" B-force pads (300ZX TT front, 240SX rear) from upgrade motorsports <prices on their website>

Rear 240SX brembo OE replacement rotors from local brembo dealer <$25 a rotor>

ATE Super Blue brake fluid from local ATE dealer <$11/L>

New Studs <$2 a pop>
New lug nuts <$2 a pop>

The brake master cylinder seems to be doing fine so far.. not much of a mushy pedal feel. &nbsp;But I'm still trying to break in the pads 1st before I try out the ABS. &nbsp;I'll do a review writeup on the setup as soon as I get a chance to try them out at the Auto-x.

[pkw1]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (camppain @ May 25 2002,8:30)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">u should always start your lug nuts by hand then do it with impact or a socket. is not u will increase the chance of striping the stud.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
I did hand tighten them 1st, but as soon as I went to tighten it with the wrench, it stripped.. I have no idea what happened there.?? &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/eh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':eh:'>

[camppain]

ouch so u did go the expensive way huh? pdm! &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>

still a nice setup u got

as for the mushy pedalits only for the first 1/2 inch or less u feel it mushy after that its time to brace urself or ull be kissing ur steering wheel.

i bought my stuff from autozone calipers where 50 each 30mm iron,90 for both oem rotors from work and 32 for pads, 90 for steel lines

[Broadwayblues]

I thought that PDM racing has a complete setup for the 300Z brake setup.

[pkw1]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Broadwayblues @ May 26 2002,12:21)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I thought that PDM racing has a complete setup for the 300Z brake setup.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
yup, they're brand new thou..

[pkw1]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Camppain @ May 26 2002,12:21)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">ouch so u did go the expensive way huh? pdm!</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
ya I did... but I'm a REALLY REALLY anal type of guy on brakes... so I just went with brand new.

I'm researching on a better way to do the 300ZX rear brakes with E-brake now...

[bing]

i had that happen to my brakes when i tok of the rotors last year, i think they were the origianl rotors after 11 years...

it took my self and my buddy over 2 hours to hammer and wd40 them off.

you got off easy bro

[DSC]

<!--QuoteBegin--pkw1+May 25 2002,7<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (pkw1 @ May 25 2002,7<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>0)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Broadwayblues @ May 26 2002,12:21)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I thought that PDM racing has a complete setup for the 300Z brake setup.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
yup, they're brand new thou..</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Yes, new like 4 months ago <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>
You DID wait a long time to get all your stuff in huh?

Looks great though!

I may or may not do this upgrade also, we'll see...

Edit: BTW, your rotors appear to be dimpled....not x-drilled.

[pkw1]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (DSC @ May 26 2002,9:26)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (pkw1 @ May 25 2002,7<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Broadwayblues @ May 26 2002,12:21)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I thought that PDM racing has a complete setup for the 300Z brake setup.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
yup, they're brand new thou..</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Yes, new like 4 months ago <!--emo&<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>
You DID wait a long time to get all your stuff in huh?

Looks great though!

I may or may not do this upgrade also, we'll see...

Edit: BTW, your rotors appear to be dimpled....not x-drilled.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
ya, heavy throttle only get them drilled 3/4 of the way into each side to solve some of the cracking problems from extreme abuse of drilled right through rotors.

I've heard and seen a number of cases of x-drilled rotors cracking after a number of auto-x.

[Grumpy]

There are 2 small hole on the rotor, beside the stud hole that you install bolts into to remove the rotors, the rotors are iron and can not stand a hammer blow on the out side ring.. insert two bolts in the threaded hole and tighten envenly until the rotor pops loose( use a dead blow hammer if needed on the inside area only... <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

[pkw1]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Grumpy @ May 28 2002,10:29)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">There are 2 small hole on the rotor, beside the stud hole that you install bolts into to remove the rotors, the rotors are iron and can not stand a hammer blow on the out side ring.. insert two bolts in the threaded hole and tighten envenly until the rotor pops loose( use a dead blow hammer if needed on the inside area only... <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'></td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
ya, I actually couldn't fit the screws in there due to all the rust in the threads... so I ended up pounding on it with a hammer... I was ditching those rotors anyways.... &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>