Just finished V6 to SS brake conversion....a couple of minor issues

[xfilterx]

So I finished my brake conversion on Saturday. Went from the stock V6 brakes to SS Brembo calipers, R1 permier series cross-drilled rotors, Goodridge stainless lines, and Motul brake fluid. For the most part, the swap went really well but I did experience some minor issues that I wanted to share and see if I can get some guidance.

First, once I finished installing all of the parts, I used the Motive Bleeder to pressurize the system to begin the brake bleeding procedure. The bleeder would get up to about 10 PSI and would begin to leak first at the cap to the reservoir and then at the screw on cap for the pump. I couldn't figure out how to contain the leaks so I gave up on that and went back to the 3 pump chump brake pedal method. First three pumps I immediately noticed a significant leak on the rear passenger side outer bleeder screw. I also got a second leak on the banjo bolt on the passenger side front. I tightened up the banjo bolt a little more and contained that leak. The bleeder screw on the rear though was not working with me however. I torqued that thing down pretty tight and it was still leaking significant amount of fluid from the top and sides of the screw. I took the screw off and immediately replaced it with one from the V6 caliper since those are new. It stopped leaking from the top but was still oozing from the sides. I removed it again and used some plumbers tape, tightened the living %#^! out of it and it stopped. Aside from the mess I made on my freshly powder coated calipers, the leak has so far been contained. Any thoughts on this?

Second, I have no ebrake. I assume the inner diameter of the V6 rear rotor is smaller than the inner diameter of the SS rotor? If I can get confirmation on that, what is the procedure for adjusting the ebrake on these cars?

Third, I'm not 100% sure that my brake peddle is firm enough. The peddle goes about 1/4-1/3 of the way down before I feel resistance. It's definitely not as firm as my wife's 2015 Suburban or how my V6 setup was before the conversion. I bled all of the lines and made sure no air bubbles were coming out....making sure that the reservoir was always topped off. I went through 2-1/2 pints of the Motul, flushing the old brake fluid out as I went. But again, not 100% happy with the firmness of my brake peddle.

I've driven about 150 miles over the weekend and there aren't any leaks from what I can see but overall no ebrake and the firmness of my peddle isn't were I want it to be. What say you all sage's of the gen 5?

[102SS]

Did you start from the right rear,then go left rear,right front,left front?

[xfilterx]

Originally Posted by 102SS

Did you start from the right rear,then go left rear,right front,left front?

Yes. I did the process about 3 times until I had about 1/2 pint of Motul fluid left. I didn't touch the outer rear passenger one because I had such a tough time containing that leak....but I assumed that with all of the fluid oozing out that gravity did its job on that one....

[102SS]

That could be your problem with the soft pedal.

[xfilterx]

Originally Posted by 102SS

That could be your problem with the soft pedal.

I'm really worried about loosening that bleeder screw again. I made an absolute mess of fluid trying to contain that leak. I feel if I loosen that screw it's going to begin gushing out again. What's causing this? I can't imagine there's crack on the threads of the caliper

[VTSummit]

I did the conversion on mine Saturday and ebrake works, using R1 rotors. Pedal is VERY firm and the brakes work so well I made myself motion sick bedding them in.

[Red2014SS]

Send Motul an email and let them know the plastic cap won't hold pressure over 10lbs. Tell them, nicely, that you are disappointed in the product. They will send you an upgraded metal cap and new hose for free. Worked for me.

You need to go back and bleed your brakes again. You can't skip a wheel and expect a firm pedal. Besides, if you don't fix that funky caliper, you'll never get 100% performance out of your new brakes. That was the whole reason to upgrade, right?

[xfilterx]

Originally Posted by Red2014SS

Send Motul an email and let them know the plastic cap won't hold pressure over 10lbs. Tell them, nicely, that you are disappointed in the product. They will send you an upgraded metal cap and new hose for free. Worked for me.

You need to go back and bleed your brakes again. You can't skip a wheel and expect a firm pedal.

I'll give that a try, thanks. Any advice on the bleeder screw? Bad screw? Crack in the threads somewhere?

[Ventmaster]

Are these 2nd hand calipers or new? If new, I'd return/exchange for a different one on grounds that the threads are defective/stripped.

If used, you may need to purchase another (new) one.

Use the thick gasket (even though it doesn't "feel" like you need to) on the Motive Bleeder at the master cylinder and keep it at 20Lbs pressure. I've got the longer 2 piece hose and had use Teflon tape to seal where the two ends connect also.

Finally, I've heard it's helpful to engage the ABS a few times (find a gravel or wet road and slam on the brakes a few times) and then re-bleed to get any air trapped in the system out.

[KaBoom1701]

I had similar issues when I did my V6 to SS upgrade on my V6 Camaro.

Your leaking is coming from using the old banjo washers or you left them out when you did the install. Double check that you have two washers per banjo bolt.

You don't have to use soo much pressure on the brake bleeder. Stay around5-8psi and you should be fine.

You just need to adjust you e-brake properly. I had to do this about 10 times and it was a pain in the ass. I've attached some docs that may help.

[xfilterx]

Originally Posted by Ventmaster

Are these 2nd hand calipers or new? If new, I'd return/exchange for a different one on grounds that the threads are defective/stripped.

If used, you may need to purchase another (new) one.

These were second hand. The threads are definitely not stripped. I can torque these suckers down pretty good.

Originally Posted by Ventmaster

Use the thick gasket (even though it doesn't "feel" like you need to) on the Motive Bleeder at the master cylinder and keep it at 20Lbs pressure. I've got the longer 2 piece hose and had use Teflon tape to seal where the two ends connect also.

Thanks I'll give that a try. I did call Motive and they recommended a few things as well.

Originally Posted by Ventmaster

Finally, I've heard it's helpful to engage the ABS a few times (find a gravel or wet road and slam on the brakes a few times) and then re-bleed to get any air trapped in the system out.

I was going to bleed it again once I got the Motive Bleeder working. Perhaps I'll do this first....

[xfilterx]

Originally Posted by KaBoom1701

I had similar issues when I did my V6 to SS upgrade on my V6 Camaro.

Your leaking is coming from using the old banjo washers or you left them out when you did the install. Double check that you have two washers per banjo bolt.

I actually fixed this leak. The banjo bolt wasn't tight enough. These were all new bolts and washers...they came with the Goodridge lines. I even followed the procedure of tapping the bolts with a ball peen hammer to line up the washers when inserting the bolts. These are all fine now.

Originally Posted by KaBoom1701

You don't have to use so much pressure on the brake bleeder. Stay around5-8psi and you should be fine.

Ok, documentation says 15...but it begins to leak air at around 10.

Originally Posted by KaBoom1701

You just need to adjust you e-brake properly. I had to do this about 10 times and it was a pain in the ass. I've attached some docs that may help.

Thanks for the documentation. I haven't had a chance to look through yet but does it include info on adjusting the ebrake?