Bigger Wheels? Try Brake Upgrade

STOPPING STRAIN: Tire-size increase can call for high-performance or grooved pads

Big wheels can pose big problems when it
comes to braking. This 2007 Ford F350 is outfitted

with 27-inch wheels and Pirelli P-Zero tires.

Brakes are usually only thought about when they fail. That said, modern brakes are pretty much bulletproof and require very little attention.

However, add larger wheels or tires and you had better start thinking about brakes because you will realize quite soon that the truck does not stop as easily.

The larger wheels act like levers trying to overcome the resistance of the brakes, and on lifted trucks the higher centre of gravity means the front brakes are going to take more of the punishment than normal. This can lead to increased wear and tear on the brake system.
The solution to this is to upgrade the brakes.

The manufacturer has made sure the stock brakes can handle what is expected of them but if the truck is used to carry heavier loads or tow a trailer on a regular basis then the brake pads will wear out faster, and eventually the brake discs, too.

Because the stock brakes were designed to work with a certain wheel and tire combination, any
increase in tire size will put a strain on the clamping action of the brake and will generate more heat.
The brakes can become so hot that the pads can no longer maintain friction against the disc, which will cause the brakes to fade, or even fail completely.

In the case of a lifted truck, more weight is transferred to the front brakes every time the brake pedal is applied, meaning they have to work harder than normal. This can also lead to break fade.
One relatively inexpensive way to upgrade the brakes is with the installation of aftermarket high-performance brake pads which can operate at higher temperatures.

The other way is to replace the stock brake discs with ones that are grooved, which will help dissipate heat. The best way to increase your stopping power is to replace the discs with larger diameter ones that will directly counter the forces generated by bigger wheels. They are also available in grooved or cross drilled versions which help them cool off quickly.

There is an added benefit to larger diameter, grooved or drilled discs: they look cool behind custom wheels.

A few things to remember about handling brakes: They create a lot of dust from the friction linings. Although usually not made from asbestos anymore, the dust is still something you will want to avoid.
Brake fluid is very poisonous stuff, not to mention flammable. Be sure to clean up any spills and wash any splashes off the painted surfaces with lots of water.

Do not use petroleum-based cleaners or solvents around brake parts. It will eat away all the rubber parts and hoses. Use only brake cleaner.

Most brake jobs can be done without loosing or removing the brake hoses and lines. If you mess
with these then you will have air go into the system and then you will need to bleed the system, which can be tricky.

After working with the brakes, start the engine and pump the pedal a few times to bring the pads into contact with the discs, and to make sure all is well before charging down the street.

Article written by: Ian Harwood - "The Truck Guy"
Corporate Sales and Operations Manager for Custom Truck Parts