Reducing Brake Drag - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

tommyt · 03-28-2018, 11:26 PM

I had some good success lately after I did a brake job. I spent a lot of time making sure the guide pins on the calipers were well lubed with silglyde. And I made sure the caliper pistons weren’t seized up. I used grease in the past for the guide pins but that doesnt work well if you have a pin that slides inside a rubber boot. The rubber can swell and cause the caliper to not slide back and forth very well. I use silicone now (silglyde). My car is a 1996 Saturn SC2. The big change I saw was the car will coast so much further now. P&G works better now. I am getting roughly 2 mpg better on avg.

On a related note, has anyone ever added springs to the calipers to help seperate the brake pads from the rotor to reduce friction? I looked at it but couldn’t figure out how to do it.

Gringo-Gaucho · 03-29-2018, 12:05 AM

Turns out these guys are all over it. Lots of threads if you use the search feature. I couldn't find any solid part numbers for a Civic VX though.

Ecky · 03-29-2018, 06:29 AM

Napa sells small springs you can put in your calipers. I have them on my Insight, but brake drag was very minimal to begin with. Next time I have my brakes apart I may try your suggested silicone lube. (That sounds weird to say?)

Daschicken · 03-29-2018, 08:58 AM

Here is what I did for my accord.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jk6uaHJE7r8

tommyt · 03-29-2018, 09:56 PM

Excellent video! Thanks for that. I’m going to give that a try. I so surprised how much further I can coast. Now I have to remember to let off on the gas sooner.

teoman · 03-31-2018, 02:54 PM

I wonder if these would work.

If not,
I have a spring maker, and he should be able to fabricate something for me (or others if it is universal)
MTB Bicycle Brake Spring Disc Caliper Brake Spring Mountain Bike Brake Clip Back Force Bicycle Practical Equipment Accessories-in Bicycle Brake from Sports & Entertainment on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

Grant-53 · 03-31-2018, 11:29 PM

I use CV joint grease with molydisulfide. I doesn't seem to bother the boots. Use gloves if you plan on having children in California according to the label.

teoman · 04-01-2018, 04:16 AM

This seems so simple, why is it not done standard from the factory???

Piotrsko · 04-01-2018, 03:06 PM

Because properly set up drum and disc brakes have very little pad drag. If they are dragging emnough to affect coasting, something isn't done correctly, or they are not maintained.

teoman · 04-01-2018, 04:35 PM

Indeed but the manufacturers are trying to eek out every last bit of mpg. And this seems like a simple solution.