Performance Brake Upgrade - Lowrider Garage - Performance

An often overlooked but crucial component of any Lowrider build is the brake area. Of course, our old machines are already massive in weight and when you factor in the added pounds from hydraulic set ups and chrome, you could be driving a deathtrap if you’re not careful! We decided to bring you guys to a halt and bring you some information on this brake upgrade install process, and in doing so, we decided to showcase one of the industry’s best brake manufacturers, Centric Parts. As a leading manufacturer and supplier of aftermarket brake components and systems for everyday cars, Centric’s product performance is also top notch on duty vehicles and ultra performance vehicles. The company was founded in 2000 in Southern California, and has enjoyed solid growth every year since. After building a solid niche as a replacement part haven for daily drivers, Centric parts have aggressively expanded into the performance market.

For this month’s piece, we used Centric’s Power Slot rotors and Posi Quiet brake pads, which are manufactured using the same positive molding process utilized by Original Equipment suppliers. This quick install took us a couple of hours to accomplish. Overall, the goals of this build were reached, as we hoped to add a cleaner look and provide our car with additional stopping power. Again, the stopping power is crucial when running extra battery weight in the trunk to power the hydraulics. This new braking system is perfect for our ride, as the pads help the car to stop faster while leaving a minimum of brake residue during severe stop-and-go traffic. That brake dust can get blown off by the holes and slots incorporated into the rotors, and become a killer for the chrome finish on your wire wheels.

Now follow along, as we upgrade this ’93 Cadillac’s brakes using Centric’s Posi Quiet and Power Slot Rotors.

1. This brake system was ready to be upgraded.

2. We pulled off the wheel and started to remove the caliper.

3. The caliper should come right off once the two bolts are removed.

4. This stock rotor setup should slip off after you wiggle it off.

5. We were now ready to begin installing the Centric rotors and pads.

6. When we got in contact with Centric, we were instructed to wash off the protective coating used to maintain shelf life with soap and water.

7. The rotor was then dried using a shop towel. These towels will not leave lint on the rotor which could burn off and coat the rotor when the brakes are in use.

8. The rotor went on without a problem.

9. You can see how the quality of the rotor made a huge visual difference.

10. To keep the rotor from moving out of place, we bolted on the adapter.

11. When pushing the pistons back on the calipers, there are a couple of ways that people use the caliper tool. In our case, we used a traditional “c” clamp.

12. With the piston closed, the caliper should be able to slip back on.

13. The bolts were fitted by hand and then tightened with a wrench.

14. The adaptor was ready to be removed to allow for a final inspection of the braking system.

15. This quick upgrade will give you a new look and better stopping power, as the slotted and drilled rotors are ideal for performance.

16. This car was ready to roll and really stop!

17. These rotors accented the wire wheels.