Stopping power on new brake pads

Hey all,
I just had new front pads and rotors put on my 09 4x4 access cab. I didn't notice any noticeable increase in stopping power whatsoever and my pads were completely shot before I changed them. The shop said I should adjust my rear drums to increase the overall stopping power. Can anyone attest to this? Thanks!

 

Yes, though they should have adjusted them correctly when they installed them.

 

How many miles and have you ever had the shoe's replaced? I know for sure my 09 doesn't brake as well as it should and I'm having my rear brakes done next week so I'll let you know if I notice a difference. Often the dealer will just check the amount of brake shoe left which isn't always going to indicate how WELL the brakes are working. The brake shoes can get old and glazed and just not stop well, and the drum itself can get glazed and not help stopping power. If the shoes are original I'd change them no matter the miles, 2009 was a long time ago for brake components.

 

You mean when the rear drums were installed or the new front pads? Thanks?

 

So there's two schools of thought on the rear drums: the first is that they are completely self adjusting and need no "intervention" unless they are worn down below specs. The second is that tightening them up a few clicks helps, and I'm in the latter group as I adjusted mine to be a little tighter (closed the gap between the drum and the shoe) and I did see a marked increase in stopping power and less pedal needed to stop. There's a number of how-to threads on this site about how to adjust them. Try it and see, it's easy to do.

 

Yeah, I don't think they've ever been changed

 

Unless you have replaced your pads with a more agressive friction lining then you will not gain any stopping power. In fact, it’s normal to lose a bit until the new pads wear to fully seat against the rotor.

 

Great response. Thanks!

 

Interesting. Maybe I'll wait a bit to see if the power increases

 

Yea the rears, I guess I read it like you had the front and rears replaced.

 

Yep several clicks if they are working correctly, or just proper adjustment, on the rears will make a heck of a difference. I've been having less stopping capability on my truck since I changed my rear pads, assumed it was the pad material(which there isn't really a performance material for the rear), and it turned put to be that I didn't adjust them correctly the first time.

They are self adjusting but it's such a small adjustment each time it adjusts (backing up and stopping or pushing the e-brake), if it actually even moves. The adjusters tend to get gummed up with brake dust and mud/water or the arm slips over the star wheel.

 

The auto adjusters might gunk up and not work too. If you are blowing through front pads definitely check the drums to make sure everything is working.