1991 Eldo braking performance: not so good

Jack M · #1 (**permalink**) 09-08-07, 08:41 PM

I've owned several Cadillacs, including a '93 Allante, Two '89 Eldos, a '91 Eldo, and a '01 Eldo. I currently own the latter two, which have 44k miles and 29k miles, respectively, and both of these drive very well and look great.

My problem is with the '91 Eldo's braking action: It definitely does not stop quickly, which is a little strange for a car with an ABS system. I'm concerned that the brakes won't do a good job in an emergency braking situation. This problem also existed on my two '89 Eldos despite having new pads installed and the rotors turned.

Cadillac dealers have told me that the lack of swift braking action is characteristic of the '88-91 Eldos, and there's not too much one can do to improve the situation. I find it difficult to accept this explanation.

Have you other '88-'91 Eldo owners experienced the problem I've described? And, if so, what did you do to correct it? New calipers? Flush the system? Install larger rotors? Metalic brake pads? Steel brake lines? Install a new master cylinder? Or, do you agree with what the dealers have told me about the '88-'91 Eldo braking performance?

Sure could use some help here, guys. My '91 sure is a beauty, but I'm concerned with what might happen in an emergency.

Jack M.

Jack M · #2 (**permalink**) 09-10-07, 11:00 PM

Well, there've been 27 hits, but no replys. I've got to believe that I'm not alone in the concern that the 1989 to 1991 Cadillac Eldorados possibly had a design flaw or a deteriation factor in their ABS braking system, something that eventually caused the brake system to not have the same stopping power they had when the car was new.

Obviously, I'm not talking about the natural negative effects of worn brake pads. Because strong braking action was still lacking after new pads were added and the rotors were turned. And when I complained, the Caddy techs all indicated that everything else checked out fine.

Moderator: Could you please move my two posts on this subject to the brakes technical forum? Perhaps then there might be some comments or suggestions - or better, some solutions recommended by those who have experienced the same problems as myself. Thanks.

Jack M.

EldoRedo · #3 (**permalink**) 09-11-07, 01:04 AM

There's no doubt the factory brakes are inadequate for this car. I've heard that you could modify them, but at considerable expense. Also don't forget the ABS only kicks in when it would be helpful, and does not really interact with normal braking.

I love my 91 as well -- just the right size!

bschelle · #4 (**permalink**) 09-11-07, 03:08 PM

My 91 Eldo with 130k miles stops as good as my 99 Deville. I do not see any difference between the two.

rikosuave · #5 (**permalink**) 09-11-07, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack M

Well, there've been 27 hits, but no replys. I've got to believe that I'm not alone in the concern that the 1989 to 1991 Cadillac Eldorados possibly had a design flaw or a deteriation factor in their ABS braking system, something that eventually caused the brake system to not have the same stopping power they had when the car was new.

Obviously, I'm not talking about the natural negative effects of worn brake pads. Because strong braking action was still lacking after new pads were added and the rotors were turned. And when I complained, the Caddy techs all indicated that everything else checked out fine.

Moderator: Could you please move my two posts on this subject to the brakes technical forum? Perhaps then there might be some comments or suggestions - or better, some solutions recommended by those who have experienced the same problems as myself. Thanks.

Jack M.

Not sure if this will help you.

But, I upgraded my '00 Seville to the PowerStop vented and cross drilled rotors and EBC green stuff high performance pads. I noticed a significant difference in stopping power.

Since I did all the work my self it cost me only $456.00 for all 4 corners.

Jack M · #6 (**permalink**) 09-11-07, 07:09 PM

Bschelle,

Did you improve the braking system on your '91 Eldorado, or is it completely stock? If improved, specifically what did you do in the way of equiptment or service to bring it up to par with your '99 Deville's braking performance?

bschelle · #7 (**permalink**) 09-12-07, 02:47 PM

Stock all the way!

Jack M · #8 (**permalink**) 09-13-07, 06:13 PM

If I'm to improve the inherently poor braking performance of my '91 Eldorado, it looks like I'll have to have oversize pads and rotors installed. In addition, I'll have the calipers inspected and the brake fluid flushed and renewed. I would prefer that my Cadillac dealer perform all these tasks. However, I'm not sure that Cadillac will acquire and install non-stock rotors and pads due to their possible concern over potential liability issues. If I'm correct about that, I'll have to turn the job over to brake specialists or a top-notch independent shop.

Do oversize brakes and rotors require oversize replacement calipers to be effective? If so, that has to be added to the mix, and the whole thing will likely add up to a $1,000+ bill. I suppose it's either that, or absolutely no "tail-gating" the car ahead of me.

Any comments will be appreciated, guys. Like should I start with the brake line flushes and caliper inspections/repairs just to see if that helps before getting into the heavy stuff? Could the metering on the master cylinder be at fault? Or the booster? As beautiful as the car is inside and out, and as well as it drives - it's still nearely 17 years old even though it only has 44k miles on it.

Jack M.

EcSTSatic · #9 (**permalink**) 09-14-07, 10:48 AM

If it were me, I'd do the maintenance first. Flush with new DOT 3 or 4 fluid as recommended. Mic the rotors and see if they are too thin. Insufficient thickness heats up faster causing fade. Make sure your calipers are operating freely. If you have the floating caliper style, the pins may be dragging.
These are heavy cars. Don't expect sports car response times. ABS only helps in the case of wheel lock.

HUF · #10 (**permalink**) 09-22-07, 01:36 PM

I am not happy with braking power of my 91 seville either despite all components are new (lines, calipers, hoses, rotors, pads).

EldoRedo · #11 (**permalink**) 06-28-08, 11:04 PM

To resssurect this thread: what would be the best option for "factory spec" brakes for these cars (in other words, if you don't want to monkey with larger replacements)? I checked out EBC and I agree, they sure look like great brakes, but they don't stock them for 91 Sevilles/Eldorados. So what manufacturer is the runner-up to EBC in quality that might stock our size?

EldoRedo · #12 (**permalink**) 07-05-08, 12:54 PM

OK, here's a website offering a conversion kit for 1988-1991 GM E-Body cars to upgrade the brakes. It seems a little expensive at $500. but the stock brakes on this car have cost me more than that in front-end repairs from poor stopping.

http://www.theautoshop.net/12BrakeInstall.htm