1) Stuff We Like: Digital Micrometer Calipers
If you like doing stuff the old fashion way, this product is probably not for you. But if you’re tired of using pennies, nickels and dimes to come up with the thickness of a rotor, look no further. These tools of the future make it 10x easier to measure thickness in a fraction of the time.
Here is one in action:
2) Stuff We Like: OTC Brake Pad Gauge
This is a cool tool that allows you to measure how much material how much material is still on a brake pad. The OTC 6596 Brake Pad Gauge allows for a definitive measurement of brake pads to determine remaining life. The tool allows for measurement on the vehicle without the removal of any components in most cases (wheel assembly or brake caliper).
3) Stuff We Like: Brake Align Lateral Run-out Correction Plates
Why do we like love Brake Align? Because it works to solve runout problems before they become a comeback and a pissed off customer. Your shop could perform the most expensive brake job ever with the best pads, rotors, hardware and load calipers. But, if you do not use Brake Align’s lateral runout correction plates, the rotors could develop disc thickness variation and pedal pulsation in only a few thousand miles. Want to see some proof? Check out this video.
4) Stuff We Like: Raybestos Drag Reduction Clips
When a product makes the claim it can improve fuel economy and vehicle performance while reducing brake wear and making less noise, it makes me think there has to be a catch. But, the new Drag Reducing Clip from Raybestos lives up to the hype.
The clips manufactured by Nucap fit between the pads and rotor and push the pads away from the rotor. These clips may remind you of the clips Mazda used on the Miata and Protege (the ones nobody replaces). But, these clips have more spring while not preventing the movement of the caliper’s piston. It also has potential to reduce pulsations complaints.
5) Stuff We Like: Vintage Tools
One thing I always keep my eye out for is vintage tools. I like them because it is rare to buy an antique that you can still use after you restore it. Some of the vintage drum brake tools are better than the ones you can purchase today. But, sometimes I will see something and ask, “what is it?” Here is a quick identification guide from the June 1941 edition of Brake Service Magazine.
6) Stuff We Like: GWR’s Pastelub 2400
This synthetic moly-based brake lubricant is designed to lubricate surfaces like slides, shims and other components exposed to metal on metal contact. OEMs use this stuff. Also, Pastelub does not contain petroleum distilates that can damage rubber components.
If you try it once you will be impressed, it is worth every penny. Plus, you can brag to your customers that your brake lube comes from Switzerland!
7) Stuff We Like: Fade Stop Brake Coolers
I am kind of on the fence about this product. Brake fade and failure can be caused by two things, overheated pads and brake fluid. The Fade Stop Brake Cooler (FSBC) is a “drop-in” part that conducts heat from the caliper to a heat sink located
externally to the brake caliper through a high thermal conductivity dual metal composite developed by Four Products LLC specifically for the high temperatures found in a high performance brake system.
8) Stuff We Like: GoPro Cameras
The GoPro Hero is a digital camera can capture clear and crisp HD video. What makes it unique is tough construction, fisheye lens and the ability to mount to just about everything including the underside of a car.
In this video below, YouTube User NickInTimeFilms mounted a GoPro camera to the rear sway bay of his Honda CRV to diagnosis a scrapping brake noise. It is easy to see the caliper guide pin bolt is missing.
9) Stuff We Like: Hitch Critters
Last but not least, we have a fun little toy for the back of your pickup truck or basically anything with a hitch. AKA Hitch Critters. These babies attach to any 2″ trailer hitch and just has to be connected to the trailer lights to work its magic. Every time you hit the brakes, the Hitch Critter does a little dance.
