Best brakes for Baja 5b

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Waylon

Waylon

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I am tired of not having enough brake power, I went from the stock brakes and upgraded to the carbon fiber rotor but there has to be something better I'm still not satisfied. You guys with the experience what is best in your opinion.

I upgraded to that max suspension so it's 8 in wider than a stock Baja and that got the weight up to about 34 -35 lbs, but my brake setup is factory stock. I don't have any special aftermarket setup.
 
Thanks for the quick replies, I'm tired of the nail biting, praying that monstrosity is going to slow down in time!
 
Even know I have half way decent experience with Rovan front brakes both the hydraulic and cable brake versions I still would 100% recommend RCR. I have tried all types of braking for the baja and the problem I run into with Rovan disk brakes is parts availability.
 
You need front brakes in 2wd vehicle for a controlled fast braking, even more when running off-road or running on slippery surfaces.

I installed KM front brakes in my 5b and changed the servo to a Hitec digital ultra torque one (D950TW) and now braking is a day night difference. The front brakes did the trick because having the rears alone, I could only brake up to the point before locking the rears tires.
 
I have gtb knock off hydraulic front disc brakes and they stop on a dime…I hated just having back brakes…even if it gets a little air in the line they grab great…as long as you take time to route the lines evenly and smartly…I’d buy them again
 

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Very nice brakes and machine.

Is that a Rovan truck?

How do you like the hydraulic brakes?
Any trouble with them?

I’m using mechanicals but do like the appearance of hydraulics.
 
davehour said:
Very nice brakes and machine.

Is that a Rovan truck?

How do you like the hydraulic brakes?
Any trouble with them?

I’m using mechanicals but do like the appearance of hydraulics.
Click to expand...
Rovan front hydraulic breaks have manufacturing defects out of the gate. Understanding how bicycle brakes work helps fixing these issues. I've found that the puck grommet is usually folded backwards and you need to disassemble and fit the grommet back in by hand. Also the stock tubes come off easily because they are too hard. Finding a better tube on Amazon isn't difficult but adds to the price. You need a good mineral based fluid for the brakes. I suggest https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007HDLYDU?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Lastly hydraulic brakes are not a maintenance free modification. Some mineral oil evaporates over time. Its likely you will need to fill and bleed it once a month due to the reservoir not being big enough. I don't recommend hydraulic brakes unless you can find parts for them. The grommet brakes down over time and needs replacing and Rovan does not sell individual parts meaning you will need to rebuy the whole set again to replace things like brake pads that don't last.
 
Ok, thanks.

Do you like the GTB ones?
Do they require the maintenance you mentioned above?
If you had mechanical ones, how do hydraulics compare to them?
 
davehour said:
Ok, thanks.

Do you like the GTB ones?
Do they require the maintenance you mentioned above?
If you had mechanical ones, how do hydraulics compare to them?
Click to expand...
Every mineral oil based hydraulic brake system needs maintenance. I'm not 100% positive about how much evaporates from the lines of the GTB ones, its different in different climates. The mechanical ones do not brake as hard as the hydraulic ones do but I find them to be ok. TBH it's becoming my preferred front brake system along as you don't break them.
 
Good to know.
I’m using the KM mechanical ones. With the servo I’m using, a Hitec D950TW, they work very well and have the force to lock the fronts.
 
davehour said:
Very nice brakes and machine.

Is that a Rovan truck?

How do you like the hydraulic brakes?
Any trouble with them?

I’m using mechanicals but do like the appearance of hydraulics.
Click to expand...
Ya the Baja started out Rovan but like my Losi has parts from RCMAX DDM etc…I’m telling ya those hydraulic brakes stop tha machine fast and like I said even with a little air in the line…those mechanicals look like a female dog to adjust…I took my time and made sure both lines coming off of the T were the same length not sure if it made a difference but just so they work in unison…and thank you btw..lol..lot of ppl don’t like them cuz they think they are a pain but with a little fabrication and know how to me they are they way to go…the ones I bought were from TIT racing which usually sells the Rovan stuff but the we’re GTB all the way just rebranded..wanna say I paid between $70 and $100 for everything
 
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