Brakes
Brakes is an overview of the brake systems used in the Pontiac Fiero.
All Fieros use four-wheel disc brakes, but the 1984-1987 cars and the 1988 cars use different brake components. The 1988 brake system is one of the major mechanical differences between the final model year and earlier Fieros.
Overview
The Fiero brake system includes brake calipers, rotors, pads, brake hoses, hard lines, master cylinder, proportioning valve, parking brake system, brake pedal, and related hardware.
Because Fieros are now several decades old, brake problems are often caused by worn calipers, seized sliders, old rubber hoses, corroded hard lines, worn pads or rotors, contaminated brake fluid, parking brake problems, or improper previous repairs.
1984-1987 brake system
The 1984-1987 Fiero brake system differs from the later 1988 design.
Related topics:
- 1984-1987 brake system
- 1984-1987 brake calipers
- Brake rotors
- Brake pads
- Parking brake
- Brake hoses
- Master cylinder
Brake performance and common upgrades
The 1984-1987 Fiero brake system is often criticized by enthusiasts for limited braking performance, especially compared with later sports cars or modified Fieros with more engine power.
Because of this, many owners have upgraded the original brake system using parts or conversion kits based on other GM vehicles. Commonly discussed upgrades include Grand Am/Beretta-style conversions, larger rotor conversions, and Corvette/C4-based conversions.
Brake upgrades should be approached carefully. Rotor size, caliper piston size, master cylinder size, brake bias, parking brake function, wheel clearance, and intended use all affect whether a conversion is safe and well-balanced.
Related topics:
- Brake upgrades
- Grand Am brake upgrade
- Beretta brake upgrade
- LeBaron brake upgrade
- Corvette brake upgrade
- Brake bias
- Master cylinder
1988 brake system
The 1988 Fiero received a redesigned brake system along with the redesigned suspension. Many 1988 brake parts are specific to that model year.
Related topics:
- 1988 brake system
- 1988 brake calipers
- 1988 brake rotors
- 1988 parking brake
- 1988 brake parts
- 1988 suspension
Common brake topics
- Brake problems
- Parking brake problems
- Brake bleeding
- Soft brake pedal
- Dragging brakes
- Brake fluid leaks
- Seized brake caliper
- Brake hose failure
- Brake warning light
- Brake pedal feel
Service procedures
- Brake pad replacement
- Brake rotor replacement
- Brake bleeding
- Brake fluid replacement
- Parking brake adjustment
- Brake hose replacement
- Master cylinder replacement
- Caliper replacement
Upgrades and modifications
Common brake upgrades include improved pads, stainless brake hoses, larger brake conversions, and model-specific upgrade kits.
Related topics:
- Brake upgrades
- Grand Am brake upgrade
- Lebaron brake upgrade
- Stainless brake hoses
- Performance brake pads