SSBC brake problems...help or advice needed please

[stripe74au]

hey all. rehashing a previous topic here, i know, but i am after some advice. i have read through a heap of old posts regarding this but wanted to go over my current problem.

my 70 Challenger (yes a challenger on the charger forum i know, but i have a 68 charger R/T as well so i figure it is ok to post here) it was manual drums. bought and had installed ssbc a156 (the old tri-power caliper) and booster and m/c as part of their complete kit (thought a complete kit would be easier). so new brakes are on and it stopped pitifully. measured manifold vacuum and it was only 13". they recommended fitting a vacuum pump. so i picked the car up today from having the pump installed and still not happy with it. apart from the noise and vibration, it still just doesn't stop as well as i think it should. my wife is going to be driving this car a bit so i want to make sure i get it right for her. also, even at parked idle, the pump runs then stops for a few seconds then comes back on again

my 68 charger runs standard factory front discs and i cannot believe how good it stops. its great. i really wish the challenger stopped as good as this. in fact that's why i want to pursue this because i know these cars can stop decently when everything is right.

i have only just now contacted ssbc again and will see what they have to say

so the advice i am seeking is:

1) could the booster be leaking? it is brand new and was part of the kit.
2) should i ditch the vacuum pump, concentrate on getting the manifold vacuum to what it should be to run the booster properly?
3) should i ditch the vacuum pump and look at running smaller calipers, like the single piston OEM ones?
4) should i ditch everything and just go OEM disk brake set up?

i am not a mechanic, just trying to work out how to get this right and at least sound like i know what i am talking about. spending money doesn't bother me at this stage, i just need to get it right. i bought both cars as they stand now. they don't need much but i do like to try and get them more "driveable" and user friendly.

cheers

[bill440rt]

Yet another SSBC complaint thread. Damn, I hate seeing these. Frustrating to say the least.

Spending money doesn't bother you at this point?? OK...

Step 1) Remove the SSBC brake kit from the vehicle.
Step 2) Throw it in the garbage, or send it back to SSBC IF they will accept it back. You may have to fight tooth & nail.
Step 3) Purchase another brake kit from a different vendor.

There are seemingly more bad threads about SSBC than good, especially on the Mopar forums.
Wish you luck!

[Charger_Dart]

Unfortunately the SSBC systems for Mopars have caused headaches for some. Bill has certainly had more then his share of issues with the products and the service they gave - or lack of it.

I happen to have the same A156 kit on my Charger and it works very well for me. I switched from power drums to power disc / drum on my Charger several years ago and have never had any problems and the car stops great. I did install a vacuum pump like you did because my 509 cam just does not make much vacuum at idle. On my car the pumps runs when the engine first starts up, and only runs again after using the brakes. If I am cruising down the highway it is off so i would say you have a leak somewhere between the pump and booster or in the booster itself if the pump runs a lot. You might also look into getting a brake pressure gauge to see how much pressure you are building at the calipers.     

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

I am another A156 kit success story.  I put mine in back in 2005.  This was a manual disc kit to replace my manual drums.  Originally I did find the pedal effort excessive to stop the car but after about 2-300 miles when the pads fully "bedded" into the rotors the stopping power had improved.

Since then, around 2007, I installed the factory Bendix power disc brake booster set up & have no issues whatsoever. 

I suggest properly "bedding" in the pads & see if the braking power gets any better

[bobs66440]

Sounds to me as if you have a leak. It should hold vacuum for more than a few seconds. I ran a pump on a Mustang I had and as mentioned above, only came back on after applying the brakes.

If the booster is leaking, you should be able to hear it; With the car off, turn the key on so the pump runs until it stops. Then listen at the booster. You should be able to hear a hissing sound if it's leaking. Also, make sure you have the check valve in correctly and that it's working properly.

As a side note, on the same Mustang, after everything was installed and working, it still barely stopped. I tried EVERYTHING except new pads, because the ones on there were expensive new pads guaranteed to work

Well, it wasn't until I went to Autozone in a act of desperation to get new $20 pads that it finally worked. Stopped awesome with those pads. 

[Fred]

I also have SSBC A156 kit connected to a hydro boost. Braking power is awesome! I barely have to tip the brake peddle and she stops.
I'm more than happy with the system. I've had it on for 2 1/2 years now. Absolutely no problems.   

[charger2fast4u]

I got the SSBC front and rear brake setup haven't installed it yet but I'm dreading to as many threads I've read about the problems with them to those that have success with there brake kits what size master cylinders are yous running?