Preorder Time! Teraflex Front Big Brake Kit!
12-15-2010, 01:13 PM
#51
JK Freak
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Just sent the TF big brake kit back. 25 hours, $250 (a deal for the time they put in) at the dealer to diagnose, I installed a new master cylinder, new SS lines, 10 bottles of brake fluid bleeding the system (gravity, pressure, manual), before taking it to the dealer. Thought maybe there was a bubble in the ABS system. Had dealer bleed it with the StarScan. They bled it 6 times!!! Brake specialist at the Jack Powell (a great dealer by the way) spend a full day and a half checking through everything! He was as frustrated as me. Pedal was hard when the car was off, soft when the vac booster kicked in when car was on. No leaks in the system at all. After the money and time replacing and/or triple checking everything, we decided to cap each line and test individually. Come to find out, that when the front was capped and the TF calipers were out of the system, everything worked fine. It was the TeraFlex Big Brake Kit the whole time!! Just to make sure, went back to stock calipers, and after a small bleed, brakes work perfect! Teraflex calipers wouldn't build pressure, went back to stock, everything is great again. Finally back on the road and will make it for my run this weekend
But what a waste of my time and money!
I have had 2 other bad products from TF. They never helped on the first, didn't call me back on the second. Control arm bushings went out in 500 miles, they wouldn't warranty them and told me I would have to buy new ones, a short time later, they changed out their bushings on their kits..
..by that time, the control arms were off my jeep and replaced with a different company's control arms. No problems with those bushings after 30k miles) Have had numerous people that I know with similar problems.
I didn't bother calling them on this brake kit....I just sent it back. I should have figured the soft pedal was due to the Teraflex kit first, I guess I trusted that they weren't selling crap and that a new set of calipers couldn't be to blame. The big brake kit was a BIG dissapointment.
$600 in diagnostics and brake system parts, and 25 hours wasted on this Big Brake Kit, thanks to Teraflex.
Strike 3 for TF with me, no more TF products on my JK, but that's just my opinion and experiences. Others may vary.
But what a waste of my time and money!I have had 2 other bad products from TF. They never helped on the first, didn't call me back on the second. Control arm bushings went out in 500 miles, they wouldn't warranty them and told me I would have to buy new ones, a short time later, they changed out their bushings on their kits..
..by that time, the control arms were off my jeep and replaced with a different company's control arms. No problems with those bushings after 30k miles) Have had numerous people that I know with similar problems.I didn't bother calling them on this brake kit....I just sent it back. I should have figured the soft pedal was due to the Teraflex kit first, I guess I trusted that they weren't selling crap and that a new set of calipers couldn't be to blame. The big brake kit was a BIG dissapointment.
$600 in diagnostics and brake system parts, and 25 hours wasted on this Big Brake Kit, thanks to Teraflex.
Strike 3 for TF with me, no more TF products on my JK, but that's just my opinion and experiences. Others may vary.
12-15-2010, 02:17 PM
#52
JK Freak
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An update, I did get a call from Dennis at TF pretty quickly after 4 wheel parts called them. He was very nice and very concerned. So, I appreciate that call back. Still don't think I'll put another set on...but I'll be curious to see what they say the problem was after testing them back at their shop.
Thanks for the call Dennis.
Thanks for the call Dennis.
12-16-2010, 08:41 AM
#53
Sponsoring Manufacturer
I don't know who told you that you had to buy new bushings with only 500 miles, they were wrong. TeraFlex has used the same type of bushings on the JK arms since they were first made. There was a batch of bad bushings in some of the early kits. TeraFlex has seen that when someone torques the new control arms down when the JK is off the ground, that will pre-load the bushings when it's back on the ground and cause premature failure.
TeraFlex will make video showing the benefits of this kit, with before and after measurements/video and how easy it is to install.
Last edited by TeraFlex; 12-16-2010 at 09:36 AM.
12-16-2010, 10:10 AM
#54
JK Freak
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I can say with absolute confidence that the brake pedal wasn't just softer, it was easily to the floor, and there was very little braking power. I am very aware of what the TF brake kit will do to the pedal, or any big brake kit will do to the pedal, but this was not the case. Not even close.
Yes, the calipers were installed correctly, the bleeder was up.
Please talk to Dennis regarding our conversation before you start to point fingers at my knowledge, my install, or my "brake specialist" who actually IS the brake specialist at Jack Powell dodge. Feel free to call him, his name is Brian.
Your immediate finger pointing and sarcasm ( by putting brake specialist in quotations) without getting all of the facts is EXACTLY why I didn't call you, and EXACTLY why I went through the entire brake system on the vehicle to be 100% sure that it wasn't the install, and that it was in fact your kit. I installed the new master cylinder because I thought, maybe when I was bleeding, I went too far with the pedal and busted the seal. I bled 6 different times before going into the dealership, thinking, there must be a bubble, it couldn't be the new calipers. I replaced the front brakes lines, thinking, they must be faulty, it couldn't be a BRAND NEW brake set. I took it to the dealership thinking, I must have gotten air in the ABS system, I need the Star Scan tool to bleed the ABS, but it can't be the new brake set from TF. I removed all of the wheels and inspected all of the pads front and back to make sure they were seated correctly and were flat on the rotors, thinking, it can't be the new brake set from TF. I cleaned and wiped, every fitting and every part of the brake system to determine if I could find a leak, thinking it must be leaking because it isn't getting pressure, but it can't be the new brake set from TF.I tested the check valve, the vac booster, made sure the booster rod wasn't bent, every component of the brake system was checked over and over, giving you guys the benefit of the doubt. The Brake specialist at the dealership went through entire system ( a full day and a half on my vehicle only) and finally verified that it was the front calipers by capping every line, and re-bleeding each time. Once it was determined that the front was the issue, the stock calipers and rotors went back on, and the brakes came back, perfectly. We are way past your "brake pedal is supposed to be soft, and the calipers were installed upside down"
Really... what would a call have accomplished? It would have been a debate with someone like you on how it's my fault and not yours. Same type of conversation I had regarding the bushings. With a phone call to you, I would have ended up completing the same troubleshooting on the brake system that I did.
Yes, my lift kit was one of your early ones, I bought my JK in December of 06, and your kit went on a short time after I purchased the JK. Yes, it was determined that the bushings were bad by a very well known off road shop. However, your company at that time, would not warranty them. TF service told me that I would have to buy a new set of bushings. The off road shop and I were disgusted by the conversation with your service, and we removed the lift and replaced it with another brand. Found out later, that you did have bad bushings on some of your kits, just as you are saying now. But according to your service, it was "our fault" and a bad install. Ok.... A situation like that leaves a lasting impression for sure. However, that was some time ago, it's water under the bridge, I am happy I changed the kit.
I am not saying that the your big brake kit is bad, but I am saying that the kit I received was absolutely, without a doubt, faulty. I am also saying that my experiences with TeraFlex have not been good. Those are my experiences, and others may not have experienced that, I can't speak for everyone, nor do I intend to try.
I appreciated Dennis from your company being apologetic for my situation. I appreciate him listening to all of the facts, trying to work through the problem without pointing a finger. Talk with him or call me directly, and you will see the knowledge, experience, time, and money, that were put into this problem only to find out your kit was bad. I don't appreciate you coming right out with your response implying that it was our fault. A much better forum response would have been, "We are truly sorry that you have had to deal with this issue. I would be more than happy to discuss this with you to address it and make a bad situation right. We'll take the steps needed to ensure that you are happy with our product and that it works as advertised and expected."
Please speak with Dennis from your company to get an update of our conversation.
You'll have the calipers in another day or so, test them if you want. However, I am not confident that when you verify the problem with the calipers that you would admit to it. I am not confident that it won't still be my fault according to you.
Yes, the calipers were installed correctly, the bleeder was up.
Please talk to Dennis regarding our conversation before you start to point fingers at my knowledge, my install, or my "brake specialist" who actually IS the brake specialist at Jack Powell dodge. Feel free to call him, his name is Brian.
Your immediate finger pointing and sarcasm ( by putting brake specialist in quotations) without getting all of the facts is EXACTLY why I didn't call you, and EXACTLY why I went through the entire brake system on the vehicle to be 100% sure that it wasn't the install, and that it was in fact your kit. I installed the new master cylinder because I thought, maybe when I was bleeding, I went too far with the pedal and busted the seal. I bled 6 different times before going into the dealership, thinking, there must be a bubble, it couldn't be the new calipers. I replaced the front brakes lines, thinking, they must be faulty, it couldn't be a BRAND NEW brake set. I took it to the dealership thinking, I must have gotten air in the ABS system, I need the Star Scan tool to bleed the ABS, but it can't be the new brake set from TF. I removed all of the wheels and inspected all of the pads front and back to make sure they were seated correctly and were flat on the rotors, thinking, it can't be the new brake set from TF. I cleaned and wiped, every fitting and every part of the brake system to determine if I could find a leak, thinking it must be leaking because it isn't getting pressure, but it can't be the new brake set from TF.I tested the check valve, the vac booster, made sure the booster rod wasn't bent, every component of the brake system was checked over and over, giving you guys the benefit of the doubt. The Brake specialist at the dealership went through entire system ( a full day and a half on my vehicle only) and finally verified that it was the front calipers by capping every line, and re-bleeding each time. Once it was determined that the front was the issue, the stock calipers and rotors went back on, and the brakes came back, perfectly. We are way past your "brake pedal is supposed to be soft, and the calipers were installed upside down"
Really... what would a call have accomplished? It would have been a debate with someone like you on how it's my fault and not yours. Same type of conversation I had regarding the bushings. With a phone call to you, I would have ended up completing the same troubleshooting on the brake system that I did.
Yes, my lift kit was one of your early ones, I bought my JK in December of 06, and your kit went on a short time after I purchased the JK. Yes, it was determined that the bushings were bad by a very well known off road shop. However, your company at that time, would not warranty them. TF service told me that I would have to buy a new set of bushings. The off road shop and I were disgusted by the conversation with your service, and we removed the lift and replaced it with another brand. Found out later, that you did have bad bushings on some of your kits, just as you are saying now. But according to your service, it was "our fault" and a bad install. Ok.... A situation like that leaves a lasting impression for sure. However, that was some time ago, it's water under the bridge, I am happy I changed the kit.
I am not saying that the your big brake kit is bad, but I am saying that the kit I received was absolutely, without a doubt, faulty. I am also saying that my experiences with TeraFlex have not been good. Those are my experiences, and others may not have experienced that, I can't speak for everyone, nor do I intend to try.
I appreciated Dennis from your company being apologetic for my situation. I appreciate him listening to all of the facts, trying to work through the problem without pointing a finger. Talk with him or call me directly, and you will see the knowledge, experience, time, and money, that were put into this problem only to find out your kit was bad. I don't appreciate you coming right out with your response implying that it was our fault. A much better forum response would have been, "We are truly sorry that you have had to deal with this issue. I would be more than happy to discuss this with you to address it and make a bad situation right. We'll take the steps needed to ensure that you are happy with our product and that it works as advertised and expected."
Please speak with Dennis from your company to get an update of our conversation.
You'll have the calipers in another day or so, test them if you want. However, I am not confident that when you verify the problem with the calipers that you would admit to it. I am not confident that it won't still be my fault according to you.
Last edited by JKProfessor; 12-16-2010 at 10:21 AM.
12-16-2010, 10:30 AM
#55
JK Freak
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Thank you, I appreciate you editing your post and changing your tone a bit. I appreciate that you are now acknowledging the extreme amount of time and money spent diagnosing this issue. If you would like to send a replacement set to the shop, I'll give it a whirl. Now that I know the rest of my brake system is good, it should only take about 30 minutes for me to install your set again.
"The Big brake kit will make your pedal softer but your JK will stop a lot quicker still. If you or your mechanic had called TeraFlex, we could of explained that. Just because a pedal is softer, doesn't mean you have weak brakes. We had one certified mechanic already install a set of calipers with bleeder valve down (upside down). That lead to very poor braking power. I wish your "Brake Specialist" had called us on this. "
"The Big brake kit will make your pedal softer but your JK will stop a lot quicker still. If you or your mechanic had called TeraFlex, we could of explained that. Just because a pedal is softer, doesn't mean you have weak brakes. We had one certified mechanic already install a set of calipers with bleeder valve down (upside down). That lead to very poor braking power. I wish your "Brake Specialist" had called us on this. "
12-16-2010, 10:33 AM
#56
Sponsoring Manufacturer
TeraFlex doe's regret you had problems with this kit and the bushings. All we are saying is that we are willing help, but we have to have a phone call to know a problem exists.
Just as soon as we get your kit back, Dennis will give you a call back to let you know what we found out.
Just as soon as we get your kit back, Dennis will give you a call back to let you know what we found out.
12-16-2010, 11:02 AM
#58
Sponsoring Manufacturer
12-16-2010, 11:50 AM
#59
JK Freak
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Joe, thank you for the call today. Thank you for listening. I look forward to continuing an open and beneficial conversation regarding the issues with my particular kit. It will definitely be a benefit to TF to find out what the problems was with this set. I am also happy that you have restored some confidence in the customer service at TF for me. TF made a great decision by putting you in customer service instead of the people that were there before.
I am looking forward to resolving the issue and having a future post in which my experience is, "the big brake kit set works great, it's a great purchase, and the customer service at TF has been excellent!"
Thanks again.
I am looking forward to resolving the issue and having a future post in which my experience is, "the big brake kit set works great, it's a great purchase, and the customer service at TF has been excellent!"
Thanks again.
12-16-2010, 01:00 PM
#60
JK Junkie
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I'm sure that these issues will be worked out but, this section of the forum is not the place to post this type of comment about the sponsors products.
Here is a copy of the sponsoring & vendor forum rules that are posted in the sticky on the top of the first page in this section:
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To our guests and members:
The Sponsoring Manufacturer & Vendor Forum is specifically designed to help our sponsors provide information and promote their products and/or services. This is not a forum for you to complain about or criticize them. Needless to say, we would be grateful if you could please observe the following rules when visiting this particular forum:
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Our sponsors help make it possible for JK-Forum to exist and if you enjoy the great wealth of information and the wonderful community it provides, please help support us by supporting them.
To manufacturers, vendors or dealers who are sponsors of Project-JK:
• Please keep all threads and posts confined to the products and/or services that you offer only.
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To manufacturers, vendors or dealers who are NOT sponsors of Project-JK:
Unless you are a sponsoring advertiser of Project-JK.com, JK-Forum.com or My.Project-JK.com, it is our policy to not allow the open promotion and/or solicitation of products, services, websites and/or phone numbers by manufacturers, vendors or dealers on this forum (or anywhere on JK-Forum) or through private messages. This would include a user name, signature and/or user profile that contains your business name, phone number, website address or direct link back to it. All posts by non-sponsoring manufacturers, vendors or dealers will be deleted immediately.
If you would like to become a sponsoring advertiser, please contact wayoflife for details.
Thank you
Here is a copy of the sponsoring & vendor forum rules that are posted in the sticky on the top of the first page in this section:
Sponsoring Manufacturer & Vendor Forum Rules
To our guests and members:
The Sponsoring Manufacturer & Vendor Forum is specifically designed to help our sponsors provide information and promote their products and/or services. This is not a forum for you to complain about or criticize them. Needless to say, we would be grateful if you could please observe the following rules when visiting this particular forum:
1. Please be respectful to our sponsors.
2. If you are NOT a sponsor, please refrain from starting new threads in this forum.
3. If you have questions regarding the product(s) and/or services being promoted in threads created by our sponsors, please feel free to ask.
4. If you don't like the product(s) and/or services being promoted by our sponsors, please keep your opinions to yourself.
5. Flaming/Trolling our sponsors will not be tolerated.
6. Group Buys are NOT allowed on this forum so please to do not post threads with the intent of starting one.
Our sponsors help make it possible for JK-Forum to exist and if you enjoy the great wealth of information and the wonderful community it provides, please help support us by supporting them.
To manufacturers, vendors or dealers who are sponsors of Project-JK:
• Please keep all threads and posts confined to the products and/or services that you offer only.
• Please be respectful of competing sponsors and refrain from making posts in threads that they've created in this forum.
To manufacturers, vendors or dealers who are NOT sponsors of Project-JK:
Unless you are a sponsoring advertiser of Project-JK.com, JK-Forum.com or My.Project-JK.com, it is our policy to not allow the open promotion and/or solicitation of products, services, websites and/or phone numbers by manufacturers, vendors or dealers on this forum (or anywhere on JK-Forum) or through private messages. This would include a user name, signature and/or user profile that contains your business name, phone number, website address or direct link back to it. All posts by non-sponsoring manufacturers, vendors or dealers will be deleted immediately.
If you would like to become a sponsoring advertiser, please contact wayoflife for details.
Thank you