My Brakes FAILED while on Track, Car had to be Towed

Fourth session on track of the day, noticed a weird clunk coming into the sweeper, and the subsequent braking event was very unpleasant... this videos shows what happened next. ⇊ More ⇊
More detail about my MX-5 Track car: beavismotorspo...
In this harrowing video, I'll show you what it's like to experience brake failure while on track. I'll take you through the entire experience, from the moment the brakes failed to the point where the car had to be towed off the track. You'll see and hear firsthand what it's like to be in a high-speed situation where the brakes are no longer functioning.
Whether you're a seasoned track driver or a novice just starting out, this video is a must-watch. It offers a sobering reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and safety on the track, and provides valuable insights on how to handle a dangerous situation like brake failure.
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[@38tech]

That sucks. I talking out loud and I'm like "dudes gonna have to cut his rim off" and then you said it. I hope you make another vid with you cutting it. Goes to show the strength of this storms that it didn't just split apart. Good luck. Happy cutting. Also glad to hear you call it a rim. People get triggered around me when I say it...."it's a WHEEL!!!" Like chill bruh. Haha😅

[@Bbeavis]

Thanks 38, rim/wheel I guess I would use the words interchangeably. It's a bit like comparing the words engine vs motor.... Thanks for the support, keep you updated.

[@38tech]

@@Bbeavis waiting patiently. 👍

[@davidoff59]

If you rotate the wheel in reverse, it may release. If it gouged in when the wheel locked up, turning that wheel clockwise will hopefully free it

[@landzender]

It was dragged backwards onto the trailer. If that didn't release it I think it's stuck. Bring out the reciprocating saw and a few metal blades.

[@Bbeavis]

Either I am too weak, or it was all cocked too wonky, as I was unable to reverse rotate it. I guess the weight/mass of the car forcing the caliper into an unwanted location exceeds strength of my arms.

[@pitlaneguy]

I think you've taken the right mental approach to this. Frustrating I know but that's part of the sport we love, and car parts are fairly easy to replace. I was surprised to see you parked there as I I putted past in the Excel (~3 min mark in the video). Hope you get it back on track soon mate!

[@Bbeavis]

Thank you Gavin. I'll see you again on track in no time :-)

[@NCMcLaren]

Brooooooo. That’s so good you had a little warning

[@Bbeavis]

I am indeed somewhat lucky that I felt something not right and started to slow the car.

[@donfinch862]

Bummer. I'm sure you would, but check the rotor for runout. Cheers Brendan

[@Bbeavis]

Thanks Don, have new rotors here in case the current ones are damaged.

[@JagerRacing]

I’m in for the grinding the wheel off, like you said it’s busted anyways plus KZbin gold!

[@Bbeavis]

Stay tuned.... :-)

[@morgstar1]

Glad you are safe given what could have happened! Im guessing Porsche 944 ?

[@angry9901]

What is a Porsche 944?? His MX5? The white car in the vid?

[@morgstar1]

@@angry9901 the car you were asked to guess at the end of the video?

[@Bbeavis]

Thank you morgstar1.

[@mastercricket7626]

man this sux bro but glad its not worse than it looks and that you are okay bro a car can be rebuilt a person can not ... peace and love bro keep it rad stay safe and build on ... ps hope all works out easy enuf for ya and maybe once u get the weight of the car off it it will make all a lil easier to dismantle.. cheers mate

[@Bbeavis]

Thanks MC, all good and fixed, video update coming soon :-)

[@mastercricket7626]

@@Bbeavis rad brotha

[@cameronyoung2004]

Oh shit. Glad it wasnt worse.

[@Bbeavis]

As am i.

[@6siks]

I am glad you're safe, I hope you can repair this fast and get back out there!

[@Bbeavis]

That's the plan!

[@lindkvistandreas]

put in perspective of what could have happened if this would lock up in 150+km/h or other scary scenarios, this is a very successful failure.. glad you are safe and well.. i'm sure it will be fixed in no time!.. perhaps loctite that can stand alot of heat would be a good mitigation moving forward?

[@Bbeavis]

Thank you very much Andreas, I appreciate your kind words. I am obviously going to have to re-consider the ongoing monitoring/maintenance of these critical components. Loctite is one option.

[@MiataMods]

As davidoff59 suggested I would also try to rotate the wheel in the opposite direction. If that doesn't work, get your grinder out 😅 And that's a Porsche 944 for sure!

[@Bbeavis]

You are all far too clever! The 944 was too obvious. :-)

[@yowie0889]

Damn. Still, could have been much worse. Best wishes for the diagnosis, repair and "never that problem again" modifications.

[@Bbeavis]

Thanks Yowie, always finding the next weak link and trying to strengthen it.

[@provar1]

Lucky! Interested to see further breakdown of the failure

[@Bbeavis]

Will certainly keep you updated.

[@noncog1]

944 Glad it was a progressive failure as opposed to a sudden one. This isnt a big deal, youll have her slapped back together quick, and without too much cost. Most important thing is youre safe, second to that, the car is fine, overall. Its just part of the game and a lesson to learn from

[@Bbeavis]

Thanks noncog1, I too am glad it gave me a warning before completely letting go. I am glad I got myself and the car home without too much pain.

[@demon1954]

944 or RX7

[@angry9901]

You never seen a MX5 before???

[@demon1954]

@@angry9901 Perhaps you need more, or different medication?

[@Bbeavis]

I'd like an RX-7 some day.

[@demon1954]

@@Bbeavis So it's a 944? Thought I recognised the sunroof shape.

[@elwindewitte]

Glad you're okay! Curious to learn what exactly happened. Only once before experienced failing brakes, although that was entirely my driving. Still very scary though. Have been very mindful of my driving and the maintenance of my brakes ever since 😅

[@Bbeavis]

Thanks Elwin. I'll update you once I get inside and work out what went wrong.

[@icemang17]

Early in video…..brake or hub failure….im thinking hub

[@Bbeavis]

I guess you were close :-)

[@DBatty]

A new wheel and a new pair of undies! Interested to see if you can identify the cause.

[@Bbeavis]

My lucky undies saved me from potential catastrophe.

[@Epiphonech]

Feel sad for you Brendan. Quite same issue happened to me after changing to more agressive brake pads and rotors on front Dynalites, then one trackday w/o bolt check. The right caliper came loose on public road heading to a trackday, just 500m away from the entrance. But 500km from home. The loosened caliper torn the brake line apart, damaged brake pad, heat shield and flatspotted street tyre. Was able to repair that with universal parts and get back home. I guess my caliper wasn't torqued to spec.

[@Bbeavis]

Thank you Dima. Sorry to hear about your trouble, and so far away from home. I am certainly lucky to have the car towed on a trailer, so I can still get home with an injured car.

[@WahringRaceWorks]

That would been a heart stopping moment when the brakes went out. Then confusing when the wheel locked up. Im heading to winton with the wrx club to test my new brake set up mid April

[@Bbeavis]

Confusing, then scary, then frustrating. But at the end I am thankful to make it home mostly ok.

[@ricepony33]

I lost brakes at VIR a few years back… never have quite fully recovered mentally 😢

[@Bbeavis]

I think it didn't get to me too much, as long as I know what went wrong and fix (improve) it for next time.

[@lukeycapicino]

Sorry to see your issues dude. I notcied you've got a different fender vent, will you be putting that on thingiverse? I love the look of it. Big fan keep up the videos!!!!

[@Bbeavis]

Thank you. I haven't shared it online yet, sometimes I am selfish and keep things for myself. But I think it's time I share this design... thanks for the prompt to do so!

[@Clarky_AU]

Is that a 944?

[@angry9901]

What????🤪

[@Clarky_AU]

@@angry9901 Did you watch the video? Guess not

[@Bbeavis]

Yes, nice guess :-)

[@juliank911]

That's a Porsche 944

[@Bbeavis]

You are too smart. I didn't realise it was so obvious.

[@juliank911]

@@Bbeavis also a bit of a Porsche nut so I had a headstart on most. That'll be a fun project!

[@historicracergroups]

944

[@stoneluger398]

The color and the spoiler agree

[@Bbeavis]

Thanks Hung..... you are too clever.

[@historicracergroups]

@@Bbeavis I owned a 944 turbo and a 944 S2 with sunroof (which I sold to Jim Richards who converted to a tarmac rally car) so I can tell from the silhouette.

[@Bbeavis]

@@historicracergroups I think I recall you mentioning this at PI 🙂

[@hawker800mech]

924/944

[@Bbeavis]

You are far too wise hawker.

[@exF3-86]

As an open wheeler (FFord, AF2, F3) driver- Brendan, from other videos you run very "long" pedals. Are you using stock pedals, master cylinders etc? I've seen you've plumbed in a rear brake bias pressure adjuster but that's not really like a dual master cylinder braking pedal box where you never have zero braking (unless you break the pedal!😂) Also are you running the stronger rx-7 diff carrier swap?

[@Bbeavis]

The pedals are all OEM Mazda MX-5, as is the braking hydraulic system with the exception of the calipers and braided lines to replace the original rubber items. I have the in-line bias adjuster but it's value is limited due to the way the ABS system influences bias anyway. What are your thoughts on pedal setups and my car having a 'long' pedal, is there value in changing this? The diff is all OEM MX-5 but with solid bushes.

[@exF3-86]

@@Bbeavis just my opinion FWIW and just some thoughts from a different category where it can all be adjusted for individual needs. In a way you've already answered the question. You have a shortshifter on the gearbox. Why? For the same reason, shorter pedal throws are more precise, and precision equals time. Don't forget that the time and energy you spend pushing a pedal is equalled releasing it ;-) . Check out pedalbox camera footage from Supercars, F1 WRC etc- they're tapdancing not riverdancing. The travel you need is that from start of engagement to full engagement. The rest is freeplay. Literally measure it- for example how much of the clutch pedal travel is actually between engagement and disengagement? The simplest change could be working out if you can move that part of its arc closer to the start of the pedal travel, and put a stopper device at the end of the desired travel. You don't want an on off switch, but you also don't want wasted movement Next time you're at the track and see an open wheeler/good sports sedan/touring car ask to have a look at their pedal box and ask questions. You know we love to show off their toys! I like my pedal travel to be measured in a few cm, except the throttle which is still short but depends on the powerband. Plus we get to muck around with master/slave cylinder sizes, lever lengths and things like that, have limited foot and leg room and even more limited intelligence Anyway, just some thoughts to get your mind ticking over!

[@Bbeavis]

@@exF3-86 You have me curious now. I'll have to look into what I can reasonably achieve with my car, and without spending any money on any fancy custom pedal setup. Thank you very much for the detailed reply, really appreciate it.

[@exF3-86]

​​@@Bbeavis no drama! Remember a few hundredths of a sec over how many gear changes over a lap adds up to...? Next time I'm in MEL I'll give you a yell and we can have a coffee and a chat! Cheers! 😊