Brake engage point?

[GTRS Fiero]

Is there a way to change the point in the pedal travel at which the brakes engage?

[Fierofool]

A common cause of low brake pedal is improper adjustment of the E-brake lever on the back of the caliper.  Then regular use of the E-brake to keep it properly adjusted.

[GTRS Fiero]

That is not the issue on mine.  I have the S10 booster.  Changing the booster does not change the e-brake adjustment, but it sure changes the engage point.  I think the brakes should engage with the pedal higher.

[TopNotch]

Where do the brakes engage with the engine off (and all vacuum used up)?

[Fierofool]

Doesn't the S10 booster require a longer pushrod?  Seems I remember something about that. 

[scottb]

Thicker pads and rotors

[GTRS Fiero]

Doesn't the S10 booster require a longer pushrod?  Seems I remember something about that.

Yes.  I have a longer pushrod.

[GTRS Fiero]

Where do the brakes engage with the engine off (and all vacuum used up)?

With the stock booster, about half an inch above the accelerator.  With the S10 booster, about half an inch below.

[GTRS Fiero]

Thicker pads and rotors

Well, my brakes are about 50%, but they recently got warped, so it may be time for a replacement.

I recently drove 2 other Fieros with S10 boosters, and they also engage lower.

[scottb]

Booster just affects the effort, the pads making contact with the rotors affects where it "engages" based on pedal movement...... in other words the less distance there is between the pads and rotors the less distance the pedal has to move

[GTRS Fiero]

True, but that distance should not change, based on the booster.

[GTRS Fiero]

With some testing, I have come to the conclusion that my e-brake is shot.  It will not hold my Fiero while in gear.  I went forward and back maybe 20 times, using the e-brake on and off.  It will not hold at idle.

[TopNotch]

With some testing, I have come to the conclusion that my e-brake is shot.  It will not hold my Fiero while in gear.  I went forward and back maybe 20 times, using the e-brake on and off.  It will not hold at idle.

A properly adjusted e-brake should engage at 3 or 4 clicks of the lever, and should hold an automatic transmission car at idle. It should hold a manual car in neutral on at least a few degrees of hill.

[GTRS Fiero]

I pulled the lever almost straight up.  It certainly slows the car down, and makes a screeching noise.  There is still pad left.  Not sure about the screech.

[Fierofool]

I've never encountered a GM emergency brake that would effectively hold a car from moving backward. 

Like Pat said.  3-5 clicks should be the limit of travel for the brake lever if the lever on the caliper is adjusted so that the pads are about .025 in. off the rotor and the lever is about 1/8 inch off the stop.