Brake pads various sizes compatibility

[NotSoHonestJohn]

Hello. I'm trying to figure out which brake pads to buy for my car. I've checked a few sites online, specified my car's make and model, and got a list of "compatible" pads - but all of various length/height/thickness (a few examples below). Is this normal, and all of them should fit fine?

[E-bmw]

No, all of them won't fit fine.

There are a few possibilities or even combination of possibilities to explain this.

There may be year/model/specification changes meaning that there are multiple possible pads depending on precise model etc.

The easiest answer is to take a wheel off & do a couple of measurements/pictures to check which it is.

Or rather than specifying make/model try doing it for your number plate or VIN.

[NotSoHonestJohn]

E-bmw said:

Or rather than specifying make/model try doing it for your number plate or VIN.

That is what I did. I specified my reg. number - the website chose the model of the car automatically, and showed me "compatible" parts. Specifically, I tried these two websites:
eurocarparts.com
onlinecarparts.co.uk

I get the height being different depending on the disc size. But if length is different, then I'd assume it would require a different caliper to fit?

[Super Sonic]

I would get kwikfit to fit them. It's a lot of hassle on a safety critical component to save a few quid.

[Dave.]

You just need to know/measure the size of your front discs.

I can’t image your 1.6 having brembos, so it’ll be one of the bottom two.

[donkmeister]

The approach I use, and I don't know if this works with all marques, is
1) use a make-specific "VIN decoder" website to show what option codes the car has,
2) then use an EPC to find the correct part numbers for the specific options I have (WARNING: Most free EPCs seem to be on Russian servers so treat with caution, ensure your antivirus is up to date, don't use a computer with anything irreplaceable or sensitive etc).

Alternatively, it would be easier to to the Vauxhall parts desk and ask them for a quote for the brake pads. Might be cheaper than you think, but at least you'll walk away with the part number on the printout.

I remember buying a replacement mirror glass for an E-Class and things such as the seat options were relevant to the mirror part number (due to memory options).

[TarquinMX5]

You cannot trust these systems that rely on registration numbers; they're often correct but they're by no means foolproof. Assuming your car has standard discs/calipers, your options ars either to compare with those currdntly fitted or purchase via dealer using your VIN.

It's not unknown for manufacturers to use different specs on the same model yet this rarely shows on these aftermarket sites; it might be supply problems at time of manufacture or vehicles made either early or late in a production run etc..

[NotSoHonestJohn]

Ok. Looks like it best I measure the pads I have.

Length seems to be the most crucial measurement for fit.
I take it thickness is not really important since it only differs by a few mm, and there is always plenty of space when installing new pads with the piston fully pushed in.
I'm guessing different height wouldn't prevent the pads from fitting either? Part of the pads would just overhang the disc if they were to tall, or slightly reduce braking power if they were too short.

[Dave.]

On those listings, they give the size of the disc which they fit.

It'll be easier to measure the disc diameter and buy the appropriate pad for that size disc, than trying to measure pad size without removing them.

[E-bmw]

As above, measure disc outer diameter, any pad dimensions you can see & more importantly try to sketch/photo them to match up the shape, ignore thickness as I assume yours are worn, so thickness will be irrelevant.

ETA. Just seen one of the ones you originally posted is Eicher....... Don't buy them! Or the Audura ones, find some better make pads than those.

ETA. Assuming it is a 1.6 petrol, it looks like you either have 276/300/321mm discs, so it should be easy to differentiate & just confirm by looking at the pad shape.

Attached is a snip from Mintex online catalogue.

Edited by E-bmw on Tuesday 23 January 21:49

[journeymanpro]

Super Sonic said:

I would get kwikfit to fit them. It's a lot of hassle on a safety critical component to save a few quid.

Serious?

[E-bmw]

journeymanpro said:

Super Sonic said:

I would get kwikfit to fit them. It's a lot of hassle on a safety critical component to save a few quid.

Serious?

Precisely because they are safety critical I wouldn't let KF near any part of the braking system on any vehicle of mine.

[NotSoHonestJohn]

Cheers, guys. Measured the brake discs and found some appropriate pads from Bosch. The old ones are from the same brand, and can't really complain. Is it considered a decent brand?

https://www.halfords.com/motoring/car-parts/brakes...

One last question, the rear brake caliper piston - does it have a left or right-handed thread? That is, of course, if it's something that's the same on all vauxhalls, and doesn't differ from model to model.

[Tye Green]

you're making slow progress - your initial question was January 22nd

[ARHarh]

E-bmw said:

journeymanpro said:

Super Sonic said:

I would get kwikfit to fit them. It's a lot of hassle on a safety critical component to save a few quid.

Serious?

Precisely because they are safety critical I wouldn't let KF near any part of the braking system on any vehicle of mine.

Get a grip. Brake pads are the easiest job to do on cars. It's why every time your car goes near a mechanic they tell you the brakes need fixing. Easy money. They never tell you your cambelt needs changing if it doesn't do they?

[Tenacious]

ARHarh said:

E-bmw said:

journeymanpro said:

Super Sonic said:

I would get kwikfit to fit them. It's a lot of hassle on a safety critical component to save a few quid.

Serious?

Precisely because they are safety critical I wouldn't let KF near any part of the braking system on any vehicle of mine.

Get a grip. Brake pads are the easiest job to do on cars. It's why every time your car goes near a mechanic they tell you the brakes need fixing. Easy money. They never tell you your cambelt needs changing if it doesn't do they?

Yep, I've done quite a few on relatives bangers. It's a nice methodic job to do. My brother got some pads from a local parts store for his other halfs Audi. As soon as I saw them I said they're not the right ones. He took them back, turned out the counter guy put the wrong reg number and gave him pads for a Range Rover.

[E-bmw]

ARHarh said:

E-bmw said:

journeymanpro said:

Super Sonic said:

I would get kwikfit to fit them. It's a lot of hassle on a safety critical component to save a few quid.

Serious?

Precisely because they are safety critical I wouldn't let KF near any part of the braking system on any vehicle of mine.

Get a grip. Brake pads are the easiest job to do on cars. It's why every time your car goes near a mechanic they tell you the brakes need fixing. Easy money. They never tell you your cambelt needs changing if it doesn't do they?

They are the easiest job in the world...... Next to fitting a tyre & how often do KF get that wrong also?

As I said, I will never ever recommend then wrt any braking work.

[NotSoHonestJohn]

Tye Green said:

you're making slow progress - your initial question was January 22nd

Oh, I've actually took the wheels off and measured the pads when I initially made the thread. But I saw there was still life left on them, so left it. Now, they're getting close to their limit, hence the continuation

[98elise]

ARHarh said:

E-bmw said:

journeymanpro said:

Super Sonic said:

I would get kwikfit to fit them. It's a lot of hassle on a safety critical component to save a few quid.

Serious?

Precisely because they are safety critical I wouldn't let KF near any part of the braking system on any vehicle of mine.

Get a grip. Brake pads are the easiest job to do on cars. It's why every time your car goes near a mechanic they tell you the brakes need fixing. Easy money. They never tell you your cambelt needs changing if it doesn't do they?

KF took about 9 attempts to fix my tracking after doing it so badly the car permanently steered to the left. Even after 9 attempts it was still pissed, but as good as they could get it. During one particular fix I had to point out that they had miss-fitted the tracking equipment.

I wouldn't trust them with anything safety related.

[Jakg]

What car is it?