Pads - when to replace?

[LuckyP]

10,000 miles, several track days, very little material wear.....

But, the fronts show obvious signs of heat cycling, with 'fluffy' edges about half material thickness from disc, in.

Can pads go 'off'? Is it better to change even though the material is still there?

Your thoughts please.

Cheers
Lucks

[deadscoob]

Probably don't need to quite yet, but as the car is being worked on, would make sense to do it now rather than it potentially interupt tracktime?

Keep the worns as emergency backup.

[bluesatin]

I would change them if I was you. I run a different mintex compound which are very effective both cold and in braking at high speed (Bruntingthope) but are abbrasive on the disc. I believe the bite and the retardaton over the 1166 justifies the extra cost on the discs but I know many are happy with M1166!

[martinlaw]

Hi Peter,

If your pads have lasted 10000 miles including track days, either the friction material is VERY hard or you are not using the brakes!!

From what I understand, like tyres, the best pads donot last as long but the stopping power is improved.

On My Sport I had to change the front pads every other track day.

Especially on track days, I never let the pads go below 2/3rds worn as the transfer of heat to the caliper/bearings etc. increases with pad wear.

Hope this helps,
Martin.

[LuckyP]

Thanks all. I've not been trying hard enough to wear them out then

Does anyone know the original thickness of a front factory supplied pad?

(i'm assuming no or little wear but haven't checked )

[bluesatin]

Speak to Questmead- they are the mintex people and will tell you all you need to know including the best pad, thickness etc.

http://www.questmead.co.uk/

Edited by bluesatin on Wednesday 25th June 21:56

[martinlaw]

Around 11mm

[LuckyP]

11mm! Jeez I should really learn how to use these brakes!! I'm still around 8mm!!

[Crazy of Cookham]

Hi Lucky, will have a look at mine tonight. New last Autumn 3 track days I think. (Plus one so wet barkes never used.) 15,000 miles 2 sets although first 11,000 road use only.

[Paul.B]

LuckyP said:

11mm! Jeez I should really learn how to use these brakes!! I'm still around 8mm!!

You think your gentle on the brakes? When I sold my old car the pads were 13mm thick! (Cue comments from Steve D and Guy ........ )


Paul.B

[ROWDYRENAULT]

I think brake pads are like oil "you can change it now or change it later" "the only difference is the cost" Lee

[bluesatin]

This a useful link
http://www.apracing.com/info/info.asp?section=Pad+...

[LuckyP]

Can anyone tell me the exact grade of Ferodo pads that are std with the AP set up?

[bluesatin]

The pads i had from the factory were Mintex 1166.

[LuckyP]

Hmmm...mine were ferodo. Still got the box. I'll see what they recommend at the FOD.

[GTWayne]

Ferodo DS 2500 is the pad that you are after I think

[M3desmo]

Likely to be DS2500's Pete. Don't be tempted to use DS3000's though as the dust they produce will eat your rims. DS2500's are a great allround brake pad.

[LuckyP]

Interesting that on that chart that blue posted, the DS 2500s are recommended for road use, but not for LC (light competition or other forms of track abuse. I supose with a car our weight, a road pad is more than sufficient, with all the longevity and userfriendliness of a road pad.

I'll have a discussion at the FOD

[bluesatin]

I use the mintex F4r and are very happy with they behave. Very nice cold bit, flat torque etc and work amazingly at bruntingthorpe.