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Tue Sep 10, 2013 3:40 pm

I went to replace the front brake pads on our 1970 Coupe, and found the new pads did not match the old ones (see photo). I bought the pads a couple years ago (took a long time to wear them out!), so I can't take them back, but was wondering if anyplace sells the correct ones. The calipers are the two pin style, and the new pads are correct in the dimensions and pin spacing, but the backing plate is a different shape and the anti-rattle springs do not fit the new pads. I installed the new pads without the sprngs, but did use the metal shim between the pad and the pistons. Should I bother looking for different pads, or am I fine this way? Brakes work fine and stop straight with no rattles so far...

Wed Sep 11, 2013 8:03 pm

Sooo, I'm assuming it's ok to leave off the springs?

Wed Sep 11, 2013 8:37 pm

If it were me I'd switch to a brand where the springs fit -- otherwise you will have more drag on the rotor than you would like. The new set also lacks a dust channel -- not the end of the world but means you need to spend time cleaning from time to time. I'd get another set or file down the plates of the new set . . .

Thu Sep 12, 2013 6:16 am

danielsan wrote: If it were me I'd switch to a brand where the springs fit -- otherwise you will have more drag on the rotor than you would like. The new set also lacks a dust channel -- not the end of the world but means you need to spend time cleaning from time to time. I'd get another set or file down the plates of the new set . . .
The new pad is on the left with the slot. The springs clip to the top of the pad and press up against the retaining pins, so the pressure on the pad is towards the hub. After driving the car for a couple days, the braking is strong and even, so thats good. Sometimes with the old pads, it would pull slightly one way or the other, and that may have been affected by the springs dragging on the pins and not retuning to rest evenly. With the springs out, that problem is gone, so perhaps the springs were not lubricated properly. They were dry when I pulled them out...

Paul

Thu Sep 12, 2013 6:33 am

At least you were able to use your "incorrect" pads.
I just had a similar experience when I found the pads I had purchased for my wife's old Boxster were wrong and I had likewise waited too long to take them back or exchange them.
Unfortunately I could not use them as the dimensions were different, so I have to eat the $105 cost.

Oh well, it still cost far less than having a shop do the job.

Thu Sep 12, 2013 7:48 am

Isn't the channel on the pad a wear indicator not a dust channel? When its worn down or close to gone its time to replace.

Thu Sep 12, 2013 9:32 am

anti squeak, wear indicating dust channels! :?

Thu Sep 12, 2013 5:53 pm

aero3113 wrote: Isn't the channel on the pad a wear indicator not a dust channel? When its worn down or close to gone its time to replace.
Could very well be, had not given it much thought. Not a lot of surface area to trap dust anyways, lol. It could be that the older ones had the slot as well, but it sure is gone now! Wear rate had increased lately due to trailer towing, and the last bit of material wore though after a Volvo did a panic stop in front of me. I stopped quicker :twisted:

Paul

Thu Sep 12, 2013 6:13 pm

The notion of a dust channel seems mostly like wishful thinking to me.
It's not like the pad material is being worn off each half towards the center channel, and even if it were what's to keep it from just falling down and out?
Eventually it all has to go somewhere, and it wouldn't be a true German car if the brake dust didn't make your rims all black. :)

Sun Sep 15, 2013 7:45 am

KGCoupe wrote: The notion of a dust channel seems mostly like wishful thinking to me.
It's not like the pad material is being worn off each half towards the center channel, and even if it were what's to keep it from just falling down and out?
A dust channel would not really be needed with the small pad size, and if that was an issue I'd rather have slotted rotors. I'll just keep the springs handy and look at the new pads before buying next time, although the brakes seem to be working fine without the springs.

KGCoupe wrote: Eventually it all has to go somewhere, and it wouldn't be a true German car if the brake dust didn't make your rims all black. :)
Yeah... I've pulled my front wheels off to wash them before, lol.