Good ole brake pad thread...

[LikeCDoos]

I posted this along time ago in this thread: http://www.r3vlimited.com/phpBB2/vie...ght=brake+pads, and didn't really get what i was looking for.

Okay, i need to replace pads in all 4 corners and i'm looking for a very LOW dust pad, i'm sick of how my current pads dust so much. I don't track or auto-x, but i do make a few passes through the local twisties when going to work.

Also what is needed to when doing a brake job on a BMW, i see Bavauto has sensor wires, but i'm not familiar with these although i've done many brake jobs.

Possibe Solutions from other thread:

PBR Metalamasters
EBC Greenstuff

Anything helps...comments links ect...

[Erick]

My car has ATE pads, and my father's car has Axxis Ultimates.

Although some say Axxis Ultimates release too much brake dust, my father's rims take longer to get dirty, as for my K1s, pfft... I'll drive 100ft and it's dirty again.

I wouldn't recommend ATE. I was on a low budget then, next time I'll be ready for a brake change.

[bimmerlover]

While I've yet to get any for my E30..
My bro got Hawk pads for his E28.. and HOLY COW! what a difference.
I often end up washing his car/cleaning his wheels for him and.. since the hawk pads..
I no longer require massive amounts of wheel cleaner. The little bit of brake dust that is there will hose right off.
I would highly recommend them. I know they can be bought at www.cdoc.com I'm not sure who else carries them.

[e30Matt]

I've heard horror stories of warped rotors with Hawk pads... can anyone attest to that?

[Jon '92 325ic]

Here's some links on the subject

Here's some links on the subject:

http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e30/4786439-1.html

http://www.grmotorsports.com/brakes.html

http://216.97.77.38/HTMLFiles/Menu2/Menu2-4-1/Pads&Rotors.htm

http://www.r3vlimited.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6806&highlight=brake+pad

My opinion, since you're not tracking and your primary concern is brake dust, try:

Mintex pads
ATE rotors (you don't need the slotted ones)
2 Sensors (1 in the front, 1 in the rear)
Pentosin Brake Fluid (if you bleed your brakes)
Brake Fluid Resevoir Grommet (have one on hand if you bleed your brakes - $2)

If you want to improve your performance (optional, not necessary for regular street driving, but wont hurt either -- except your wallet):

ATE Super Blue (blue color makes bleeding your brakes easier too)
Stainless Steel brake lines (Ireland Engineering has a set for $75)


Shop around for the best pricing on the Internet (www.bavauto.com, www.ea4parts.com) and then order them from BMA Auto Parts (they price match).

[Ryan Stewart]

The blue color actually makes bleeding your brakes harder because it masks the old stuff with dye. If you alternated back and forth it does kinda work because you can see the blue come out but it will stain your bleeder or hoses making it harder to tell. The blue is designed for making it more visible on the ground.

Save yourself a few bucks and get ATE Type 200. Same fluid minus the dye.

I have the EBC Greenstuffs. I like them but I must admit that I did get one pad that delaminted (not dangerous, just a minor issue) but EBC was quick to get another set out to me. These are virtually no dust on the street but on the track they dust and burn quickly (compared to a dedicated track pad). The only drawback I have is they make a slight amount of noise if they are not warm.

Stick with regular stock ATE rotors. If you have the money get some new brake lines. Either SS or regular (I couldnt tell the difference from my one year old regular lines).

If you have a bentely manual the brakes are a breeze, even if you dont its pretty straightfoward exept that you have to have the E-brake off to do the rears.

Do your e-brake shoes while you are in there.

[nando]

I wouldn't give up my ATE powerslot rotors for the world. ;)

[Ryan Stewart]

I have those. I couldnt tell a difference. The only thing the slots do for me is a neasy wear indicator.

[LikeCDoos]

So I only need 2 sensors... one for the rear and one for the front. I was assuming i'd need 4 sensors...guess not.

[Erick]

front left wheel and rear right wheel have sensors.

The rest does not.

[clavinZERO]

I am currently running on a fresh set of Brembo slotted rotors with EBC Greenstuff pads. Right from the get-go, not even broken in yet, I could feel the difference. This is my second e30 I have used the Greens on and the dusting is SO much less than stock/other pads. The thing about the Greens giving a little noise when cold is true, but I just hit the pedal a bit harder and its gone quick-style. Good pads so far I would have to say. My 2 cents.

[LikeCDoos]

now that i've got different pads in mind...whats the deal with rotors. I understand slotted shoot the dust away from the rotor where cross-drilled cool it better. What is a decent brand for cheap. I'm always seeing "Zimmerman" rotors. any opinions?

[Mystikal]

Just get OE replacements, slotted/drilled/whatever really don't do much for our relatively light cars with tiny rotors (there isn't much area for gas to float over...). You also have very open faced wheels, they will stay cool.

[Dave]

WHo has the best prices on the EBC Greeneies?

[nando]

I noticed my powerslots right away, they bite harder and I've never once experienced brake fade. it's not like they're a ton of money either (I think I paid $95 for a set).

stay away from drilled rotors though..