Replacing Pads and Rotors--Anything I should know first?

[PGA2B]

As the title says, I am replacing my pads and rotors both front and rear and want to know of any special tools involved or anything I need to be aware of. I am going with EBC "Red Stuff" ceramic pads and Baer DecelaRotors front and rear.

 

[SoonerLS]

Just the oft-mentioned "don't jack the car up by the suspension" mantra. I haven't done the rotors, but the pads were a piece of cake. The only caveat I recall was that you need an 11mm box-end wrench to get the upper caliper pin bolts loose because a ratchet and socket won't fit in the space. Or maybe that's the lower bolt. And you may need a medium or long extension, too.

I'm assuming that you have the standard (well, metric ) tools and the rear-caliper piston tool.

It literally took more time to jack up the car and get the wheel off than it did to replace the pads.

 

[T_Man]

Also be sure to use the proper "bed In" procedure after changing the pads & rotors. StopTech has excellent written instructions on this at their website.

Here's the link: http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp_bedinstock.shtml

 

[SoonerLS]

Does EBC recommend that? I recall Porterfield recommending that you not do it, at least with the R4-S pads...

 

[Quik LS]

there have been a few good threads from people doing their brakes and the issues they ran into - rather than repeating all here, doi a search and spend some time reviewing those threads.

 

[T_Man]

Does EBC recommend that? I recall Porterfield recommending that you not do it, at least with the R4-S pads...

I've used StopTech's bed in procedure for over 15 years with all types of pads (composite, metallic, ceramic) and have never had any problems. In my opinion this procedure works well with all pads in eliminating noise and improving stopping distance. I've had other drivers tell me about their new pads & rotors squealing, moaning and groaning. But then after doing the bed in proceedure, their brakes are quite and quick to stop with less fade.

 

[PGA2B]

EBC does not require a break in. They have a "Break-In" coating that does the job and conditions the rotors.