Brake pads

[ah106]

Just replaced the pads on my '85 with ceramic pads. The rotors are in excellent condition. Now it takes a lot more pedal pressure to stop in the same distance prior to the new pads. Anyone else experience this? Should I be using organic pads?

thanks,
Randy

[dlb]

I've always replaced the pads and rotors at the same time. Even if the rotors are in excellent shape, unless they are machined flat again they are not going to mate perfectly with the new pads. Less contact means less braking power of course so that's my guess.

[NWMO]

dlb has a point, BUT the service life on rotors is much longer than on pads. If the rotors aren’t grooved/worn, they’re likely fine. Possibly need bled?

Chris

[ah106]

I suspected dlb was right, but didn't want to believe it. Decided to pull it apart and see what's what. Turns out there is about an 1/8in of surface on the inner diameter of the rotor where the old pads didn't contact the rotor leaving a buildup of rust. The new pads are shaped a little different so they were riding on the rust and not laying flat on the rotor. A got a new set of pads that are cut properly and Wahla! So new rotors would have also solved the problem.

Thanks guys.
Randy

[dlb]

Nice, glad to hear you got it sorted out Randy.