WarrenW

Thanks for the info Drew. I didn't have that issue w/ the original set of pads. I don't know what the factory did differently.

drewmob

No sweat, Warren. Either its that or we're both doing something wrong!

Maybe the clips on the sides really do make that big of a difference...? I've never bothered to replace them on any car but I've always noticed the *slightest* bump when going to or from R and assumed that it was just the wiggle room I felt during installation. Its so minute that a passenger would never notice and you really have to pay attention to feel it, but I swear its there. Is this similar to your experience or is yours worse?

WarrenW

I don't remember clips on the sides unless you mean those shims. There are clips on the tops though. I've never replaced them with new ones. Maybe I should and see what happens.

drewmob

D'oh! Good call, they are on the top pushing between the pad down. That is the one I'm thinking about. That may be worth a shot seeing as grease and shims come with OEM pads. Everything else shouldn't have the ability to cause this sort of wear issue.

bgoetz

[QUOTE=SheDrivesIt,Jul 14 2009, 12:11 PM] Pads do not determine stopping power.

bgoetz

Yes and that is what is causing my pads to clank when I hit a harsh bump, at least I think. But if we both have that play then why don't you notice the clank when hitting a really harsh bump?? Maybe my roads around here just suck really bad

drewmob

Are you certain you inserted the stud on the pad into the pot slot properly? (thats what she said...) That is the only caveat that I could see causing any clanking on a properly working system.

Thought #2 is that you could possibly have a jammed caliper. If the caliper didn't depress you could have some horizontal play on a hefty bump. Is it only coming from one corner or both?

My next step would be to open things up again (I know, real fun...) and make sure the pots are compressing.

All this being said, I think it took a tank of gas before my rear pads stopped clanking around. I think a little noise after installation is common, but it concerned me too. I just knew the brakes were functioning properly so I rode it out...

bgoetz

Is there a right and wrong way? I just though that it had to line up with the slots? And it is both sides, but after I have had them apart for the third time, it seems like the right side is better than the left now

drewmob

As long as you're in the slot you're fine. Since it is both sides I doubt it is a caliper issue. I think you're experiencing the same thing I had. For some reason things clanked around back there until they fell into place. Give it a tank of gas to work itself out (as long as you're able to stop!)