AutoX Junkies: brake pad swap routine

[HotPr5]

I tried doing a search but didn't get any definite answers so I figured I'd ask the track guys directly since you guys probably do more pad swaps than the average bear. I'm getting ready to change pads next week, I have some questions about brake pad changing routines which affect braking performance mainly because of pad and rotor compatibility.

1) When changing pads (from oem to carbotech bobcats), is it necessary to change rotors while I am at it? Will performance be affect if I dont?

2) If I do not need to change rotors, do I need to take them out to a mechanic to get them turned or can I just sand them myself?

3) If I am running oem rotors with the new pads, what's the most effective "break-in" procedure?

Thanks in advance.

 

[MX5RACER]

The only thing I can say is to stay away from Carbotech pads. I have had more than one bad experience with their products. On a few different cars as well. On a '94 Miata, they would squeel and dust like crazy on the street, and on the track they would fade quickly. On a '93 Probe GT, I had issues with pad fade on the street in stop and go traffic. These are a few of the issues I have had and that is why I would go with another company such as Cobalt or even EBC.

 

[aMaff]

What he said about Carbotechs... Heard pretty bad things about them.

1) You don't NEED to change the rotors if they still have enough metal on them. They can only be turned so many times before they need to be replaced.

2) NAPA has a few places with machine shops that can turn them pretty cheap. I'm pretty sure most auto parts stores will have the right equipment too.

3. Do a few 70 to 10 stops in fairly rapid succession. Get on the interstate and drive around for 10 minutes to cool them. You don't want to actually stop w/ the brakes on the rotor for too long when they're that hot.

 

[BigB]

I would stay waaaay far away from Carbotech as well.

I have a set of Bobcats currently and love them on my SE-R...

... that being said, a friend of mine was employed there was treated very unethically by the owners.

Knowing what I know I will never do business with them again.

 

[khaosman]

I've had a few different sets. I had Hawk HP+ which were probably the best, but they didn't fit right without modification (some tab had to come off). Then I had Axxis Metal Masters which were nice but dusted even worse than the HP+, which was hard to believe was possible.

Now I'm currently on Porterfield R4S. The dusting isn't too bad and performance is good. Expensive though, IIRC.

Duralast rotors from Autozone are good and cheap.

 

[low_psi]

I switch back and forth between track and daily pads and just scuff the rotors with scotchbrite. No problems whatsoever.

 

[Lt. Dan]

With any "race" compound pad, I'd also like to recommend that when you swap back to street pads make sure you check the condition of your rotors! Track pads EAT ROTORS for breakfast lunch and dinner, so be prepared...