Front Brake Pad replacement ('89)

[Geek SHO]

My brake pads just crapped out on me yesterday. I think the pad backing material is what's rubbing on the rotors currently, so I'm driving the car as little as possible.

To the point: I was wondering if anyone suggested a different pad than that of OEM pads to ride on stock rotors. I plan on resurfacing my stock rotors at my Dad's work, assuming that they're not too damaged. So far, I'm planning on just getting the normal OEM replacement, which I think I've heard is the same as the SLO disc brake pads. If there's a compatible set of "organic" pads (or whatever some higher end pads are called) that are worth throwing on there, I'd like to. I cannot afford doing a real brake upgrade right now.

My Dad and I are going to do this brake job ourselves, so any tips or wierd quirks to point out would be handy as well. My car is an '89 with the stock basket weave wheels and OEM brakes. Thanks so much!

 

[LaTechSHO]

the pads are NOT the same...... there is a subtle difference due to a difference in calipers....

SLO - MKD421
SHO - MKD421A

Make sure the pads you purchase are SHO-specific

Louis

 

[Geek SHO]

Thanks, I'll be sure to do that!

 

[sdpatt]

I highly recommend the Performance Friction Carbon Metallic 4214S pads from AutoZone with a lifetime warranty. Great breaking and a low price (~$30). You will also need new rotors if the pad material is gone and there is metal-to-metal contact. I have found the Wagner BD61904 (Pre-'91)rotors from O'Reilly to be a superior rotor for the money ($44) compared to the ~$20 AIMCO rotors from AutoZone.

<small>[ October 13, 2003, 11:05 AM: Message edited by: sdpatt ]</small>

 

[shojuan]

You can also get Brembo rotors for the 89. The fronts are currently $28 each and the shipping isn't *too* bad. Probably would be less combined than getting the Wagner rotors from any of the local sources (or mail order + shipping for that matter). If you decide to order from tirerack remember to click from the ad banner on the forum so the forum will get 5% of the sale. I have the Hawk HPS pads on my front brakes (can also get from tirerack). They aren't a bad pad. If you want to save the maximum dollars the Performance Friction pad Scott says give great braking at a low price are the way to go. If you don't mind spending more on pad material than try out the Carbotech Bobcat pads. Even better braking at a higher price! You can get them directly from Carbotech or from shonut. Shonut might even be able to cut you a little price break vs. Carbotech's direct pricing. Don't expect miracles. The Gen I braking system is a joke on these big cars. But as long as you're sticking with the mediocre braking system you really owe it to yourself to max out the performance of the brakes with a really good pad. Bigger rims and good rubber will help too (a big part of why Scott is getting great performance out of the PF pads on his SHO).

Changing pads on the SHO is really easy. It's not as fun changing front pads on the 89 as it is on 96 brakes, but it's still easy. Make sure to clean the rotors with brake cleaner any time you touch the surface while you're working on them. Silicone grease the slider pins and a bit on the pad ear to caliper joint and a thin coat on the back of the pads (pad to piston and pad to caliper). Like Scott said, just get new rotors. You won't be happy with the results if you resurface your existing rotors. Not on this car with these brakes.

 

[fricker66]

I recently purchased the Brembo OEM replacement rotors from tirerack. Yes Rick, I did click on the banner! Total price shipped was $64. Can't say I notice any better stopping distances out of these but I do expect to have better wear on the rotors than the factory ones! After replacing the rotors and pads (PF-CM), my SHO now stops very smoothly! A brake job on the 89 is fairly straight forward, just follow the advice already given. Enjoy!

 

[shojuan]

I don't know that the Brembo rotors will wear any better. Any advantage is going to be in higher quality casting and finer machining tolerances. That means a better chance of getting a truer rotor out of the box. And the better quality iron castings paired up with good pads will be a good thing too.

 

[fricker66]

shojuan:
I don't know that the Brembo rotors will wear any better. Any advantage is going to be in higher quality casting and finer machining tolerances. That means a better chance of getting a truer rotor out of the box. And the better quality iron castings paired up with good pads will be a good thing too.

My thoughts exactly..........