c3 disc brake pad questions

[Randall K.]

I'm assuming that the pad pictured should not be reinserted for use due to what appears to be delamination (visible cracks on the edge). There was a leaky caliper at this wheel.

What is the recommended pad material for street use? Any particular sources I should be going to for replacements?

Thanks
Randy

[Terry M.]

Re: c3 disc brake pad questions

It should not be used because it is soaked with brake fluid. I have yet to see ANY method that removes brake fluid from brake friction material. The heat of brake operation will release the fluid that is soaked into the friction material and the coefficient of friction of the pad is then altered rendering the stopping properties of the brake unreliable.

[John H.]

Re: c3 disc brake pad questions

What is the recommended pad material for street use? Any particular sources I should be going to for replacements?

Thanks
Randy

Randy -

The OEM pads were plain ordinary organic material, and work just fine, are quiet (and they won't eat your rotors); no need for anything more aggressive than organic pads (like anything with the word "metallic" in its description) unless you're going to race the car.

[Michael F.]

Re: c3 disc brake pad questions

Randy -

The OEM pads were plain ordinary organic material, and work just fine, are quiet (and they won't eat your rotors); no need for anything more aggressive than organic pads (like anything with the word "metallic" in its description) unless you're going to race the car.

Is there a part number or particular brand thats recommended?

[Joe L.]

Re: c3 disc brake pad questions

Is there a part number or particular brand thats recommended?

Michael-----


The current GM replacement for the OEM pads is GM #18028641. This is the "direct descendent" of the pads originally installed on your car. They are also known as Delco 17D8.

Another Delco pad which will work very well and costs less than the above is GM #19286105 also known as Delco 14D8.

Both of the above are riveted-type, as-original.

You could also go with a variety of fancy aftermarket pads but I think you'll find that either of the above will provide excellent street performance and neither is really all that expensive.

[Michael F.]

Re: c3 disc brake pad questions

Thanks Joe. Whats the difference between the two part numbers?

[Joe L.]

Re: c3 disc brake pad questions

Thanks Joe. Whats the difference between the two part numbers?

Michael----

The 18028641 is a higher performance pad but similar in performance to the original pads. I believe it uses ceramic and aramid compounds in the friction material. As I mentioned, this is the pad which GM considers to be the direct replacement for the OEM pads. The original OEM pads were ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING but have been discontinued for many years (since most asbestos was regulated out of friction compounds).

The 19286105 is a more "economy" type of pad and is "pure organic". However, it will perform very well.

[Michael F.]

Re: c3 disc brake pad questions

Excellent info!

[Randall K.]

Re: c3 disc brake pad questions

Thanks, Joe, for the P/N info. My local GM dealer can get both - the 17D8 are about $75 for a pair of pads, as opposed to about $45 for a pair of the 14D8.

Figured I'm not racing, so the less expensive ones should be fine.

Randy

[Steven B.]

Re: c3 disc brake pad questions

I'm assuming that the pad pictured should not be reinserted for use due to what appears to be delamination (visible cracks on the edge). There was a leaky caliper at this wheel.

What is the recommended pad material for street use? Any particular sources I should be going to for replacements?

Thanks
Randy

The cracking or delam along the edge is often caused by the press not having adequate temp. or the bump cycles not timed correctly. Blistering of the pad is caused by too high temp. This crack may be just a surface crack where a pass or two through the grinder would have removed it. As Terry said don't use it if it has been exposed to brake fluid. The friction material is like a sponge.

Steve

[Robert E.]

Re: c3 disc brake pad questions

Joe, I just got off the phone with my local GM dealer to enquire on the price of GM #18028641 pads. At $70 and still available, he questioned it's application (front or rear). I suggested they were more than likely the same, but he didn't agree.

Please assure me that the pads mentioned apply to all four corners.

Thanks in advance

Robert

[Patrick N.]

Re: c3 disc brake pad questions

Joe, I just got off the phone with my local GM dealer to enquire on the price of GM #18028641 pads. At $70 and still available,

Thanks in advance

Robert

Rob, FYI, you should also check out RockAuto- same pads $44.
Pat

[Terry M.]

Re: c3 disc brake pad questions

Joe, I just got off the phone with my local GM dealer to enquire on the price of GM #18028641 pads. At $70 and still available, he questioned it's application (front or rear). I suggested they were more than likely the same, but he didn't agree.

Please assure me that the pads mentioned apply to all four corners.

Thanks in advance

Robert

Your dealer parts man is too young. Now days disk pads are different front to rear, but not Zora's originals. All 4 corners are the same.

[Robert E.]

Re: c3 disc brake pad questions

Hi Pat, thanks for the tip. I checked their website and with shipping to Canada, the total came to just under $128.35 for 2 sets. I called around locally and found a set for $65, so it wouldn't make any sense to buy from RockAuto to save a couple of bucks.

Rob

[Patrick N.]

Re: c3 disc brake pad questions

Hi Pat, thanks for the tip. I checked their website and with shipping to Canada, the total came to just under $128.35 for 2 sets. I called around locally and found a set for $65, so it wouldn't make any sense to buy from RockAuto to save a couple of bucks.

Rob

Glad you found a good deal locally and could save a couple bucks to put towards the next parts