Vincent Keene wrote:
I did notice pad taper (more inboard pad wear vs. outer) when I removed the DS-2500s. That's the first time I had seen that. The XP-8s seemed to wear pretty even in that respect. What causes the pads to wear differently? The inner pad gets cooled less maybe?
So now the decision. Do I get another set of the Ferodo DS-2500s or try a set of the Hawk HP Plus'?
The C4 calipers are not that much different than the C5 calipers so I expect you to see this. The more aggressive the pads and your driving the more it will happen.
The calipers are aluminum and so are the pistons. Front calipers are 2 piston. Both are on the inside and are the same size. So you get leading edge taper on one side and trailing edge taper on the other. The caliper twists and flexes some. Also over time the caliper will anneal (sp?), ie, it will spread, since it's aluminum. I've been told my stock calipers are good for 2 seasons if I do a lot of events. It depends on how aggressive you are, your pads, the type of courses you run, and how much ducting. So YMMV.
Once you start seeing a lot of taper replace the calipers. They are cheaper than burning up brake pads every weekend because of taper. So for now swap your pads like I noted. That will even out the taper. After a weekend I can see and feel the taper. So I'll probably move them side to side at the end of each track day. Not that time consuming or a big deal.
If they are tapering badly you'll feel the brake pedal getting deeper (long pedal as they call it). Almost feels like you cooked your brake fluid, but bleeding the fluid won't do anything.
You can get used C4 calipers cheap on CF. Or get a hold of Gene Culley at
http://www.gmpartshouse.com/ . He's a good guy and can beat the dealers and GM Parts Direct all day long.