I just finished replacing all 8 pads on my '03 C2 with Hawk HP Plus. The OEM pads still had at least half left. The car is just at 12k miles. After completing, the pedal came back up to where it should be with a couple pumps. I didn't bleed the brakes since that was just done.

I drove around the block, and did one aggressive stop from around 60mph. Now they're grinding even with my foot off the pedal. I know you're thinking I installed the pads in backwards, but I didn't. The rotors look fine.

Are the Hawk pads thicker than stock, and have to wear away a bit? I feel like an idiot if I did do something wrong, but it wasn't installing the pads backwards...

Thanks,
David

 

1. Sounds like the pads may be dragging.
2. I doubt you installed them backwards. Pads are pretty straight forward.
3. No need to bleed (usually).
4. I doubt they are grinding. HPS can be loud.

Did you push the pistons back into the calipers before putting the pads in?

Here's how I swap pads:
http://lambodiy.blogspot.com/p/brake-pads.html

 

+1 on pushing the pistons back before putting the new pads in. Do you have a pad separator? You can also use the old pads to do this.

 

Thanks, guys. I did push the pistons back into the calipers far enough to get the new pads in using a large screwdriver (all I had). Should I be pulling the pads out and attempting to get the pistons to go into the calipers further?

Thanks!

 

Did you take apart, clean and grease your slider pins before reassembly?

 

No, and I'm pretty sure I need to at least sand the rotors as well.

 

If you are OK with the extra day or two of downtime, I'd take the rotors to a machine shop and have them skim it very lightly. At just 12k miles, I am sure they have plenty of life left, but good opportunity to get them resurfaced when you are putting new pads in, so the pads and rotors can wear together.

 

So I won't be accused of running away from my own stupidity, I DID in fact install the left front inboard pad backwards. The inside of the rotor is a bit scored of course. I reinstalled the pad, sanded all the rotors, bedded the pads and all seems well for now.

Yes, I'm an eejit.

Cheers...

 

Good to hear.

We all make simple mistakes from time to time.