Which BBKs Make for Easy Pad Swaps?

SlamMan · 06-06-2011, 11:37 PM

Which big brake kits make for easier brake pad swaps than the stock calipers? It was mentioned to me that the Stoptech kit has this feature. Any other kits? None of the kit features seem to mention quick pad changes as a benefit.

dawgdog · 06-07-2011, 06:07 AM

AP is similar to Stop Tech in this regard.

JAJ · 06-07-2011, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlamMan

Which big brake kits make for easier brake pad swaps than the stock calipers? It was mentioned to me that the Stoptech kit has this feature. Any other kits? None of the kit features seem to mention quick pad changes as a benefit.

Top loading calipers are easiest to change. That's StopTech, AP Racing, Alcon and a few others. Unfortunately, the "regular" Brembo GT kit has monobloc calipers that have to be unbolted completely to change pads, which is not so convenient. If you can find a Brembo kit with F40/F50 calipers, they are top loaders and work fine.

SlamMan · 06-07-2011, 02:13 PM

Great. Thanks for the info. Good to know if you're choosing a BBK. Don't know why you wouldn't want top loading calipers unless you're just never changing pads.

STALKER · 06-07-2011, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawgdog

AP is similar to Stop Tech in this regard.

One of the main reasons I went with AP instead of Brembo.

elh0102 · 06-07-2011, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlamMan

Great. Thanks for the info. Good to know if you're choosing a BBK. Don't know why you wouldn't want top loading calipers unless you're just never changing pads.

The makers of such monobloc calipers would probably state strength and rigidity as the reason. Technically, I’m sure that is accurate, but for casual track use, I find it a disadvantage. I have had both the top loading style Brembo (Porsche) calipers, and now I have the ST-60/ST-40 StopTech system, and they are both great in accommodating quick and easy pad changes. I have a small preference for the StopTech, but they are both excellent.

aus · 06-07-2011, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elh0102

The makers of such monobloc calipers would probably state strength and rigidity as the reason. Technically, I’m sure that is accurate, but for casual track use, I find it a disadvantage. I have had both the top loading style Brembo (Porsche) calipers, and now I have the ST-60/ST-40 StopTech system, and they are both great in accommodating quick and easy pad changes. I have a small preference for the StopTech, but they are both excellent.

I agree completely. I was able to switch my front pads out in about 20 minutes in my garage.

SlamMan · 06-07-2011, 05:11 PM

Good thread. As sexy as it is, I'm sure some people might be disappointed after spending the big bucks on the Brembo kit only to find out they're missing this benefit.

klammer · 06-07-2011, 08:04 PM

That's why I went for the alcons. Seemed a bit ridiculous for brembo not to offer a removable bridge design. Pretty much everyone but brembo offers this I think.

rzm3 · 06-07-2011, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klammer

That's why I went for the alcons. Seemed a bit ridiculous for brembo not to offer a removable bridge design. Pretty much everyone but brembo offers this I think.

Well, keep in mind that most buyers of the Brembo GT kit probably won't ever change pads on their own. In the grand scheme of things there are only a few of us track warriors

klammer · 06-09-2011, 08:14 PM

Agreed, more show and less go

Platfawrm · 06-10-2011, 03:17 PM

Brembo require 2 bolts for the caliper to come off, and Stoptech also requires 2 bolts for the bridge to come off.

Not much of a difference.

jml · 06-10-2011, 06:00 PM

Have you compared both? BIG difference in time and effort on the brembo setup - plus it's very easy to cross thread the caliper bolts since the bracket is aluminum. A bolt is $100 and a bracket is $250.

06-06-2011, 11:37 PM	#1
SlamMan Captain 148 Rep 800 Posts Drives: ED 5/19/2010, Interlagos E90 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Denver, 303 iTrader: (1)	Which BBKs Make for Easy Pad Swaps? Which big brake kits make for easier brake pad swaps than the stock calipers? It was mentioned to me that the Stoptech kit has this feature. Any other kits? None of the kit features seem to mention quick pad changes as a benefit. __________________ I play real sports. Not tryin' to be the best at exercising. - Kenny Powers
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06-07-2011, 06:07 AM	#2
dawgdog Colonel 148 Rep 2,278 Posts Drives: 2015 M3, 2016 GT3 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Seattle, Wa. iTrader: (0)	AP is similar to Stop Tech in this regard. __________________ 2015 f80 M3, 2016 GT3
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06-07-2011, 02:13 PM	#4
SlamMan Captain 148 Rep 800 Posts Drives: ED 5/19/2010, Interlagos E90 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Denver, 303 iTrader: (1)	Great. Thanks for the info. Good to know if you're choosing a BBK. Don't know why you wouldn't want top loading calipers unless you're just never changing pads. __________________ I play real sports. Not tryin' to be the best at exercising. - Kenny Powers
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06-07-2011, 05:11 PM	#8
SlamMan Captain 148 Rep 800 Posts Drives: ED 5/19/2010, Interlagos E90 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Denver, 303 iTrader: (1)	Good thread. As sexy as it is, I'm sure some people might be disappointed after spending the big bucks on the Brembo kit only to find out they're missing this benefit. __________________ I play real sports. Not tryin' to be the best at exercising. - Kenny Powers
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06-07-2011, 08:04 PM	#9
klammer Brigadier General 97 Rep 3,246 Posts Drives: 11 spc gry m3 e90, 19 X5 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: chicago iTrader: (0)	That's why I went for the alcons. Seemed a bit ridiculous for brembo not to offer a removable bridge design. Pretty much everyone but brembo offers this I think. __________________ mods: track ready stuff
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06-09-2011, 08:14 PM	#11
klammer Brigadier General 97 Rep 3,246 Posts Drives: 11 spc gry m3 e90, 19 X5 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: chicago iTrader: (0)	Agreed, more show and less go __________________ mods: track ready stuff
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06-10-2011, 03:17 PM	#12
Platfawrm Banned 4 Rep 48 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	Brembo require 2 bolts for the caliper to come off, and Stoptech also requires 2 bolts for the bridge to come off. Not much of a difference.
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06-10-2011, 06:00 PM	#13
jml Major 128 Rep 1,144 Posts Drives: X5M, GT3RS, GT4 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (3)	Have you compared both? BIG difference in time and effort on the brembo setup - plus it's very easy to cross thread the caliper bolts since the bracket is aluminum. A bolt is $100 and a bracket is $250. Last edited by jml; 06-10-2011 at 06:05 PM..
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