Brake pedal goes soft with Pagid RS19 Yellows, weird.

[BartMW]

Did my first track day of the season and had a strange situation, wondering if anyone has run into this. I swapped out my OEM pads for a set of Pagid RS19 Yellows and the brake pedal felt very spongy and hit much lower. First time i've used the Pagids. The install looked good and the brakes worked fine, but it was a little disconcerting. When I switched back to the OEM pads the pedal went right back to normal and felt nice and solid. Anyone have any ideas or insight?

[LiM3y]

Did you pump the pedal until firm after swapping pads? What brake fluid are you using?

[BartMW]

I did pump the pedal, tons actually. I'm running a stock Dot 4 fluid, but the problem was there as soon as the pads were on, not just under stress at the track.

[Sleeper519]

I had the exact same thing with the Pagids RS19s on stock rotors. Here's my old thread: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=582289.

Its normal, function was fine. Good bedding-in procedure helps, as does a good caliper bleed.

Not to worry.

[TXmtrhed]

I experience the same thing when I swap in my PFC's. I think it's just a reflection of the lower coefficient of friction at low temps. Another good reason not to use race pads full time on the street.

[LiM3y]

I'd switch to a racing fluid with less elasticity. You have to push harder to get the same bite at low temperature with endurance race pads such as Pagid RS19's

I used to use Ate Gold, but switched to Castrol SRF and that feels so much better and is definitely worth the money for confidence alone. Cannot comment on Motul, which is another high spec alternative.

Remember, if you switch, to bleed the clutch when you flush the brakes. [This is real fun if you have thick fingers and love having them coated in brake fluid - buy a flexible socket extension!]

[BartMW]

Thanks for the comments guys. I'll be doing a bleed before my next event, just didn't have time before this past one. Sleeper519, I read your thread, tons of great info there, thanks. i didn't find it when I searched for some reason. I always have a tough time doing the bedding because it's tricky to find a place to do run at enough speed for enough time to get it done properly. The track never works out I find. I'll keep looking for a location nearby my home to get a good one in.

[Porschefile]

My bet is the fluid. Fresh ATE typ 200 is cheap insurance.

Bedding the pads helps a ton with bite, but you need a place you can really get on it and brake hard repeatedly. Can't really do that in the neighborhood

[leo95se]

i have the same issue. same pads with motul 600. flush it well, though i do see bubbles now and then. the most frustrating part is that 2 pumps make them work well, most of the time.

i have a few theories:
1. pads cool off quick and dont maintain bite
2. pads dont work well with stock rotors
3. rotors are glazed and wont clean. (not likely knowing how i drive)

wish i had an answer :/

[Richard@M-World]

I would recommend bedding and re-bedding in the pads, which should make a big difference. A properly bedded-in rotor on Pagid pads should look dull-grey as shown below on the right.

Excellent procedures here:
http://www.essexparts.com/learning-c...ds/post/Bed-in

[BartMW]

Originally Posted by Richard@M-World

I would recommend bedding and re-bedding in the pads, which should make a big difference. A properly bedded-in rotor on Pagid pads should look dull-grey as shown below on the right.

Excellent procedures here:
http://www.essexparts.com/learning-c...ds/post/Bed-in

I have read that article, and it is excellent. It's just that problem of finding a place where I can give them a real good bedding. Our local police don't like that kind of driving on any roads in our area.

[S65V8]

early morning, empty highway stretch, problem solved? what's the big deal on finding a place to bed the brakes.

[BartMW]

Originally Posted by SROC5

early morning, empty highway stretch, problem solved? what's the big deal on finding a place to bed the brakes.

Early morning, that's the problem!

[S65V8]

Originally Posted by BartMW

Early morning, that's the problem!

Ha, you got that right!