Hello, I recently changed out my pads from the OEM to ceramic pads. When I removed the OEM pads, there were two metal clips on each side. The new pads do not use the clips, as there are no holes in the pads (duh?). Anyway, I wanted to change the pads due to brake dust - no other real reason - I only have 4,978 miles. The brake pedal was fine - nice and firm. Now it seems the pedal is somewhat soft. If I pump the brake pedal, it does get solid. I pumped up the brake pedal before I started the truck and it felt good, but now it seems soft.

Since I changed the pads, do I need to have the system bled in order to get the firm pedal? I wouldn't think that would be the case, but what the heck do I know.

I did do a search and found info on adjusting the rod, but I don't think I need to go to that extreme since I changed the pads. And oh, I did the front and rears.

Thanks for any input/guidance.

 

You shouldn't have to bleed the brakes to get a firm pedal.

Certain brake pads can change how the pedal feels. Some are more spongy than others. I mean what's soft to you might not be soft enough for a concern, so it's really hard to tell without feeling it.

As long as you were careful, and definately got everything installed the way you took it off, scuffed up the rotors with some sand paper a little bit, and used some good synthetic brake lube, everything should be fine. Is the truck having a problem stopping? How far down do you have to hit the brake pedal before it really starts grabbing?

Go take your truck in an empty lot and practice some 30-0 stops, see what happens. You also need to give the pads a little time for lining material transfer to set in...that's when the pads and rotors really start going together nicely and giving you the most stopping power.

 

Well ibcop, I don't know man, changing brakes, especially basically brand new to actual brand new should show no difference that you'd notice. Ceramics, semi-metallics, whatever should pretty much feel the same. Even after I'm due for pads, after changing, the pedal and performance is about the same. I don't let them get too low either.

The fact that you have no metal clips on the new one makes me curious, I'm assuming fronts? The pads should be identical to the old ones and come with the same necessary hardware. I do know that after each pad change, pumping the brakes is necessary, but like 3-4 times when they are low, maybe once for you. It all depends on how far back you pushed the piston back. Something doesn't smell right here.

 

i second something is not right.......i replaced my oem pads last fri with only 12k miles to carquest blue semi-metallic and the pedal is almost the same if not better....also mine did come with the new clips.......i have heard ceramic were not good for our trucks due to the weight and added heat...they tear up rotors......something just doesnt sound right.......

 

Now, I have no problems in stopping.......the pedal just seems a little softer. before I could barely touch it and you could feel the brakes catch. Now the pedal travels just a little further, not by much.

I see most everyone is using Car Quest "blue" pads.....I'd like to switch to them, but they do not allow ordering on-line nor do they ship. American parts in Germany are hard to come by. You have AAFES which will eat your lunch in prices and AutoZone, which will ship free to APO address. That's a huge plus.

Anyone interested in picking me up a set and sending to an APO address? I can pay you via PayPal!

Thanks!

 

i dont mind as long as i dont lose any money in the deal.....shot me an email, labman1014@msn.com

 

Email sent. Appreciate the help!