Brake Pads Question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 297
Likes: 2
From: TX/FL
Brake Pads Question
So here is the question guys,
When I first bought my vette, I wanted to get fresh everything for it, that included brand new pads.
Well, I had the pads replaced not knowing that the ones I had on were still like 70% new.
My question is, now that Im due for a pad change, can I re-use the "old" (70% pad life left) ones that I got back from that first replacement or would that not be a good idea?
When I first bought my vette, I wanted to get fresh everything for it, that included brand new pads.
Well, I had the pads replaced not knowing that the ones I had on were still like 70% new.
My question is, now that Im due for a pad change, can I re-use the "old" (70% pad life left) ones that I got back from that first replacement or would that not be a good idea?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
So here is the question guys,
When I first bought my vette, I wanted to get fresh everything for it, that included brand new pads.
Well, I had the pads replaced not knowing that the ones I had on were still like 70% new.
My question is, now that Im due for a pad change, can I re-use the "old" (70% pad life left) ones that I got back from that first replacement or would that not be a good idea?
When I first bought my vette, I wanted to get fresh everything for it, that included brand new pads.
Well, I had the pads replaced not knowing that the ones I had on were still like 70% new.
My question is, now that Im due for a pad change, can I re-use the "old" (70% pad life left) ones that I got back from that first replacement or would that not be a good idea?
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
I would be certain to burnish the pads immediately after installation. Up to 30 mph then full stop, don't lock brakes, do that for a total of 20 times. Then let them cool and they'll be ready to use. This is valid when you install any pad, new or used.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,947
Likes: 24,704
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
I'd reuse them if it were me. 
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 208
Likes: 6
From: Baltimore MD
sorry everyone but i would not. the old pads may have a different wear pattern in them preventing them from having 100% contact to the rotor. seems like it would take more than braking a few times to seat them correctly. i have been told by the pros that you should take a thin cut on the rotor and install new pads. personally i would not want take a risk when it comes to brakes just to save a few bucks.
if someone can explain this otherwise, i would like to hear. again, just my opinion..
if someone can explain this otherwise, i would like to hear. again, just my opinion..
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 297
Likes: 2
From: TX/FL
sorry everyone but i would not. the old pads may have a different wear pattern in them preventing them from having 100% contact to the rotor. seems like it would take more than braking a few times to seat them correctly. i have been told by the pros that you should take a thin cut on the rotor and install new pads. personally i would not want take a risk when it comes to brakes just to save a few bucks.
if someone can explain this otherwise, i would like to hear. again, just my opinion..
if someone can explain this otherwise, i would like to hear. again, just my opinion..
I should say that my rotors are like glass though....
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 31
From: Silver Spring MD
After about 20 hits on the brakes you will be RESEATING them yourself
If you had 70% left on your tires and they weren't dry rotted would you toss them. Hell No. Get another 30K out of your "old" pads.
The front ones wear, the rear ones wear very much LESS.
BIGHANK
The front ones wear, the rear ones wear very much LESS.
BIGHANK
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
said sand the rotors... no problem sanding the rotors at all// you csn also sand the pads Especially if they are glazed, but you can take the glaze off the rotors as well..but do them in a circular motionyou can sans the rotos with the dame grit... place the paper on a flat surface and press down while movi9ng them around, once the surface is uniform you are done..