Brake Pad Wear Tab
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Brake Pad Wear Tab
Brake pads have a small tab on the pad.
The Helms Manual says: “The brake pad wear sensor, mounted on the inboard brake pad, must be positioned so that it is in the trailing position during forward rotation of the brake rotor” but the picture from the manual shows it at the trailing edge of the outside pad.
When I removed the old pads from my 02, the front wear indicator was positioned at the top edge of the inside pad. For a caliper at the back of the rotor (in the direction of travel) I guess that is the trailing edge. The rear calipers are fitted on the front of the rotor so its at the bottom as you look at it. In other words, as I read it, the wear indicator should be at the last point of contact on the rotor when its rotating. Is that correct?
As I understand its function, as the pads wear, it's forced into contact with the disc causing a slight noise/squeak to let you know you need a pad change. Is that also correct?
Does it really matter where it sits? Any advice from brakes experts?
The Helms Manual says: “The brake pad wear sensor, mounted on the inboard brake pad, must be positioned so that it is in the trailing position during forward rotation of the brake rotor” but the picture from the manual shows it at the trailing edge of the outside pad.
When I removed the old pads from my 02, the front wear indicator was positioned at the top edge of the inside pad. For a caliper at the back of the rotor (in the direction of travel) I guess that is the trailing edge. The rear calipers are fitted on the front of the rotor so its at the bottom as you look at it. In other words, as I read it, the wear indicator should be at the last point of contact on the rotor when its rotating. Is that correct?
As I understand its function, as the pads wear, it's forced into contact with the disc causing a slight noise/squeak to let you know you need a pad change. Is that also correct?
Does it really matter where it sits? Any advice from brakes experts?
Last edited by DeeGee; Feb 4, 2011 at 05:44 AM.
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I may have answered my own question with some googling.
The AC Delco unit looks similar although this doesn't talk about Corvette specifically. Does this seem correct?
http://www.acdelcotechconnect.com/pd...tsb_05D-76.pdf
The AC Delco unit looks similar although this doesn't talk about Corvette specifically. Does this seem correct?
http://www.acdelcotechconnect.com/pd...tsb_05D-76.pdf
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
Brake pads have a small tab on the pad.
The Helms Manual says: “The brake pad wear sensor, mounted on the inboard brake pad, must be positioned so that it is in the trailing position during forward rotation of the brake rotor” but the picture from the manual shows it at the trailing edge of the outside pad.
When I removed the old pads from my 02, the front wear indicator was positioned at the top edge of the inside pad. For a caliper at the back of the rotor (in the direction of travel) I guess that is the trailing edge. The rear calipers are fitted on the front of the rotor so its at the bottom as you look at it. In other words, as I read it, the wear indicator should be at the last point of contact on the rotor when its rotating. Is that correct?
As I understand its function, as the pads wear, it's forced into contact with the disc causing a slight noise/squeak to let you know you need a pad change. Is that also correct?
Does it really matter where it sits? Any advice from brakes experts?
The Helms Manual says: “The brake pad wear sensor, mounted on the inboard brake pad, must be positioned so that it is in the trailing position during forward rotation of the brake rotor” but the picture from the manual shows it at the trailing edge of the outside pad.
When I removed the old pads from my 02, the front wear indicator was positioned at the top edge of the inside pad. For a caliper at the back of the rotor (in the direction of travel) I guess that is the trailing edge. The rear calipers are fitted on the front of the rotor so its at the bottom as you look at it. In other words, as I read it, the wear indicator should be at the last point of contact on the rotor when its rotating. Is that correct?
As I understand its function, as the pads wear, it's forced into contact with the disc causing a slight noise/squeak to let you know you need a pad change. Is that also correct?
Does it really matter where it sits? Any advice from brakes experts?
And yes, that is the sole purpose, although some folks hearing isn't so sensitive, as I've seen a few worn along with the pad material to the metal backing of the pad... go figure.
Good luck... GUSTO
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
In my opinion, yes, although it will work either way. If you mount it the other way however, it's a cinch you won't wait long before changing them! The noise will drive you nuts.
And yes, that is the sole purpose, although some folks hearing isn't so sensitive, as I've seen a few worn along with the pad material to the metal backing of the pad... go figure.
Good luck... GUSTO
And yes, that is the sole purpose, although some folks hearing isn't so sensitive, as I've seen a few worn along with the pad material to the metal backing of the pad... go figure.
Good luck... GUSTO
I must admit, my front pad started squeaking a while ago but I wasn't aware of this function. I was waiting to fit new pads and rotors so it didn't worry me at the time. Sure enough, that pad was totally worn. Now I know.
Last edited by DeeGee; Feb 5, 2011 at 03:21 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
What pad did you decide to go with?
By the way, we have seen any pictures of snow from you this year...
global warming catching up with you finally?GUSTO
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
The snows gone now and its been warmer recently. The catch is the snow's been replaced by gales so I still cant get the Vette out of the garage
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Alameda CA
https://web.archive.org/web/20060317...tsb_05D-76.pdf
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