Brake pads for 2004 GT 3.2 V6

[oz3litre]

I need to buy some new pads for my GT in the next few days and I am wondering what ones people recommend. I would like some that perform well with no noise and low dust properties. I put some EBC green ones on our old 164, along with new disks and whilst they stopped very well, they were extremely noisy. It may just have been the set up on that car, or perhaps I didn't bed them in as well as I could have, but I don't want pads as squeaky as those were. You could hear them when my wife came round the corner while you were inside the house.

[TFJ100]

I recently bought standard pads from Alfastumper, not even sure what brand they were, but no noise. Haven't noticed any dust yet, but assume they are "normal" unless I find otherwise.

I only need fast road pads, so also not sure about fade in extremis.

You could wite to Peter and ask him what brand they are if you are interested.

Torben

[Neil Choi]

I have used EBC Greens and Reds on all my cars for years, Alfa's, SAAB's and Territory, all have been great, no noise that you speak of.  Also I think a SAAB 9000 has the same or similar brakes to a 164 and I have fitted EBC Greens to both.

30000km on one set of Reds on the SAAB, two set of Red's for one set of discs before replacing discs and stops very well.  Greens are good too.

You could try QFM HPX or A1RM or their road pads.

I don't believe there is any pad that is low dust, they all have to shed something and it will cover your wheels and calipers regardless.

Being able to hear your wife come around the corner and home might be a good thing!!!

[oz3litre]

Thanks Torben, I'll see what I can find out. They will be going on next week, so I don't have time to get them from Peter. My car is finally going together after delays waiting for that flange and new gearbox bearings. Little did I know it would take this long when I first spoke to you.

Neil, I don't know why the 164 was so bad. Maybe it needed shims on the pads or a bit of sanding. The greens certainly stopped well. By low dust, I mean not making your wheels black after driving around the block like some seem to do. I knew someone would say hearing the wife coming home might be a good thing.

Rhys

[TFJ100]

Hi Rhys, I still owe you $50. Could you please text me your bank account details and I'll transfer to you.

Thanks
Torben

[shiny_car]

My recommendation is Ferodo DS2500. For the fronts, part number FCP1334H.
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL97/467659/18994705/363723656.jpg

I find these excellent as a 'fast street' pad. They offer (good) OE-style cold bite, very good pedal feel (no sponginess), and have never experienced fade when pushing hard (again, on the 'street' (eg: Great Ocean Road)).

One place you can buy from is EB Spares, UK: http://www.ebspares.co.uk/alfa_GT/Ferodo_2500_front_pads_for_330mm_discs/info.cfm

But shop around; ebay can be cheap.

Despite some people claiming they are noisy/squeally, I have not found this. What is important:
1. thoroughly clean the caliper before fitment: wipe away grime/dust build up, particularly the sliding surfaces
2. re-use the OE pad shims; these help function as anti-squeal shims (if missing, you can buy GiroDisc brand shims to suit off ebay; search for these: http://www.girodisc.com/Girodisc-Front-Pad-Shims-for-EVO-6789_p_5939.html)
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL97/467659/18994705/363723429.jpg
3. use copper slip grease on sliding surfaces: top/lower edges; also between back of pad and shim; retaining pin holes
4. bed them in properly! Refer to instruction leaflet, but a series of 8 to 10 high speed heavy braking runs in succession in a safe environment

Typically - for any pad really - grime, lack of copper grease, and inadequate bedding-in can result in squeal.

[oz3litre]

Thanks shiny.