New brake pads are too big

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

I’ve had to take a file to the ears on a few brake jobs and never had them rust to the point of being an issue. I’m in northern Ohio so that’s a good test I believe. File em and paint the ears.

Getting them to fit right and not rattle is an art form I use brake grease as "prussian blue" to see where to file.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

Hmm. I never thought of painting them. I just file em, smear on some grease, and stick em in. Next time I will try hitting them with some paint.

Rust converter might be more durable?

 

[D1dad]

Actually, since I’ve switched to ebc brake pads and even a set of brembos on power stop calipers, that I was sure I’d have to file down. I’ve had no issues. I’ve been on the Ebc kick for tens of thousands of miles while brembo for only 1 brake job about 6 months ago. So my files have been rusting away.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

Actually, since I’ve switched to ebc brake pads and even a set of brembos on power stop calipers, that I was sure I’d have to file down. I’ve had no issues. I’ve been on the Ebc kick for tens of thousands of miles while brembo for only 1 brake job about 6 months ago. So my files have been rusting away.

EBC uses NRS backing plates which are very well treated.
Im not sure about EBC but NRS brakes are zinc plated and when they stamp them out they use good dies and clean them up so there is no burrs.
Lots of chinesium backing plates are stamped out on bad/worn dies and are not tumbled/cleaned up requiring work.

 

[KrisZ]

File them, it’s not an issue. Or pay premium for OEM and they will fit perfectly.

As for the rust on the filed areas? It should not be a problem if you have SS hardware. It can be a problem if the pad sits directly on the bracket with no hardware at all. But even then, it’s usually an issue if the vehicle is not used often.

 

[f355spider]

I’d use them with confidence in Japanese/Korean or American cars(that don’t use ATE calipers). Akebono is an OEM supplier to all the Japanese OEMs, has a JV with HL Mando in Korea and Ford/GM/Mopar uses them. I’ve had the same knocking problem using many aftermarket pads on a Toyota.

I’d stick to Pagid, Textar, Jurid or Mintex on a European car. Wagner seems to be repacking Ferodo pads for their European applications. And now, Mercedes and Volvo are using Indian-made Dan-Block pads for service parts. Subaru and Honda are using ATE calipers now - I see NBK stamped on the pads. Else, I’ve seen Jurid/Pagid/Galfer stamped on ATE pads on BMWs and Fords.

What is odd about Akebono for BMW applications, is this issue only cropped up about four years ago...no problems prior. My independent BMW service guy said it was never a problem before.

 

[burbguy82]

Clean the ways. Never hurts to grind the pad ears a bit.

 

[nthach]

I filed a bunch of cheap rockauto pads.
Good brand names like Akebono, hawk and OEM I never had a problem.
Often cheaper backing plates get stamped out and they dont tumble them to debur them.
NRS pads are galvanized to avoid this problem altogether and are well made.

I’ve had the reverse happen with Wagner and Raybestos pads - the pad ears or even the plate was smaller than OE, creating a clunk when the pads shift position. Japanese OE pads are beautiful.

Here’s a tale of two brake pads - different applications. OEM Toyota for a Lexus RX450h made by Akebono, these are the “warranty” pads. And an Carquest Gold pad for a LS430 from AAP, made by MAT Roulunds in India. The Japanese pad is nicer. But the Indian made Carquest(DBxxxxyy edge code for Dan-Block) isn’t the worst aftermarket pad I’ve seen. I’ve seen made in Mexico/USA Wagner pads with sloppier edges and rough finish.

 

[CBR.worm]

I've been using the StopTech Sport brake pads for a few years on three of our cars and the've been good. Akebono, EBC NDX blues, ProjectMu B-Force and NS, endless were all good before that. I ran some other pads that I had to file down the ears on for these same cars. I don't remember which pads they were, but they were obviously too tight. I've never bought cheap pads, they were always a well rated performance oriented brand/pad.

 

[D1dad]

I just threw a set of brand new ebc green stuff pads in the trash. To small, pad knock. The last set I got of black stuff were to wide, I filed them down to make them fit. I think I’m going to stick with advics from here on out. Not the same bite…but hardwares included to exact Japanese specs. Even if Nissan isn’t technically, Japanese anymore. Still Japanese engineering. Ebc is sending new pads, at their own convenience from Las Vegas. Rock auto delivered advics in 2 days. Ebc has really screwed the pooch lately, even though their rotors are top notch.