re:(E30) Brakes

[Bob Van Epps <bvanepps@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

 >snip.....
Subject: E30 Brakes

I went to my first driving school last weekend at Gingerman.  During the
first
Sunday session, I lost my brakes going into turn 3. ...

It turns out that I completely burned off my left rear pads.  Since all
pads
front and rear were 3 months old, my instructor felt that there must be
something wrong with my rear brake calipers.  However, the car handled
just
fine.  Interestingly enough the right rear pads had enough compound to
keep
the brake lining sensor from going off.  So let this be a lesson to all
first
time students---check your pads after every session, don't depend on
your
sensors.

Apparently uneven brake wear is the norm under track conditions and
different tracks wear the brakes differently.  So the fact that one side
was
worn more dramatically than the other was not surprising to my
instructor.

Uneven wear is NOT normal.  It is a sign of a stuck piston or slider at
the caliper.

My conclusion and my mechanics conclusion is that Textar pads are
inappropriate for track use.  I probably melted them. The front pads are

Performance Friction pads and they performed admirably. My mechanic did
point
out that my calipers are probably 10 years old and I may want to
consider
rebuilding them before next season.

So now I have several questions.

1.  Are stock E30 calipers sturdy enough for the occasional driving
school?
        (I plan to do about 2-4 per year)


For right now , yes after the calipers are rebuilt.

2.  If so, should I try rebuilding these myself or should I purchase
rebuilt
calipers?

Very easy do it yourself job.

3.  Since Performance Friction does not make rear pads for my car
(yet?),
what would be a complimentary rear pad?

Call Carbotech Engineering, they make a special pad for E30s and E28s
using Hawk Blue compound.  There is no provision for a wear sensor.
954-493-9669.

4.  What brake improvements can I make that will still allow the stock
14" rim?
5.  What improvements are available if I move to a 15" or 16" rim?


Call Ernie Bello at 561-686-9541 as he has low cost upgrade kits
available.

Bob.

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