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      05-04-2019, 06:50 PM   #1
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Carbotech Brake Pads

I couldn't handle the excessive amount of brake dust the stock pads create so I spent some time researching low dust alternatives. I settled on Carbotech's street pads. They've been out for awhile and the M5 crowd seem to recommend. them.

First off, this was the easiest brake job I've ever done. It took all of 15 minutes per side to do, and that included jacking the car up, removing the rims and cleaning the calipers.

The only thing that took a little extra time were the rear brake tension brackets. Getting them re-seated took a few minutes, but overall, it was really simple.

The whole job took me several hours though since I took the opportunity to clean the wheel wells and do a full detail of the rims (power wash, boar hair brush cleaning, wipe down), and then finished up with Adam's Polishes Spray wax.

One interesting find was that the inside of the wheel wells are stamped with M2 logos.

It rained after doing this so I haven't even had a chance to bed the pads. I did the brake job and then rolled the car back into the garage. It's supposed to be nice tomorrow so I'll take it out, bed in the pads, and drive them for a bit and then give my impressions.

Total cost was around $450.
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      05-04-2019, 06:51 PM   #2
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Here's some pics:
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      05-04-2019, 06:53 PM   #3
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      05-04-2019, 09:13 PM   #4
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Nice! Do they clang around like my pagids? Lol
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      05-05-2019, 02:38 AM   #5
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I'm interested in how they work out for you. I've heard mixed things about the 1521s. Especially interested in how the initial bite is and in the cold / rain.
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      05-05-2019, 11:36 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by twintiga View Post
Nice! Do they clang around like my pagids? Lol
Actually, I noticed on reverse the rears did rattle initially. I took off the rims and reseated the pads and it seemed to have fixed it. The pins needed to be removed and reinstalled. Luckily it's a quick fix.
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      05-05-2019, 11:42 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chris719 View Post
I'm interested in how they work out for you. I've heard mixed things about the 1521s. Especially interested in how the initial bite is and in the cold / rain.
I bedded them in this morning and after letting them sit and going for a ride, initial bite is actually quite good. They feel solid, but as I get more mile on them, I'm sure things will only improve.

The car is my summer, nice weather vehicle, so it won't be seeing much inclement weather.

I know that on my E46, the issue with my low-dust pads (Cool Carbon) during the winter is when the roads are salted and it snowing out, initial bite is non-existent to the point of being scary. It can take more than 2 seconds for the brakes to grab. In the rain, they are fine.
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      05-05-2019, 03:12 PM   #8
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XP what, 8,10,12? I use to run these in my old track car and have been considering them for the Competition.
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      05-05-2019, 03:18 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by _Ack_ View Post
I bedded them in this morning and after letting them sit and going for a ride, initial bite is actually quite good. They feel solid, but as I get more mile on them, I'm sure things will only improve.

The car is my summer, nice weather vehicle, so it won't be seeing much inclement weather.

I know that on my E46, the issue with my low-dust pads (Cool Carbon) during the winter is when the roads are salted and it snowing out, initial bite is non-existent to the point of being scary. It can take more than 2 seconds for the brakes to grab. In the rain, they are fine.
Sounds good! Yep, that effect is the exact thing I was getting at. I experienced that myself on a cold rainy day with Hawk HPS 5.0.
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      05-05-2019, 03:19 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BAN_M2C View Post
XP what, 8,10,12? I use to run these in my old track car and have been considering them for the Competition.
These are the 1521 (Bobcat).
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      05-05-2019, 03:20 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chris719 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by BAN_M2C View Post
XP what, 8,10,12? I use to run these in my old track car and have been considering them for the Competition.
These are the 1521 (Bobcat).
Thanks! Will look them up!
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      05-05-2019, 09:16 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by BAN_M2C View Post
XP what, 8,10,12? I use to run these in my old track car and have been considering them for the Competition.
LOL Ban we seem to have lots in common!

I ran Carbo 12's on my Evo X with DBA rotors. It was an outstanding setup.

I think 12's will be perfect on the M2C as well.

I'll make sure I shim them like before. it cuts down on the squeeling...
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      05-05-2019, 09:20 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SEAT TIME RULES View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by BAN_M2C View Post
XP what, 8,10,12? I use to run these in my old track car and have been considering them for the Competition.
LOL Ban we seem to have lots in common!

I ran Carbo 12's on my Evo X with DBA rotors. It was an outstanding setup.

I think 12's will be perfect on the M2C as well.

I'll make sure I shim them like before. it cuts down on the squeeling...
cheers for that!

I ran XP-8 on my del Sol but is was 2100 lbs so those were enough!

Glad to know they have pads for the 400mm setup
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      09-16-2021, 04:27 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by _Ack_ View Post
I couldn't handle the excessive amount of brake dust the stock pads create so I spent some time researching low dust alternatives. I settled on Carbotech's street pads. They've been out for awhile and the M5 crowd seem to recommend. them.

First off, this was the easiest brake job I've ever done. It took all of 15 minutes per side to do, and that included jacking the car up, removing the rims and cleaning the calipers.

The only thing that took a little extra time were the rear brake tension brackets. Getting them re-seated took a few minutes, but overall, it was really simple.

The whole job took me several hours though since I took the opportunity to clean the wheel wells and do a full detail of the rims (power wash, boar hair brush cleaning, wipe down), and then finished up with Adam's Polishes Spray wax.

One interesting find was that the inside of the wheel wells are stamped with M2 logos.

It rained after doing this so I haven't even had a chance to bed the pads. I did the brake job and then rolled the car back into the garage. It's supposed to be nice tomorrow so I'll take it out, bed in the pads, and drive them for a bit and then give my impressions.

Total cost was around $450.
Hi! - I am trying to install XP8 right now on my M2C. Front pads went seemless but I have some trouble with the rear ones.

Cant hammer in the pin - as it hits the pad "ear". I tried a bit force and started chipping off some material of the pad (by the ear). Did you have the same problem? Am I missing something?
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      09-16-2021, 09:27 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by beMtroubleYou View Post
Hi! - I am trying to install XP8 right now on my M2C. Front pads went seemless but I have some trouble with the rear ones.

Cant hammer in the pin - as it hits the pad "ear". I tried a bit force and started chipping off some material of the pad (by the ear). Did you have the same problem? Am I missing something?
You need to center the pad hole onto the pin.
you probably have the pad sitting too deep.
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      09-17-2021, 03:01 AM   #16
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You need to center the pad hole onto the pin.
you probably have the pad sitting too deep.
I am not sure I understand. The pistons are pushed as far into the caliper as they can be. So i have tons of space to move the pads towards the "front" sort of speak. Still the pin wont allign the pad into the caliper - at least not as easy and seamlessly as the fronts.
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      09-18-2021, 11:45 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by beMtroubleYou View Post
I am not sure I understand. The pistons are pushed as far into the caliper as they can be. So i have tons of space to move the pads towards the "front" sort of speak. Still the pin wont allign the pad into the caliper - at least not as easy and seamlessly as the fronts.
did you get it sorted?
They should fit by moving the pad side to side & in/out within the caliper.
There should be excess play due to Carbotech not having the backing plates that are on the OE pads.
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      09-24-2021, 12:18 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by inTgr8r View Post
did you get it sorted?
They should fit by moving the pad side to side & in/out within the caliper.
There should be excess play due to Carbotech not having the backing plates that are on the OE pads.
Havent tried yet. Weather is real shit (rain and wind). Will give it a go tomorrow!
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      09-24-2021, 03:19 PM   #19
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Havent tried yet. Weather is real shit (rain and wind). Will give it a go tomorrow!
I will be installing mine as well, but not for a couple of weeks.

One thing you can try is pull the OE pad off and put it back to back with the Carbo pad to see how the holes match up.
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      10-02-2021, 06:06 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by inTgr8r View Post
I will be installing mine as well, but not for a couple of weeks.

One thing you can try is pull the OE pad off and put it back to back with the Carbo pad to see how the holes match up.
Yeah I did that the first time. OEM pads fit like a glove, every time. While XP8 pad wont allign at the pin.
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      10-02-2021, 09:29 PM   #21
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Quote:
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Yeah I did that the first time. OEM pads fit like a glove, every time. While XP8 pad wont allign at the pin.
I have mine in the shop now...
I can check tomorrow if mine are like that too.
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      05-15-2022, 06:33 PM   #22
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Thinking about switching OEM pads to 1521's as I cannot stand washing my wheels weekly. Any recent updates on this product?
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