[///MPhatic]

Originally Posted by mikeyymonster

Thinking about switching OEM pads to 1521's as I cannot stand washing my wheels weekly. Any recent updates on this product?

I just purchased a set and will give my thoughts once they are installed. I'm coming from Akebono's, which I love.

[///MPhatic]

So I got my pads, and I'm a bit concerned for the lack of backing plates and weights. I think I'll call them today and ask about it.

[Kuervers]

Just peel the ones off your stock pads

[///MPhatic]

Originally Posted by Kuervers

Just peel the ones off your stock pads

That was my first thought, but CarboTech recommends against it, and they have made their backing plate thicker to compensate.

When I called them they said that the weights (for vibration), backing plate (for noise), and any lube were purely for noise issues, which the 1521 doesn't have. They said that noise from pads was 99% the material used, and that I didn't have to worry about it.

I asked about anti-seize, since BMW recommends none on the 2NH, and they said that they do recommend it (Permatex copper) on the sliding surfaces (top and bottom) and on the back plate as well as the pistons.

[Kuervers]

Interesting have had mine on for 4-5 track days.
Noisy on the street when they're not cold.
Looks like I only have another 2 or so left on front pads good to know about lubricant.
Can't beat there price point.
Can't remember how they fit in the caliper without backing plate.

[mikeyymonster]

Originally Posted by Kuervers

Interesting have had mine on for 4-5 track days.
Noisy on the street when they're not cold.
Looks like I only have another 2 or so left on front pads good to know about lubricant.
Can't beat there price point.
Can't remember how they fit in the caliper without backing plate.

You're using the 1521s?

[Kuervers]

Xp10

[CoffeeLife]

Originally Posted by Kuervers

Xp10

Nice I also ordered a set of XP10 front/rear for the track and 1521s for the street.

How do you like them? Im coming from Ferodo 3.12s / 1.11s for the track and 2500s for the street

[mikeyymonster]

Where is the best place to order these pads? From Carbotech directly?

[CoffeeLife]

Originally Posted by mikeyymonster

Where is the best place to order these pads? From Carbotech directly?

Thats what I did. I forgot which site I was going to initially order from, but had a question so I just gave them a call.

[Kuervers]

First track pads so don't have a reference. Definatly up to the task and wear well. Front caliper such a PITA to remove and have short drive to work so leave them on. Noisy once warmed up on street
Bimmerworld I where I got mine

[///MPhatic]

Originally Posted by mikeyymonster

Where is the best place to order these pads? From Carbotech directly?

Yes, call them direct, super nice to deal with, and Bimmerworld isn't any less expensive.

[chris719]

Any feedback on how they feel? I suppose they may have some clicking without the backing plates.

[mikeyymonster]

Just ordered a set from Carbotech directly, should get it in about a week.

[mikeyymonster]

I've had about a week to test the 1521's. I had a shop swap the brakes for me and they didn't transfer anything from the old pads or used any lubrication. Brake pedal feel is slightly reduced, but after a few days I don't really notice a difference. I did bed the pads the day of install and experienced horrendous squeal a few days after install, but that hasn't happened again. They do squeal a bit from time to time, but not as bad as oem pads. I'm still testing the brake dust, but here is a picture after 7 days of driving. I drive about 10 miles a day. Im not sure if the lower dust will allow you to last weeks without washing, but it probably saves a few days. I'll post again in 7 days since my only comparison is from oem pads after 14 days.

[chris719]

Did you do anything to the rotors before you swapped the pads in?

Your pic is interesting because the Carbotech dust is usually referred to as gray but there still appears to be some old OEM pad dust around with the cinnamon color. I used to think it was partially the rotor or rust but I sprayed the wheel with Sonax that turns purple in the presence of iron and the dust is almost completely non-ferrous. That makes sense because I believe BMW is now specifying NAO material to meet regulatory requirements. All new BMWs have this brown dust, used to be black on my Z4M.

[///MPhatic]

Originally Posted by mikeyymonster

I've had about a week to test the 1521's. I did bed the pads the day of install and experienced horrendous squeal a few days after install..

The instructions specifically state not to bed the pads in, and doing so will cause glazing. You may need to sand the surface of the rotors and pads to get the correct performance and brake feel. I would call CarboTech and ask them what they recommend in your situation.

Originally Posted by chris719

Your pic is interesting because the Carbotech dust is usually referred to as gray but there still appears to be some old OEM pad dust around with the cinnamon color. I used to think it was partially the rotor or rust but I sprayed the wheel with Sonax that turns purple in the presence of iron and the dust is almost completely non-ferrous. That makes sense because I believe BMW is now specifying NAO material to meet regulatory requirements. All new BMWs have this brown dust, used to be black on my Z4M.

The Akebono dust is more grey than the CarboTech dust for sure. My car isn't my daily, so I blow my brake dust off after every drive with a small blower, so I can't really speak to the exact color, but it's definitely more red than the Akebono pad, and more of it as well.

[mikeyymonster]

Originally Posted by ///MPhatic

The instructions specifically state not to bed the pads in, and doing so will cause glazing. You may need to sand the surface of the rotors and pads to get the correct performance and brake feel. I would call CarboTech and ask them what they recommend in your situation.

The Akebono dust is more grey than the CarboTech dust for sure. My car isn't my daily, so I blow my brake dust off after every drive with a small blower, so I can't really speak to the exact color, but it's definitely more red than the Akebono pad, and more of it as well.

Good to know, may explain why it squealed. Will have it checked out.

[PackPride85]

The squeaking is the pad to metal contact with the rotor. At that point it's scraped off any layer of bedded pad material which is not ideal, but expected for track pads as they need to heat up substantially to bed and grip correctly.

[mikeyymonster]

Originally Posted by chris719

Did you do anything to the rotors before you swapped the pads in?

Your pic is interesting because the Carbotech dust is usually referred to as gray but there still appears to be some old OEM pad dust around with the cinnamon color. I used to think it was partially the rotor or rust but I sprayed the wheel with Sonax that turns purple in the presence of iron and the dust is almost completely non-ferrous. That makes sense because I believe BMW is now specifying NAO material to meet regulatory requirements. All new BMWs have this brown dust, used to be black on my Z4M.

I didn't do anything other than pressure wash the wheels/rotors after the swap for the brake dust test.

[chris719]

Originally Posted by mikeyymonster

I didn't do anything other than pressure wash the wheels/rotors after the swap for the brake dust test.

Carbotech recommends you resurface the rotors if any other pad has been used, but I really don't know how important that is if you've been using the OEM pads that primarily rely on abrasive friction anyway. Given enough time, I would assume any old pad material would be worn away.

[///MPhatic]

Originally Posted by chris719

Carbotech recommends you resurface the rotors if any other pad has been used, but I really don't know how important that is if you've been using the OEM pads that primarily rely on abrasive friction anyway. Given enough time, I would assume any old pad material would be worn away.

I agree, I don't think it's a big deal from what I've read. I did, however, run a sanding pad over mine lightly and cleaned the surfaces with DX330 afterwards (they had stock pads before). I've had no issues with sound at all, brakes feel fine in the 77 miles I've driven them.