Chamfering Brake Pads

rainady · Mar 31, 2009

Just bought some replacement disks and pads for my 04 TD4. The pads are by Mintex which I think are a decent brand. Discs are drilled and slotted, they look quite sexy (if a brake disk could ever be considered 'sexy')

But looking at the pads, they are not chamfered on the leading edge of the pad. I seem to remember reading somewhere on here that the pads run quieter if they are chamfered.

Could anybody tell me if its worth spending the time, and if it is, roughly how big do I chamfer them, and what sort of angle?

Thanks guys

caravan doctor · Mar 31, 2009

Ive just fitted new discs and pads and noticed exactly what your saying, in the haynes manwell it shows chamfered pads, and my new mintex ones were square edged same as any other brake pad, after making a few calls found that it makes no odds what so ever, and theyve been in now about 2 months about a 1500 mile and no problems at all!!, I got told once you chamfer them if your fitting new pads to old discs

andyb66 · Apr 1, 2009

caravan doctor said:
I got told once you chamfer them if your fitting new pads to old discs

This is true. This is so that the pad runs on the smooth worn part of the disc not the raised rusty edge.

Correct use of copper ease has more of an effect on brake squeal than chamfering the edge, altho' a 'light tickle' can do no harm.

rainady · Apr 1, 2009

Thanks guys,

A tub (or tube) of copperslip will be the order of the day. I assume putting new pads on new discs will not be an issue.

I have done many disc pad changes over my time but just wondering if there is anything 'special' about the setup on the freelander. I assume since the car was designed a LONG time ago, there is nothing unusual.

mad mechanic · Apr 1, 2009

i personally dont use copper slip...they dont come on a new car, if you clean the caliper carrier and pad slides properly you wont need it..also the copper grease attracts crap n crud..which can be counter productive..although i do tend to chamfer the pad edges on most pads i fit..an i fit bloody loads of em a week..lol

caravan doctor · Apr 1, 2009

dont use any copper grease

, ok mate, new ones might not come with it, but i wouldnt let ya any where near my car, true copper slip mite attract grease, but you aint gotta dollop the stuff on:doh:, its just a question of professionalism i spose

andyb66 · Apr 1, 2009

In my experience I have found that opinion is divided regarding copper ease useage with regard to brake pad fitting.

However, I have to say I was taught by a guy with 20 years as a motor mechanic....and I don't just mean 'a fitter' either

.......and he always used copper ease. To further clarify, I use the stuff that comes in spray cans with a straw type nozzle (like WD40) that allows you to direct the spray very accurately.

I also use a small shot blaster to clean off the pad carries on calipers that are of the piston part and slider part variety......like most cars and the FL if memory serves.

Also open the bleed nipple on the caliper when pushing the piston back in. This is much better then forcing fluid back up the pipes and will also remove the oldest brake fluid from the system. This is also the fluid that is most likely to have been exposed to water and hence moisture ingress.

mad mechanic · Apr 1, 2009

nope been in the trade for over 20 years and never used it and also never had any comebacks copper slip is primarily used to compensate for ****ty material on brake pads of lesser quality to stop brake squeal..nothing more nothing less..yeah sure it aids the pads from seizing in the caliper..but as i said before if ya prepare the caliper properly before fitting new pads then you need bugger all copper jollop..... and as for calling my professionalism into question you have no idea who or what i am....i do this **** for a living and have no need to convince anyone on here how good or bad i am..my returning customers do that for me..
andy

andyb66 · Apr 1, 2009

mad mechanic said:
nope been in the trade for over 20 years and never used it and also never had any comebacks copper slip is primarily used to compensate for ****ty material on brake pads of lesser quality to stop brake squeal..nothing more nothing less..yeah sure it aids the pads from seizing in the caliper..but as i said before if ya prepare the caliper properly before fitting new pads then you need bugger all copper jollop

Hold on a moment there fella.

I did say opinion was divided and I am happy to agree that what you find works for you is as good as what I find works for me.

..... and as for calling my professionalism into question you have no idea who or what i am....i do this **** for a living and have no need to convince anyone on here how good or bad i am..my returning customers do that for me..

I certainly don't remember calling your professionalism into question. Perhaps you can show me where I did that.

mad mechanic · Apr 1, 2009

lmao..sorry matey, i was replyin to caravan bloke..was typin mine at same time as yours..tried to use quote but being a grease monkey i dont use puters much..lol

andyb66 · Apr 1, 2009

Cool thats ok. (extends virtual handshake

)

....oh and click the quote button bottom right. I admit I use 'quick reply' a lot as it's easier.

mad mechanic · Apr 1, 2009

:5bhurray::5bhurray: sorry bout that matey..:doh:

ianda12 · Apr 1, 2009

I may be an old git, but a loooong time ago, new disc pads came with 'anti squeal shims' and a small tube of grease. You put the grease on the shims and put them behind the pads. As they don't supply them any more it probably doesn't matter if you use grease or not. Just personal preferance.

rainady · Apr 2, 2009

Well thanks everybody for your opinions and suggestions.

It was a good tip to release the bleed nipple to ease pushing the pistons back. I had never thought of that. Always hated forcing the pistons back against the flow and having to mop up all the brake fluid because the pistons have been pushed back.

Since the car has done 48,000 miles, in line with servicing schedules, I was also going to flush new fluid through the whole system. Pushing the pistons back through the bleed nipple will also, as as said above, get rid of some of the older fluid.

Any suggestions on how big a chamfer, assuming I bother at all (cant remember if I still have a good sharp b'stard file)?

Phillip22 · Apr 10, 2009

Hi there,
I'm newbie here. I have been through your questions and the suggestions. It is great that i've been getting a lot of info. thanks for all the posts. Hope u guys would continue doing this.

Chamfering Brake Pads

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