Hello and happy new year to all.


Yes, you read the subject correct. Apparently my Stoptech street performance rear pads are worn out after just 10K miles. The car is 2012 RWD non-sport. Here is the story:

• Aug 2014 (31K) - bought the car pre-owned, and decided to replace all 4 brakes with Stoptech street performance. This was done at a Honda dealer (which I visited a few times before). Also flushed the brake fluid at a Nissan dealer.
• Aug 2015 (37K) - took the car to a local track for one day. I pushed the car only about 80% and ran about 15-20 laps (2 miles each). There was no brake fade.
• Nov 2015 (40K) - DIY brake fluid flush with DOT4.
• Dec 2015 (41K) - warranty repair on clock at Infiniti dealer. After inspection, they said 10mm left at the front, and 7mm left at the rear. They recommend replacing rear pads at 6mm. Around the same time, the rear breaks started making high-pitch squeaking sound (not all the time).
• Jan 2016 (41K) - Just today my wife and I observed a low-pitch sound from the brakes (like a rubbing a rubber, quite subtle).

Guys, you must be thinking I drive like NASCAR all day. Well, the brakes on my previous 2003 Honda Accord lasted 70K miles before first replacement. I actually drive quite mild (well, subjective).


Need help - I know a lot of members have the Stoptech pads. Did you have the same problem? Replacing the rear pads at 10K miles is quite excessive. Obviously I need new pads soon, but please provide me your precious opinions. Now I am thinking of going back to OEM. By the way, I plan to do one track day per year.


Thanks so very much,
Michael

 

What kind of rotors are you running?

 

It sounds like you have a proportioning valve issue. The rears should never wear out prior to the fronts.

 

Did you have the stability control on during your track day?
If you did, that may explain some of the rapid wear. The rear brakes are used to control wheel spin and also to correct our car's path during oversteer/understeer.

Our cars don't have a "proportioning valve". The ABS / traction control module monitors wheel speed and will apply maximum braking at each wheel. This system automatically takes into account different loads. (like 4 people in car, trunk full, etc)

 

Were the pads bedded in as per Stoptechs site~
Stock Brake System Bed-in
Not doing a proper bed in may result in shortened pad life.

 

Thanks guys for your fast and precious feedback.


-- I am running stock rotors on all 4 brakes


-- On the track day, I did not turn off the traction control. I am a very beginner and the instructor told the group to keep it on. I did feel my rear tires struggle with traction at times (rapid corner and uneven pavement). The tail did slide a bit quite a few times.


-- I read a lot about the bedding in the brakes last year. Those stoptech provides instant improvement in braking and excellent initial bites (while no noise). I thought I was good and thus, didn't do it. That may not be a good idea.


>> Looking ahead, should I get a pair of new OEM vs. Stoptech vs. Hawks (many members have good experience) or something else? Should I replace the rotors as well? My goal is to (1) brakes last at least ~30K miles, (2) suitable for daily drive with 1 track per year, and (3) if possible, I love that initial bite.


Guys, I much appreciate your feedback. Have a great day!


Michael

 

Michael, not from Stoptech site but here's a FAQ on Hawks site~
Q: Why should I perform a break-in procedure on new brake pads?
A: Correct brake pad break-in (bedding) is important to assure optimal braking performance over the life of the pad. This procedure allows the rubbing surface of the brake pad to slowly be brought up to racing temperatures. Proper bedding creates a transfer layer film of friction material to be applied to the rotor surface. This allows the brake pad material to rub against itself rather than the bare rotor. This increases the stopping performance of the brake pad and can reduce pad and rotor wear.

Since you're not getting the best performance from those pads without a proper bed-in you will be having to apply your brakes harder & longer to get similar stopping power, this results in hotter pads, thus reducing life. Combined w/ the VDC it is more reasonable to expect increased pad wear. 10k miles sounds extreme & unreasonable but sounds like they weren't prepared properly when used for your heavy use track day.

Not sure what to say for your future brake plans, might just go with a do-over and get new pads, bed them in as per the above link I posted.
The Hawk 5.0 HPS pads get very good reviews but I don't believe they have a set for your G application, I know they do for the Big Akebonos, but not the base setup

My Stoptechs in back have about 30k miles and still have some meat on them, have Wilwood BBK in front so can't say how teh wear would have compared F to R. I did bed them in well and they have performed well FWIW.

 

What kind of tires?

What kind of condition/mileage are on the rotors?

 

wrong my rears wear faster on my car.. I asked them about it a the dealer they said its normal

 

theres definitely no proportioning valve on the g's. and the rear pads on my car went out prior to the fronts. i've owned a nissan maxima and a honda accord and i have noticed the rear disc pads also wore out before the front brake pads on those vehicles as well. i think the reason why the rear disc pads wear faster is the manufacturers are trying to reduce front noise dive as much as possible during moderate to harsh braking, so rear brake caliper pressures have to be bumped up. since rear pads are also smaller in surface area and thinner than the fronts they ultimately wear faster.

 

Guys, all of you are so helpful and your advice is much appreciated.


@ Blnewt - Looks like I just learned my bedding lesson the hard way. I am very jealous of your Willwood BBK, and am sure those are monsters at the track. Like you said, 10K miles is quite excessive under any circumstance. I can't afford a new pads every year so I am still on the fence between OEM vs. another Stoptech. Simply put, the Stoptech initial bite is amazing.


@ Lego Maniac - These are stock 19 inch tires from coupe. I can't recall the brand. I bought new tires with the brakes in Aug 2014. So, both brakes and tires have about 10K or so miles. Rotors are original at about 41K miles. I bought the car at 31K, but assume the rotors are still OK. There is no vibration during braking.


@ chuckie311 and crookncastle - While researching for new brakes a year ago, I also found a lot of discussion about rear pads wearing out faster than front. I guess this is normal with newer cars. But man, gone in 10K miles is certainly something new to me.


Thanks again, guys.


Best,
Michael