18 replies to this topic

[RobSpec]

I have seen racers using the stock brake clips and springs when installing new pads. I have also seen them not using any of them. What is the consensus? Should I just throw pads in and forget about the clips that help center them and springs that help them release?
If I should be using them where can I get them? I don't see them on the MazdaSpeed site...only a whole set of stock pads.
Thanks Rob

[tony senese]

I don't use them, and it has never been a problem for me, of course my goal on the track is to never use my brakes at all......

[dmathias]

My theory is an engineer spent a good deal of time designing them, so they must be there for a reason. It appears to me that the 'clips' are actually the surface that the pads 'ride' on, and maintain proper clearance and a smoother surface than the cast iron bracket. What would be the argument for not using them? I'm pretty sure Mazda can supply new kits, probably AutoZone can too.

But, I could be wrong.

Are you really a rocket scientist? Can I drive one around the block someday?

[RobSpec]

Yep,
Really a rocket scientist. Working at Cape Canaveral launching rockets. Kind of difficult to drive around the block .......they are mostly one way trips.

[5X Racing]

We don't use them, never saw a difference either way, with them or without them. My theory is that without them, the pads are not pinched in there so tight, offering better release. I don't think the springs do too much being as small as they are.

I agree an engineer probably spent a great deal of time designing those, but in my opinion they were designed to eliminate the "slapping" noise of the pad edges on the bracket when the brakes are applied for daily driving comfort and quietness. Something that makes great sense for a daily driven street car, but doesn't matter for a race car.

The only thing I would think about is, if you run your brake pads to the backing plates like me (carbotechs work so well I don't even realize) make sure they don't get wedged between the rotor and bracket without the clips installed. Never happened to me, but I have heard of it happening. I guess carbotechs have a thick backing plate.

This is an opinionated question, always use your best judgement from everyones opinions though!

[davew]

All the little clips are called "anti-rattle clips". That is what they are designed for. I am sure by some over paid engineer.

Couple things

I do not use them except for at Road America

Cobalt brand brake pads are designed, by an engineer named Andy, with wider tabs, so the clips are not usable at all.

Some brakes have a lot of paint on the backing plates. If you run the clips, you need to remove the paint to prevent binding.

The only time I use anti rattle clips is at Road America. The rumble strips at track out are VIOLENT. The pads will rattle around so hard that they actually crack and break off some of the friction material. I have never seen this at any other track, but I don't think any other track has this type of rumble strip.

dave

[Mtaylor]

Put in new carbotechs last night with new rotors etc, and left out the rear clips, the pads make a lot of noise when you hit bumps, like you have , not kidding junk in the trunk, but the only concern I have is with the amount of movement, can the pads /rotors get uneven wear?

[Mtaylor]

orignal post, the parts are available form rosental mazda on line , i think they go by the name of finish line performance, 8 buck or so for a full set if I remember correctly.

[Bruce Wilson]

Threw them away for years, then decided they (clips) might facilitate less binding and/or drag. I try to groom the pad ears to make sure they are all sliding along nicely. Does it help? not sure, but I'm pretty sure it doesn't hurt. I use CarbotTech pads.

-bw

[pitbull113]

Silly question are we talking about front brakes,rear brakes or both because there is alot of play in the rear pads without the clips. Hawk Blues and Carbotech seem to have the same dimensions.

[RobSpec]

In my original post I was curious about both front and rear clips and springs.
It seems that most of the more experienced racers run without any clips or springs front or rear.
In my install of new pads and SS lines I removed all clips and springs. Since I am still building this car I will not be able to give feedback until May at Daytona.
Thanks for all the replies.
Rob

[pitbull113]

Thanks for the response Rob. Can't wait for Daytona!!

[Mike Collins]

Throw them in the trash. All of them.

[SaulSpeedwell]

All the little clips are called "anti-rattle clips". That is what they are designed for. I am sure by some over paid engineer.

Overpaid beancounters (you know, the people that caused the global financial meltdown?) never let comparatively underpaid engineers design anything that the engineer didn't go through countless painful meetings to justify

Having read John Phillips' Car and Driver article on the Chevy Cruze, he needs a version of this sermon - it isn't that America CAN'T ENGINEER a competitive small car - America just can't do it with $4000 less MATERIAL to put into the car because that $4000 is being spent on pay and benefits for workers, managers, and 40+ years of retirees that the imported competition doesn't have the burden of.

A $12,000 car beats a $9,000 car every time.

I run the clips, but then again I do lots of things that go against "the consensus"

[Alberto]

I don't use the anti rattle clips. I DO use the springs that help keep the pads spread. I have noticed a significant amount of extra brake dust on the suspension components on one corner where I didn't use the springs which tells me that there is some brake pad drag when not using the springs.

This was on my newly built car where everything was clean before running.

[dmathias]

All the NE Ohio golf courses must be under water.

[Steve D]

... because that $4000 is being spent on pay and benefits ...

A $12,000 car beats a $9,000 car every time.

$12,000 - $4,000 = $8,000. Wait! Was that a trick question?

Engineers!

[SaulSpeedwell]

$12,000 - $4,000 = $8,000. Wait! Was that a trick question?

Engineers!

If you can't understand that material, total cost, and price can be three different things, then I don't want you representing me in a real estate transaction!

Southerners!

[iambhooper]

Yep,
Really a rocket scientist. Working at Cape Canaveral launching rockets. Kind of difficult to drive around the block .......they are mostly one way trips.

Do you know Jay Griffen? He work's at NASA and race's a Prod car and an ITB CRX. Great guy!