Originally Posted by Aero Blue
It seems that these Rotex gold's are the way to go, are they carbon/ceramic? It seems that German cars have very aggressive pads, guess it just goes with the territory. While I've got your ears though, if one were to drive pretty normal, how long should these stock pads last?
the rotex pads are made of a "ceramic" compound.
your stock front pads should last about 30k or so (depending upon your driving habits).
aftermarket pads will last longer...b/c they are made of a harder compound...hence less dust.
this is the best $70 or so you could spend on your crossfire.
cheers!
ROTEX BRAKE PAD INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS: (diy)
Tools Required:
flathead screw driver
needle nose pliers
3/8 ratchet w/ extension
7 mm allen wrench
7 mm allen socket
17 mm socket w/ extension (for easy of removing lug bolts)
floor jack
torque wrench
Steps to follow:
1.) Use a floor jack and tools to loose lug nuts. (suggestion: use electrical tape around exterior lug wrench bore for added protection from scratches to your rims)
2.) Use a floor jack to lift vehicle so the tire is 2" off the ground.
3.) Remove loosened lug nuts with 17 mm socket and extension. (use electrical tape on this socket as well)
3.) Use flat screw driver to push piston clip to compress position. Place screw driver in the back side of caliper between rotor and inboard pad. Twist screw driver against pad and rotor to move piston.
4.) Remove front caliper clip with screw driver or pliers.
5.) Remove sensors gently by pulling on sensor to unplug.
6.) Remove black plastic caps on backside of caliper.
7.) Use 7 mm allen socket and/or 7 mm allen wrench to remove both long allen bolts.
8.) Remove caliper from rotor (do not allow caliper to hang by brake lines). Set caliper on top of rotor, securely.
9.) Remove factory brake pads. Install inbound "Rotex" pad into caliper (no clip is used for piston). Install outboard pad onto rotor bracket housing.
10.) Side caliper over rotor. Secure caliper by inserting caliper allen bolts into the rear of caliper. Make sure bolts are in place correctly. Then tighten 7 mm allen bolts firmly. (*Note: Caliper will seem semi-loose, but this is normal).
11.) Reinstall sensor wire.
12.) Reinstall plastic caps on backside of caliper.
13.) Reinstall front caliper clip.
14.) Reinstall wheel and tire. Hand tighten lug nuts with 17mm socket. The tighten securely with lug wrench. Lower vehicle with floor jack and retighten lug nuts when vehicle is on the pavement. Torque lugs to 81 ft lbs.
15.) Start car and apply brake pedal repeatedly until pressure has built up. Drive as normal.