Powerstop Z23 Pads On 1LE - Concerns

DorkMissile · 10-02-2018, 09:39 PM

So I put on Z23 PowerStop pads on my 1LE when I had 600 miles on the car to deal with the dust

Where I am at now is about 2800 miles. Rotors were like new, you could see anything on them so I just rinsed the rotors with brake cleaner, put on the new pads and applied a little grease where the pads met the pins.

I have never been real impressed with the pads. They are not horrible, but still require maybe 15% more pressure to get sort of good brake feel.

The issue I am starting to see now are some rings around the rotors where in the middle of the pads. There are rings on both rotors, but vary in pattern from each side. The rings are not grooved, however look “burnished” to me vs the rest of the rotor.

Maybe I am freaking out, but at $600 a rotor I want to ace sure I am not developing a issue

Thoughts?

PolynesianPowerhouse · 10-03-2018, 06:51 AM

Looks like normal wear as far as rotors go. Did you do a burn in session? Like a full break in session? Seasoning the rotors and bedding the pads?

Also with the 1LE brakes $600 to cover close to the pair. When I bought the rotors they were only about $330 piece. I mean that's still expensive, but just so you know freak out over the price you can find them for far less online

ZZP_Tyler · 10-03-2018, 08:29 AM

Looks like normal wear to me. Ditto to the guy above me, did you make sure to fully bed in the new brakes?

It still baffles me how many people take off their OEM pads (some of the best performing pads out there) for less brake dust on a performance car.

Alpha1BC · 10-03-2018, 08:46 AM

I'm also on the looks OK train, and ditto about the burn in. If you've done one already, might not be a bad idea to go back and do it again just to be sure it was done properly.

Also, for the pedal feel, if you decide to go Powerstop again it might be worthwhile to take a look at the Z26 instead of the Z23. From what I've seen, they're essentially the same pads except for the backing plate. Z23 is rubberized while Z26 is stainless. The trade-offs are that rubberized will be quieter but will sacrifice pedal feel vs. the stainless. I've not driven either so I'm speaking strictly from the armchair, but the Z26 seems to be liked around the forum as a low-dust street use alternative to OEM.

10-02-2018, 09:39 PM	#1
DorkMissile Drives: DZ Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Alaska Posts: 612	Powerstop Z23 Pads On 1LE - Concerns So I put on Z23 PowerStop pads on my 1LE when I had 600 miles on the car to deal with the dust Where I am at now is about 2800 miles. Rotors were like new, you could see anything on them so I just rinsed the rotors with brake cleaner, put on the new pads and applied a little grease where the pads met the pins. I have never been real impressed with the pads. They are not horrible, but still require maybe 15% more pressure to get sort of good brake feel. The issue I am starting to see now are some rings around the rotors where in the middle of the pads. There are rings on both rotors, but vary in pattern from each side. The rings are not grooved, however look “burnished” to me vs the rest of the rotor. Maybe I am freaking out, but at $600 a rotor I want to ace sure I am not developing a issue Thoughts?

10-03-2018, 06:51 AM	#2
PolynesianPowerhouse Big Samoan ina little car Drives: 2016 camaro Join Date: May 2014 Location: Tofiga Island Posts: 1,872	Looks like normal wear as far as rotors go. Did you do a burn in session? Like a full break in session? Seasoning the rotors and bedding the pads? Also with the 1LE brakes $600 to cover close to the pair. When I bought the rotors they were only about $330 piece. I mean that's still expensive, but just so you know freak out over the price you can find them for far less online __________________ Don't sit around and watch everyone else live YOUR dreams...DO SUMPT'N When I see posts asking "whats the best intake, exhaust, etc" .... the answer to that is like a grandfather telling his grandkids "if you put salt on a birds tail, it'll let you catch it" #ThinkAboutIt "Winning Tip: Don't take my (or anyone else's) word for it. GO TEST IT!" - Dennis Grant

10-03-2018, 08:46 AM	#4
Alpha1BC Drives: 2017 1SS 1LE Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 1,000	I'm also on the looks OK train, and ditto about the burn in. If you've done one already, might not be a bad idea to go back and do it again just to be sure it was done properly. Also, for the pedal feel, if you decide to go Powerstop again it might be worthwhile to take a look at the Z26 instead of the Z23. From what I've seen, they're essentially the same pads except for the backing plate. Z23 is rubberized while Z26 is stainless. The trade-offs are that rubberized will be quieter but will sacrifice pedal feel vs. the stainless. I've not driven either so I'm speaking strictly from the armchair, but the Z26 seems to be liked around the forum as a low-dust street use alternative to OEM. __________________ 2017 SS 1LE.

10-03-2018, 08:29 AM	#3
ZZP_Tyler Drives: 2017 Camaro 2.0T RS Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 95	Looks like normal wear to me. Ditto to the guy above me, did you make sure to fully bed in the new brakes? It still baffles me how many people take off their OEM pads (some of the best performing pads out there) for less brake dust on a performance car.

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