New brake pad chipped out of box

[nitrous9200]

I ordered a set of Akebono pads from Amazon, which came a few days ago. I didn't open the box until today, and saw that one of the pads had a pretty decent chunk taken out of it - the broken piece is in the box.

Is it worth returning these for new ones or will they work OK? The chip is about 1cm wide and less than 2mm deep. Also, the others are in fine shape, as I would expect a new product to be.

 

[jlee]

I'm sure they would "work" but I would return them. Amazon is fantastic with returns.

 

[Vic Vega]

They'll work but I would return them.

 

[Jimzz]

If you can wait return, if not just sand the rough edges a little and install.

 

[nitrous9200]

I submitted the exchange today, and a new set should be here in two days. Prime rules!

In the meantime, I still haven't decided on new rotors. I've had a hell of a time trying to decide between the various brands, but now I'm thinking that perhaps they don't need to be changed. Here's a picture of one side if it helps:

Is it OK to install new pads on old rotors, and then change the rotors later on? I ask because I wonder if this would affect the bedding process at all (I have never replaced brake components so this is all new to me).

 

[jlee]

If they're not grooved and there was no pulsing while braking, I'd just run new pads and replace the rotors the next time around.

 

[phucheneh]

I'm gonna wager those are pulsating...I can see pad imprints.

You need a mic to properly judge thickness. Especially with a rotor designed like that- a lathe can be wound in to cut past the inner edge, leaving no signs that the rotor used to be a lot thicker.

 

[jlee]

Depending what new rotors cost, it may be worth spending the ~$15/ea to get them turned.

 

[nitrous9200]

A set of cheapo rotors cost ~$80 whereas the more expensive ones (various brands that aren't made in China) range from $100-$150.

With the car's sketchy maintenance history, I'm thinking I'd replace them just to have the peace of mind that they were done. I don't want to spend a fortune but I'm not on a tight budget either, and one of the reasons I bought this car was to develop some wrenching skills - so having another job to do would be fine with me. I also don't mind spending the money to avoid Chinese made stuff.

 

[Jimzz]

^

What rotors are not made in china now? Even raybestos high end ones are made in china.

Also whats the year, make, and model. Looks like a European car from the hub. Brake pads and caliper is similar to the Saab I just did work on, let alone no studs.

 

[nitrous9200]

^

What rotors are not made in china now? Even raybestos high end ones are made in china.

Also whats the year, make, and model. Looks like a European car from the hub. Brake pads and caliper is similar to the Saab I just did work on, let alone no studs.

Pilenga and Zimmerman are two that claim to be made in Europe. Anyway, I shouldn't have said chinese made, but rather that I'd pay extra to avoid the no-name brands.

As for the make/model, you're spot on - it's a 2003 Saab 9-5. Suggestions on the saab forums vary widely, but a lot of people have suggested R1 Concepts rotors, which look quite nice and are reasonably priced.

 

[Jimzz]

Pilenga and Zimmerman are two that claim to be made in Europe. Anyway, I shouldn't have said chinese made, but rather that I'd pay extra to avoid the no-name brands.

As for the make/model, you're spot on - it's a 2003 Saab 9-5. Suggestions on the saab forums vary widely, but a lot of people have suggested R1 Concepts rotors, which look quite nice and are reasonably priced.

Must be a boutique brand as I have not heard of those 2.

I am using the raybestos advanced for my 73 Chevy. I used the same ones on my Titan that was known to have brake issues.
The centric High Carbon rotors are also good.


And I hope you have the 4cyl, not the V6. Damm timing belt has to be done every 30k on the V6 dues to the idler/pulley problems.

 

[foghorn67]

IIRC, EBC brake rotors are not made in China.

 

[tracerbullet]

I've never had a problem with Brembo rotors, nor has anyone I've recommended them to.

You might hit up a Saab forum and take a look around, see if there's a brand people tend to buy. If there is, there may be a good reason for it. A forum like that may also have some vendors w/ good prices.

 

[nitrous9200]

Must be a boutique brand as I have not heard of those 2.

I am using the raybestos advanced for my 73 Chevy. I used the same ones on my Titan that was known to have brake issues.
The centric High Carbon rotors are also good.


And I hope you have the 4cyl, not the V6. Damm timing belt has to be done every 30k on the V6 dues to the idler/pulley problems.

I believe they are OE for certain German cars; whatever they are, they're quite expensive. I was considering them but not anymore. Thankfully, I have a 4cyl but haven't pulled the pan yet to check for sludge. Can't win either way, it seems...

I've never had a problem with Brembo rotors, nor has anyone I've recommended them to.

You might hit up a Saab forum and take a look around, see if there's a brand people tend to buy. If there is, there may be a good reason for it. A forum like that may also have some vendors w/ good prices.

I would have gone for Brembos as it's one of the few brake brands I've actually heard of, but unfortunately they do not make rear vented rotors for this car. I have searched forums for suggestions and it's about as bad as asking what oil to use! Nevertheless, I've read enough good things about R1concepts on a number of different manufacturer-specific forums that I'm about to pull the trigger on a pair - I figure I can't go wrong that way.

 

[Jimzz]

IIRC, EBC brake rotors are not made in China.

Not true for all of them...

http://ebcbrakes.com/product/premium-oe-rotors
"and some from China"