New Brake Pads Are Tight

[mech9T8]

I bought Brembo OEM replacement rotors and Hawk HPS pads.
The rears went on easy but I found that the fronts were a tight fit. So tight that I could barely rotate the rotor. I was told that they are indeed a tight fit but is this normal?

[93 325i]

My hawk HPS pads were tight as well. After a little bit of driving it becomes normal. Are yours making that burning pad smell at first? Mine did for about 2 days

[mech9T8]

I haven't taken the car out yet.
I'm going to break in the pads tonight.
Thanks for the reply

[mech9T8]

Bump!
Ok, I'm a little worried. I just took my car out for a spin to break in the new pads and rotors. First of all they seemed to be generating a lot of heat. After I parked the car I noticed the rims were quite warm to the touch. Also, as 93 325i mentioned, there is the burning pad smell (is this normal?). Lastly, it sounds as if the brakes are draging a little.
Please, someone give me some advice, I don't want to do any permanent damage.

[93 325i]

Dumb question, but your sure you pushed the piston all the way in before installing the pads?

Mine were just like what you said tho. They got real hot, there was a slight dragging issue (like if I was on a slight incline at a red light my car wouldnt roll back if I let off of the brake). Also when giving your car a bath when the hose got to the wheel wells the pads would emit some steam from how hot they were. I will assure you that the problems should stop after about 5 days. Just follow the break-in procedures and you should be ok. I was worried about rotor warping and what not as well, but mine turned out mint. Love the hawk hps pads now

[mech9T8]

I pushed them in as far as they would go.
I'm going to bring my car in on Monday to check it out.
I have to get some work done anyways.
Thanks for your help.

[nukeduster]

Originally posted by mech9T8@Jun 7 2005, 08:10 AM
I pushed them in as far as they would go.
I'm going to bring my car in on Monday to check it out.
I have to get some work done anyways.
Thanks for your help.

[snapback]351516[/snapback]

hawks and EBC's get hot. thats what agressive pads will net you. high coefficient of friction, more heat created.

my rims are always warm-hot when i finish driving around in even just city driving with my EBC green pads and brembo rotors. they were also a very tight fit when new, but have slacked up a bit since then.

[mech9T8]

Just an update.
My mechanic said everything looked fine...what a relief.
So I guess the tight fit was OK after all.

[93 325i]

Glad to hear it. Are they better now? How many miles you got on em now?

[mech9T8]

Not too many miles...I'd say less than 100.
But they are still hot after I drive around. I guess they need a bit more time.

[93 325i]

i'd say a good 350 miles and they will be mint