PFC 08 pad failure

[dazedone]

I bought a set of PFC 08 brake pads to use in my stock calipers for track days.

These pads had a total of 1.5 track days on them, and I am a beginner so I am not that hard on brakes. I removed the PFC 08's at the track to swap back in my OEM pads and found that the spring clip had detached. When I went to do the other front pad, I noticed the spring clip had also become detached and when I removed it from the caliper, the pad separated from the backing plate.

PFC has a good reputation, but I am worried they are having quality control issues. Is it safe to assume I should get a new set under warranty?

Apparently, I'm not the only one that has had this issue:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=913823

[mlhj83]

I've had corroded PFC 08 replaced under warranty. Yours should definitely be replaced under warranty. They clearly have a manufacturing defect that could have resulted in an incident given pad separation.

[M3PO]

Track noobs are harder on the brakes. Once you get faster, you brake less.


Good luck on getting PFC to replace them, that should not happen.

[kaleb]

Not inspiring confidence given I just installed the same pad type to run next weekend.

[downtowncb]

That's disappointing to see, I've got a track day at Buttonwillow next month and I was planning on getting a set of these before then...

[M3ANMACHINE]

It's really not a very big deal in reality. Most "race pads" don't even come with a spring clip.

However, since these aren't a race pad, they should stay attached, and you should get a new set under warranty.

To all you others worrying about your pads, don't.

[larryn]

Originally Posted by M3ANMACHINE

It's really not a very big deal in reality. Most "race pads" don't even come with a spring clip.

However, since these aren't a race pad, they should stay attached, and you should get a new set under warranty.

To all you others worrying about your pads, don't.

Well, if when the rivets fail, the pad material separates from the backing plate, then there is a potentially "big deal".

[TXmtrhed]

Originally Posted by larryn

Well, if when the rivets fail, the pad material separates from the backing plate, then there is a potentially "big deal".

With the PFC pads the rivet only holds the spring clip; the pad material is bonded to the backing plate. Very common practice. The pad seperation is a known problem with the 08 pads, probably a manufacturing defect for a certain number of pads. PFC should take care of it - they replaced a set for me last year and I still like and use their products.

As to being a "big deal" I can only say that it wasn't in my case. The pad was fully contained within the caliper and functioned normally and showed no uneven wear - I was at COTA. I didn't know I had a problem until after I drove home and changed out the pads a few days later.

[s85e90]

In theory, yes it seems like an issue but being that the pad is compressed by the pistons there's very little chance of something bad happening. (you wont shoot a pad out of the caliper).

[dazedone]

Originally Posted by s85e90

In theory, yes it seems like an issue but being that the pad is compressed by the pistons there's very little chance of something bad happening. (you wont shoot a pad out of the caliper).

That was my assessment initially, but there was a BBK manufacturer at the track that day doing some testing and they made it seem like a bigger deal.

My thoughts are that since the pad was so new and thick, that it would be hard for the pad material to drop out while driving. Even when I pushed back the pistons to remove the pad, I did not even notice the problem until and I held the pad backing plate up after removal and the pad material dropped to the ground. Also, those 4 dots also helped hold the pad material in place.

PFC has asked for photos and some details how the pads were used for purposes of failure analysis, but bottom line is that they are going to replace them for me.

[dparm]

Any sort of problem with brakes IS a big deal. I don't know why people would say it isn't.

OP: contact PFC immediately about that.

[M3ANMACHINE]

Originally Posted by larryn

Well, if when the rivets fail, the pad material separates from the backing plate, then there is a potentially "big deal".

I see. Didn't notice that the pad material separated from the backing on my first look at the photos on my phone... That's definitely a defect

[dazedone]

Originally Posted by dparm

Any sort of problem with brakes IS a big deal. I don't know why people would say it isn't.

OP: contact PFC immediately about that.

PFC has been contacted and the pads will be replaced.

[Kurt_OH]

Yikes!

I have PF01 pads for track days. They didn't come with spring clips. Noisy! But they work great. Doing HPDE sharing car with wife so it does double duty and the brakes are fine.

[MasterP]

I hated those spring clips! Sometimes those things were so damn stubborn. Track pads - who cares if they make noise! not like the potential ticking is worse than the loud wailing screech.

[M3PO]

The pads don't need the spring clips. My Project Mu Club racers don't have any. The pad material DOES need to stay bonded to the backing. It coming loose can cause a wheel lock up when it jams in the caliper.