When ever you change to a different pad material... ,remember the old pad material has already been layed out in a nice thin layer on the rotors so thats its a perfect match to the material thats on the old pads... Its called beding in your rotors to the pads thur heat cycling... So if your going to switch to a different type of pad material..ie to ceramic from OEM semi metallic, you really should prep your existing old rotors.. Clean them of all the old pad material, Then redo the beding in procedure with your new ceramic pads .. A caveat would be if you’re replacing the rotors at the same time your changing to a new pad type , then all that’s recommended is the beding in procedure on your new setup...

 

theres a special type of sandpaper for this cleaning. i forgot the name.
also, my last akebono clips were also thinner, but i thought a different material. seemed thinner but springier. hard to remember.
i have more on the way next week ill pay closer attention

 

I have been running Powerstop brakes and rotors in 2 jeeps and a corvette. I have been very happy with the performance and the longevity. By the way the price is tough to beat. https://www.powerstop.com/product/po...t%20%26%20Rear

 

Do you happen to have a link to this info? I can't seem to find a price anywhere near that for all pads and rotors (unless you were just referring to changing either the fronts or the rears) Thanks.

 

sorry for the confusion. in an earlier post i referenced changing my rear pads/rotors. I only did the rears

 

Just did some Akebono's yesterday, and compared the clips. They were a little thinner and came off easier (partly because new). The thinner could be a plus, and especially better if they are more springy or even a different material. The inspection procedure is to make sure they are not too stiff.

 

The bedding increases performance instead of waiting for the layer to deposit.
The Akebono's claim no need for this procedure on their pads. I've skipped bedding when using them with new rotors and have had no issues.

Ive never just changed pads without new rotors or at least turning them. If I was just changing pads and not turning, cleaning (not just spray cleaner, this means slight resurface with special paper) or adding new rotors I would stick to the same pads as replaced. But then again, I would always turn or replace while Im in there.

 

Personally I would avoid turning rotors unless you have a noticeable vibration in the pedal.

Also I would skip any sort of rotor prep or polish. The new pads will do a good enough job of that after a few trips. Again just my opinion.