Hi Guys.

I'm curious ?

Having just received my new calipers and pads for my project Fiero I noticed the size difference in the pad material, not only is one side different to the other within the same caliper both back and front, but the pads themselves are different thickness from new in the box as are the old ones I have now removed.

It's not something I have ever come across in nearly 50 years of pad swap out's different fixings yes but different lengths and thickness NO!

So what is going on here? is it just a Fiero thing or is it on other vehicles that I have not come across yet and what is the science behind it why the odd lengths and thickness, (thickness I can maybe understand the same amount of material just longer).

Curious minds need answers ?

If anyone could help it would be appreciated, every day is a school day.

Cheers Mich

quote Originally posted by Mich1958: Hi Guys. I'm curious ? Having just received my new calipers and pads for my project Fiero I noticed the size difference in the pad material, not only is one side different to the other within the same caliper both back and front, but the pads themselves are different thickness from new in the box as are the old ones I have now removed. It's not something I have ever come across in nearly 50 years of pad swap out's different fixings yes but different lengths and thickness NO! So what is going on here? is it just a Fiero thing or is it on other vehicles that I have not come across yet and what is the science behind it why the odd lengths and thickness, (thickness I can maybe understand the same amount of material just longer). Curious minds need answers ? If anyone could help it would be appreciated, every day is a school day. Cheers Mich

what year fiero? I haven't encountered that yet and I'm curious now

Hiya

Car is a 1985 3lt GT notch back.

I was assured by the guy that I bought the car from that it was only six month before he stopped driving it that he had new discs and pads fitted, and looking at the disc and measuring the pads I would say he was telling me the truth.

The differance between the old and new pad thickness is 1.5mm minimal wear.

I have shown the old pads new caliper and new pads

Mich

I can't tell you why, only that yes that is standard 84-87 Fiero brake pads, my only thought, is they put the biggest pad on the outside that they could, then had to squeeze a smaller pad between the caliper slider bolts on the inside. As the smaller pads will wear quicker, they also made it thicker to last the same amount of time as the larger outer pad.

Several vehicles are similar to this, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, 1993 Pontiac Grand Prix, 1985 Mercury Cougar. Those are all the vehicles my dad has along with an 86 Fiero, and they all have at least one set of pads like this.

If you install the calipers correctly then the Pads will wear very evenly. Even when pads have different dimensions.
When one pad wears out faster it means installed wrong & sliders etc won't move right &/OR calipers went "bad" & won't release right &/OR moron keep foot on brake.

84-87 Fiero & others...
Inner pad is "smaller" & thicker because load ends are in the caliper bracket.
Outer pad is "bigger" & thinner because load goes to caliper then the bracket.

See cave, brake section https://web.archive.org/web...cast.net/~fierocave/

Other vehicles the pads are the same because brake loads go to same way like 88 Fiero & more = both to caliper then bracket OR to bracket direct.
Example: Is why some Kia models & others have brackets that "hook over" the rotor & SS Shim springs holding the pads. Caliper are just Hydro Clamps to squeeze the pads. Big problem here is moron installing new pads but never bother to clean the bracket & shims have rust there &/Or New Pads have Stamping issues on the base & never remove causing same &/or very likely both happens then 1 or both Pads won't release right & wear the pads & rotor.

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave