Cool Carbon Brake Pads

[TiAgX5]

No problem. Wanted to detail the job out for others who might want to undertake the project. With open spoke pattern wheels it really freshens up the look of the X.

This DIY had me considering the Harbor Freight benchtop sandblasting cabinet. It's only around $130 (+ compressor cost, for those who don't have one in their garage).

[bcredliner]

Looks great!

[Russianblue]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

This DIY had me considering the Harbor Freight benchtop sandblasting cabinet. It's only around $130 (+ compressor cost, for those who don't have one in their garage).

If I had to start my entire 'car enthusiast career' over again, the FIRST thing I would probably buy is a nice, big compressor and air system and a blast cabinet.

My problem is, once I get started refinishing/cleaning stuff, I end up cleaning everything I can get my hands on. I'm yellin at my kid to bring me her Razr and corroded electronics etc. Got. To. Stay. Focused. But blasting and wire wheeling are the bomb diggity.

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by Russianblue

If I had to start my entire 'car enthusiast career' over again, the FIRST thing I would probably buy is a nice, big compressor and air system and a blast cabinet.

My problem is, once I get started refinishing/cleaning stuff, I end up cleaning everything I can get my hands on. I'm yellin at my kid to bring me her Razr and corroded electronics etc. Got. To. Stay. Focused. But blasting and wire wheeling are the bomb diggity.

I'm the same way. While the X was on jackstands with the wheels/rotors removed I touched up the black finish on the sheet metal behind the rear wheels (just below the plastic wheelwell insert), wirewheeled/cleaned/anti-seized hubs, cleaned springs, cleaned/conditioned the plastic undertray and brake lines, cleaned/conditioned airride bags and lubed EVERY bolt/nut/fastener/link in sight (shot the hub axle nuts with rust penetrant) while on a creeper. Used the floorjack under the hub carriers to unload the airbags for rear balljoint/control arm play inspection.

[TiAgX5]

Got a chance to drive these for over 1 hr on the Hwy last night, heavy rain/cool weather. The instant bite when wet brakes are applied is one of the things I was hoping for and they don't dissappoint. The 1 or 2 seconds of pad hydroplane/no braking force is totally gone (BMW operation manual states drivers should lightly depress brake pedal regularly to keep rotors warm/dry while driving in rain, who does that?). Inital bite/pedal pressure/modulation are identical hot or cold.

2 cycles of 12 near ABS activation back to back stops from 50 and 60mph down to 10mph resulted in ZERO fade or required additional pedal pressure to keep near ABS intervention (actually saw smoke from the pad binder mat'l burning off). No OE BMW system I've driven has been able to do that.

[Russianblue]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

2 cycles of 12 near ABS activation back to back stops from 50 and 60mph down to 10mph

where on earth do you find a place to do this without getting arrested? do you have abandoned airport tarmac nearby? this is a challenge for me every time i get new brakes!!

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by Russianblue

where on earth do you find a place to do this without getting arrested? do you have abandoned airport tarmac nearby? this is a challenge for me every time i get new brakes!!

x2, I would say find an open country road (if there is one nearby) and do this with your hazard's on lol!

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by Russianblue

where on earth do you find a place to do this without getting arrested? do you have abandoned airport tarmac nearby? this is a challenge for me every time i get new brakes!!

I did the 2 12 stop cycles Fri 12pm and Sat 11pm. There are many large industrial parks in the Lewisville, TX area.

Also a section of road that's parallel RR tracks near a landfill and L'ville RR park. This road is empty late hrs and over 1 mile long.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

I did the 2 12 stop cycles Fri 12pm and Sat 11pm. There are many large industrial parks in the Lewisville, TX area.

Also a section of road that's parallel RR tracks near a landfill and L'ville RR park. This road is empty late hrs and over 1 mile long.

Is WW's BBQ still open in Lewisville? Best BBQ ever, though the last time I had it was in the late 80's (used to work for TI there and in Plano).

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by admranger

Is WW's BBQ still open in Lewisville? Best BBQ ever, though the last time I had it was in the late 80's (used to work for TI there and in Plano).

Not sure. I live about 2 mins from Hard 8 BBQ, we go there about once a month. Coppell Deli for burgers, 1 block from Hard 8.