weird sound from new slotted DBA 4000s

TecnicaInt · 07-03-2008, 11:33 AM

Hey guys, I just installed new front DBA slotted rotors and now I'm hearing a weird sound while the car is moving from both rotors. It kind of sounds lifter tick. It almost sounds like a bike chain when you are coasting the bike and not pedaling. My buddy described it as a wheel of fortune wheel spinning. The sound goes away when I apply the brakes but then comes back when I release them. After the install, I bled the brakes and bedded the pads in but the noise persisted. The only thing I can think of is the fact I used my old pads, which still had lots of life left. I searched everywhere and could not find anything so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

EDIT: Pads have been replaced with new ones. Noise went away for a bit, but came back after a few days. However, the sound isn't as loud as before. It seems like the caliper may be bad, causing the pads to stick to the rotors. Maybe a rebuild?

upncummr · 07-03-2008, 11:43 AM

I'm just guessing, but I suspect it's the edge of the pad hitting the edge of the slot in the new rotor. When your foot is off the brake pedal the brake pad is still lightly resting against the rotor until the pad is either pushed back into the caliper a bit by movement of the rotor or the pad wears down enough not to be in contact any longer.

I suspect as the "fresh" edge of the slot ages and wears down a bit the ticking will subside.

But remember, this is just a wild a$$ guess on my part.

Gary

TecnicaInt · 07-03-2008, 01:22 PM

^ Thanks for the quick response. Since the brakes seem to be operating normally, I think ill take your advice and let the pad wear a bit more and see what happens. I'm also wondering if by having these pads on previously worn rotors, it may have caused some uneven wear on the pads, thus causing the issues with rubbing on the slots. I'm tempted to install new pads, but I think I'll wait. Anyway, thanks for the peace of mind.

upncummr · 07-03-2008, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TecnicaInt

^ Thanks for the quick response. Since the brakes seem to be operating normally, I think ill take your advice and let the pad wear a bit more and see what happens. I'm also wondering if by having these pads on previously worn rotors, it may have caused some uneven wear on the pads, thus causing the issues with rubbing on the slots. I'm tempted to install new pads, but I think I'll wait. Anyway, thanks for the peace of mind.

Don't take too much peace of mind though. As I said, I'm just guessing.

Maybe someone with experience with the DBA 4000 rotors can chime in.

Or you might contact WRX Brakes (iwsti.com vendor) and see what they think.

I bought DBA 4000 rotors from them but haven't had the need to install them yet.

Gary

**Turninconcepts.com** · 07-07-2008, 07:16 PM

I use a set of DBA 4000's for the track on our 08 and do not experience this issue. Did you install them on the correct side of the car?

TecnicaInt · 07-08-2008, 11:26 AM

^ Yes, they were installed correctly. I spoke with a few other slotted DBA owners and they also had a similar noise coming from their rotors. However, from their description, it didn't seem like theirs were as loud as mine. I'm thinking the uneven pad wear is causing the sound to escalate.

upncummr · 07-08-2008, 11:33 AM

Do you have stock wheels on the car?

A friend of mine with an '08 installed more of an open wheel design on his car and the brake noises were considerably louder than immediately before the wheel change.

So you may not be able to compare your situation (e.g. noise level) directly with someone else's.

Gary

Flycaster · 07-08-2008, 12:04 PM

I installed them on my '04 with a new set of F2500's and have not experienced this. We chamfered the pads, used the stock shims and a little brake quiet - all is good

I suspect that one of the caliper pistons isn't sucking back properly, causing a pad to hang and remain in partial contact.

TecnicaInt · 07-08-2008, 03:06 PM

Thanks for your input. Do you think that if it were the pistons, I would have been hearing some kind of noise on the old rotors even though they weren't slotted? Everything was fine until I swapped the rotors (minus the vibration). I had one shop recommend I drive it for 1000 miles and see if the sound decreases with pad wear. If not, I may just end up swapping the pads out for new ones which is what I should've done in the first place.

upncummr · 07-08-2008, 03:34 PM

One thing you might try is a proper bedding in of the old brake pads and the new rotors. (If you've already completed it once, you might try it again.)

The theory being that bedding or re-bedding the pads will help to match up the surface of the pads and the rotors.

Here's an excerpt of the Hawk web site re: bedding in process.

"Q: What is the proper procedure for braking in new brake pads?
A: Brake pad break-in procedure.

After reaching medium speed engage brake pedal to slow car without coming to a complete stop. Release pedal quickly and do not drag brakes. Repeat four or five times.
At higher speeds engage brake pedal to slow car without coming to a complete stop. Release pedal quickly and do not drag brakes. Repeat five times.
At or near race speed engage brake pedal to slow car without coming to a complete stop. Release pedal quickly and do not drag brakes. Repeat three times. Allow a few seconds between brake engagements while car is in motion.
Do not hold brake pedal. Park car for approximately 20 minutes or until brake rotors are completely cool to the touch.
If during the above steps the brake pedal becomes soft or brake fade is noticed, park the car immediately for approximately 20 minutes. Do not hold brake pedal.

Important reminders:

Do not attempt to use badly worn or damaged rotors with new brake pads.
Do not drag brakes while car is moving during break-in procedure.
Do not engage pedal while car is stopped at any time following the break-in procedure.
Upon completing the procedure, allow the brake system to completely cool before racing.
Applying the pedal a few times before the start of the race will allow the brake pads to heat up before attempting to reach race speeds.
Clean a used rotor surface with fine sand paper or steel wool, rinse with water, dry and install before bedding new pads.
Some forms of racing don't allow time for the proper break-in procedure to be performed. However, it is still very important to attempt to perform at least the core of the procedure: slow heat build up and complete cool down."

End of excerpt.

Gary

TecnicaInt · 07-25-2008, 08:01 AM

Hey guys, I just wanted to update the thread. I got some new pads, bedded them in, and the noise disappeared. So if anyone is thinking about getting new rotors, get new pads, even if there are lots of life left on the older pads. Thanks for everyones help!

TecnicaInt · 08-02-2008, 07:50 AM

Bad news guys. After a few days of driving with the new pads, the noise has re-developed. However, the noise isn't as loud as before. I'm thinking it has to be the caliper pistons and I may have to rebuild the calipers. I just don't understand why I didn't have this problem on my stock rotors. Could it be that the pads were sticking to my stock rotors also, and I didn't notice it as much because they are blank rotors and not slotted? Also, can someone tell me the symptoms of having a bad caliper? What should I look for when inspecting the pistons? Sorry for all the ?'s

07-03-2008, 11:33 AM	#1
TecnicaInt Amateur STI Driver Car: OBP WRX STi Location: Chicago Posts: 22 Join Date: Jul 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	weird sound from new slotted DBA 4000s Hey guys, I just installed new front DBA slotted rotors and now I'm hearing a weird sound while the car is moving from both rotors. It kind of sounds lifter tick. It almost sounds like a bike chain when you are coasting the bike and not pedaling. My buddy described it as a wheel of fortune wheel spinning. The sound goes away when I apply the brakes but then comes back when I release them. After the install, I bled the brakes and bedded the pads in but the noise persisted. The only thing I can think of is the fact I used my old pads, which still had lots of life left. I searched everywhere and could not find anything so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks EDIT: Pads have been replaced with new ones. Noise went away for a bit, but came back after a few days. However, the sound isn't as loud as before. It seems like the caliper may be bad, causing the pads to stick to the rotors. Maybe a rebuild? This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad. Last edited by TecnicaInt : 08-02-2008 at 07:51 AM.

07-03-2008, 11:43 AM	#2
upncummr Spec C Club Car: '05 CGM Fav Mod: HPDEs Location: Omaha, Nebraska Posts: 1,117 Join Date: May 2006 Trader Rating: (3)	Re: weird sound from new slotted DBA 4000s I'm just guessing, but I suspect it's the edge of the pad hitting the edge of the slot in the new rotor. When your foot is off the brake pedal the brake pad is still lightly resting against the rotor until the pad is either pushed back into the caliper a bit by movement of the rotor or the pad wears down enough not to be in contact any longer. I suspect as the "fresh" edge of the slot ages and wears down a bit the ticking will subside. But remember, this is just a wild a$$ guess on my part. Gary Last edited by upncummr : 07-03-2008 at 11:52 AM.

07-03-2008, 01:22 PM	#3
TecnicaInt Amateur STI Driver Car: OBP WRX STi Location: Chicago Posts: 22 Join Date: Jul 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: weird sound from new slotted DBA 4000s ^ Thanks for the quick response. Since the brakes seem to be operating normally, I think ill take your advice and let the pad wear a bit more and see what happens. I'm also wondering if by having these pads on previously worn rotors, it may have caused some uneven wear on the pads, thus causing the issues with rubbing on the slots. I'm tempted to install new pads, but I think I'll wait. Anyway, thanks for the peace of mind.

07-07-2008, 07:16 PM	#5
Turninconcepts.com Authorized Vendor Posts: 4,747 Join Date: Jul 2003 Trader Rating: (50)	Re: weird sound from new slotted DBA 4000s I use a set of DBA 4000's for the track on our 08 and do not experience this issue. Did you install them on the correct side of the car?

07-08-2008, 11:26 AM	#6
TecnicaInt Amateur STI Driver Car: OBP WRX STi Location: Chicago Posts: 22 Join Date: Jul 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: weird sound from new slotted DBA 4000s ^ Yes, they were installed correctly. I spoke with a few other slotted DBA owners and they also had a similar noise coming from their rotors. However, from their description, it didn't seem like theirs were as loud as mine. I'm thinking the uneven pad wear is causing the sound to escalate. Last edited by TecnicaInt : 07-08-2008 at 12:07 PM.

07-08-2008, 11:33 AM	#7
upncummr Spec C Club Car: '05 CGM Fav Mod: HPDEs Location: Omaha, Nebraska Posts: 1,117 Join Date: May 2006 Trader Rating: (3)	Re: weird sound from new slotted DBA 4000s Do you have stock wheels on the car? A friend of mine with an '08 installed more of an open wheel design on his car and the brake noises were considerably louder than immediately before the wheel change. So you may not be able to compare your situation (e.g. noise level) directly with someone else's. Gary

07-08-2008, 12:04 PM	#8
Flycaster S204 Racer Posts: 3,002 Join Date: Apr 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: weird sound from new slotted DBA 4000s I installed them on my '04 with a new set of F2500's and have not experienced this. We chamfered the pads, used the stock shims and a little brake quiet - all is good I suspect that one of the caliper pistons isn't sucking back properly, causing a pad to hang and remain in partial contact.

07-08-2008, 03:06 PM	#9
TecnicaInt Amateur STI Driver Car: OBP WRX STi Location: Chicago Posts: 22 Join Date: Jul 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: weird sound from new slotted DBA 4000s Thanks for your input. Do you think that if it were the pistons, I would have been hearing some kind of noise on the old rotors even though they weren't slotted? Everything was fine until I swapped the rotors (minus the vibration). I had one shop recommend I drive it for 1000 miles and see if the sound decreases with pad wear. If not, I may just end up swapping the pads out for new ones which is what I should've done in the first place.

07-08-2008, 03:34 PM	#10
upncummr Spec C Club Car: '05 CGM Fav Mod: HPDEs Location: Omaha, Nebraska Posts: 1,117 Join Date: May 2006 Trader Rating: (3)	Re: weird sound from new slotted DBA 4000s One thing you might try is a proper bedding in of the old brake pads and the new rotors. (If you've already completed it once, you might try it again.) The theory being that bedding or re-bedding the pads will help to match up the surface of the pads and the rotors. Here's an excerpt of the Hawk web site re: bedding in process. "Q: What is the proper procedure for braking in new brake pads? A: Brake pad break-in procedure. After reaching medium speed engage brake pedal to slow car without coming to a complete stop. Release pedal quickly and do not drag brakes. Repeat four or five times. At higher speeds engage brake pedal to slow car without coming to a complete stop. Release pedal quickly and do not drag brakes. Repeat five times. At or near race speed engage brake pedal to slow car without coming to a complete stop. Release pedal quickly and do not drag brakes. Repeat three times. Allow a few seconds between brake engagements while car is in motion. Do not hold brake pedal. Park car for approximately 20 minutes or until brake rotors are completely cool to the touch. If during the above steps the brake pedal becomes soft or brake fade is noticed, park the car immediately for approximately 20 minutes. Do not hold brake pedal. Important reminders: Do not attempt to use badly worn or damaged rotors with new brake pads. Do not drag brakes while car is moving during break-in procedure. Do not engage pedal while car is stopped at any time following the break-in procedure. Upon completing the procedure, allow the brake system to completely cool before racing. Applying the pedal a few times before the start of the race will allow the brake pads to heat up before attempting to reach race speeds. Clean a used rotor surface with fine sand paper or steel wool, rinse with water, dry and install before bedding new pads. Some forms of racing don't allow time for the proper break-in procedure to be performed. However, it is still very important to attempt to perform at least the core of the procedure: slow heat build up and complete cool down." End of excerpt. Gary

07-25-2008, 08:01 AM	#11
TecnicaInt Amateur STI Driver Car: OBP WRX STi Location: Chicago Posts: 22 Join Date: Jul 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: weird sound from new slotted DBA 4000s Hey guys, I just wanted to update the thread. I got some new pads, bedded them in, and the noise disappeared. So if anyone is thinking about getting new rotors, get new pads, even if there are lots of life left on the older pads. Thanks for everyones help!

08-02-2008, 07:50 AM	#12
TecnicaInt Amateur STI Driver Car: OBP WRX STi Location: Chicago Posts: 22 Join Date: Jul 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: weird sound from new slotted DBA 4000s Bad news guys. After a few days of driving with the new pads, the noise has re-developed. However, the noise isn't as loud as before. I'm thinking it has to be the caliper pistons and I may have to rebuild the calipers. I just don't understand why I didn't have this problem on my stock rotors. Could it be that the pads were sticking to my stock rotors also, and I didn't notice it as much because they are blank rotors and not slotted? Also, can someone tell me the symptoms of having a bad caliper? What should I look for when inspecting the pistons? Sorry for all the ?'s This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad. Last edited by TecnicaInt : 08-02-2008 at 07:55 AM.