EBC GreenStuff

[MajesticBlueNTO]

I picked up the EBC GreenStuff rear brake pads from tires23.com (www.tires23.com) on saturday.

I chose the EBC since they were one of the only major companies to have one available for the rear for a reasonable price. I got them for a lower price than the OEMs. We\'ll see how they perform once I get them installed.

Notice that the pads are the same as the 2003+ Saab 9-3 2.0 Turbo (non-Viggen)

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_144_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_145_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_148_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_147_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_149_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_150_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_151_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_152_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_153_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_154_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_155_full.jpg

[MajesticBlueNTO]

Forgot something, and might as well increase my post count :p

Flipspeed, do the rear shims look anything remotely similar to the OEM rear pad and/or shims?

[TheProfessor]

Just curious, did you pick them up because the stock pads are worn, or was there another reason (i.e. brake dust)? If the pads were worn, how many km\'s did they last?

[MajesticBlueNTO]

Originally posted by PSIVIC


Just curious, did you pick them up because the stock pads are worn, or was there another reason (i.e. brake dust)? If the pads were worn, how many km\'s did they last?

my rear pads are worn down to about 5mm. the fronts look like they have 10mm left. sounds pretty ridiculous doesn\'t it? at 52,000kms, the fronts look practically brand new.

even though i have 52,000km and rising, 98% of my driving is highway...your mileage may vary :)

[FLIPDADY]

Hey Neil, they look identical to the stock shims. I was going to grab some Hawk pads but decided to wait out my stock ones until they came out with an updated set. I just had them replaced on Monday and it looks like they have a new clip on the top of the pad instead of the back.

As far as brake dust goes I\'ll have to clean my rims first and see how they are.

[midnightfxgt]

Hey Neil,

Good job! Do post a review... I was thinking of the Hawk HPS pads when these wear out. I have had the HPS pad before, and they are great! At the time it was a toss up between the two, and I heard the EBS\'s wore quicker than the HPS, and the fact that the HPS were availible locally for me :)

-John

[Whos ur dadd]

I believe the i model sedan rotors are smaller than the 2.3 motored models. Does that mean the pads would be different too? If so, I\'m sure it\'s going to be next to impossible to source performance pads for the i model. Unless, the pads are common to some proteges...

Anyone know?

[MajesticBlueNTO]

Originally posted by midnightfxgt


Hey Neil,

Good job! Do post a review... I was thinking of the Hawk HPS pads when these wear out. I have had the HPS pad before, and they are great! At the time it was a toss up between the two, and I heard the EBS\'s wore quicker than the HPS, and the fact that the HPS were availible locally for me :)

-John

John, i was also thinking Hawk HPS all around but, when i put the order in, i couldn\'t find a listing for the HPS for the rear :( There is, however, an HPS for the front...you\'d think more manufacturers would make one for the rear since they don\'t last as long as the front.

i\'ll get a review up as soon as i find time to install them :)

[MajesticBlueNTO]

Originally posted by FLIPSPEED


Hey Neil, they look identical to the stock shims. I was going to grab some Hawk pads but decided to wait out my stock ones until they came out with an updated set. I just had them replaced on Monday and it looks like they have a new clip on the top of the pad instead of the back.

As far as brake dust goes I\'ll have to clean my rims first and see how they are.



Joe, thanks for the confirmation! hopefully these EBCs go in without a hitch.

your rear pads wore out that quickly?

[FLIPDADY]

I was complaing about a clunking noise from the rear brakes everytime I approached a stop light. After inspecting the old pads I noticed Mazda relocated the clips to the top of the pad instead of the back. Hopefully they changed the compuond of the pad too to prevent excessive brake dust.

Btw, I noticed on the EBC box the fitment said Saab 9-3 turbo? Maybe a Saab rear brake set-up will work with our cars?

[mikespike]

I got my new brake pads last week from flipspeed and they put it on. So far not much dust.

[MZ3_GS]

Everyone knows EBC pads have a very short life.

[SABIO]

How are the new pads?

[FLIPDADY]

Originally posted by MZ3_GS


Everyone knows EBC pads have a very short life.
It all depends on your driving habits.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

Finally got around to installing them...steps below:

I\'m still in the process of taking it easy while bedding them before I truly bed them in; however, initial impressions of these things are quite good. I was noticing that, with the stock pads, the pedal travel became greater and so did the stopping distances - things are much better now.

Below are the steps I followed to perform the install. I\'ve included what the Service Manual states and added some of my own findings.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_173_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_172_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_174_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_175_full.jpg

1. Ensure the parking brake is not engaged, block front wheels off with some bricks, jack up the car, support with jack stands, remove the wheel.

2. Remove the cap from the caliper bolt cover to get access to the caliper bolt - both top and bottom.

3. Excuse the crappy picture, but the caliper bolt is a #7 Hex head
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_164_full.jpg

4. Loosen and remove the caliper bolts (socket wrench works best here) and take note of which bolt belongs on the top and bottom.

5. Remove the retainer spring (item 4 in the 1st pic) - a set of pliers works best here.

6. Lift the caliper up - you will now have access to the pads.

7. Remove the outer pad from the caliper mounting bracket (it just slides right out).

8. The inner pad may be on the caliper or it may be on the mounting bracket. If it is stuck to the caliper, pull down on the pad (it is attached via spring clips). If it is on the mounting bracket, remove just like the outer pad by sliding it out.

9. Now you will have to get the piston back in to clear the new pads. This is done via a combination of turning and pushing.

10. Open the brake master cylinder reservoir cover to relieve the pressure in the system.

11. Using a set of needle nose pliers:
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_168_full.jpg

Set the needle nose tips into the piston grooves:
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_167_full.jpg

and turn clockwise while pushing on the piston. It may take some force, so if you notice the piston not retracting, push harder.

Be careful the pliers don\'t slip and cut the rubber piston boot

12. Once the piston is compressed, tighten the cover on the master cylinder, and follow step 4 in the 4th pic above (http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_175_full.jpg).

Align the spring clips on the back of the pad to the piston and push up
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_154_full.jpg

the pad should snap into place onto the piston.

13. Slide the new outer pad into the mounting bracket.

14. Apply some \"anti-squeal\" to the outer pad (I used some Permatex stuff bought at Canadian Tire):
http://www.permatex.com/images/catalog/special/82017.jpg

and reinstall the caliper onto the bracket (placing it over the outer pad):
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_170_full.jpg

15. Replace the retaining clip.

16. Replace the top and bottom caliper bolts. Hand thread them first - you may have to move the caliper until the bolts catch. Tighten the bolts to 19-22 ft-lbs.

17. Replace the cap on the caliper bolt cover.

18. Reinstall the wheel, tighten the lugs, lower the car, torque the lugs to ~80ft-lbs.

19. If you live in a house with a tiny garage that can only do one wheel at a time (like me), pump the brake pedal a few times before and after you start the car. This includes when the other side is complete - pump before moving the car.

20. Repeat the steps on the next side.

Note: the Service Manual states to remove the parking brake cable from the caliper; this is not necessary.

After all is said and done, EBC advises to drive gently for the first few hundred kms. But before doing so, they give an initial bedding procedure as follows (find a clear stretch of road where this can be done):

* get the car up to ~60km/h and brake gently to a stop.
* repeat approx. 5 times with applying more pressure (i.e. stopping over a shorter distance) each stop with approx. one minute intervals in between.

Hope this helps 8)

the following pics show the wear on the stock pads after 56,800kms. I was actually surprised at how much was left after 56.8K with >90% highway driving:

Driver\'s side outer pad
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_165_full.jpg

Driver\'s side inner pad
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_166_full.jpg

Rear pads
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_171_full.jpg

Needless to say, I\'m glad I changed them.

[TheProfessor]

Have you noticed any difference in the braking performance with the EBC\'s?

[MajesticBlueNTO]

Originally posted by PSIVIC


Have you noticed any difference in the braking performance with the EBC\'s?

still taking it easy with them but, from what i can tell so far, with the rear bias in this car, they do stop the car with more vigour than the stock pads.

can stop on the proverbial dime and then some.

will update throughout my experience with them.

[skru_fase]

i\'m looking at getting hawk hps or greenstuff pads too... anyone have any comments after a couple of months on performance, noise and dust on these pads?

also, it seems that the saab 9-3 turbo rear greenstuff pads work on the mz3, is it safe to assume that the saab 9-3 turbo rear hawk hps pads would work on the mz3?

thanks

[Illmatic]

Great News!

I was able to find another source for EBC Greenstuff pads...and the cost is the cheapest I\'ve seen so far!

I know Tires23 has them on backorder so I did a little digging around and it seems that Canadian Tire has an agreement with Keystone who operates a website called Driverfx.ca

Driver FX Website (www.driverfx.ca)

Anyway I did a part number check on the website and they had them in stock! However I didn\'t want to pay shipping charges so I asked if I could get them at Canadian Tire and they said any location should be able to order them in as a special request. To make a long story short I just came back from the store and they should have the pads in by Wednesday. Total cost is $79.23 (including taxes). :)

Now I just have to get the rotors and find someone the do the installation...

[majic]

Originally posted by Illmatic


Great News!

I was able to find another source for EBC Greenstuff pads...and the cost is the cheapest I\'ve seen so far!

I know Tires23 has them on backorder so I did a little digging around and it seems that Canadian Tire has an agreement with Keystone who operates a website called Driverfx.ca

Driver FX Website (www.driverfx.ca)

Anyway I did a part number check on the website and they had them in stock! However I didn\'t want to pay shipping charges so I asked if I could get them at Canadian Tire and they said any location should be able to order them in as a special request. To make a long story short I just came back from the store and they should have the pads in by Wednesday. Total cost is $79.23 (including taxes). :)

Now I just have to get the rotors and find someone the do the installation...

WICKED!!!

you should post this info in this (http://torontomazda3.com/forum/read.php?TID=4103) thread and see if T23 can beat this price :D :D :D heheheh..

[SABIO]

How about posting the Part#.. So those interested can write it down and go to CTC and order.

[majic]

Originally posted by SABIO


How about posting the Part#.. So those interested can write it down and go to CTC and order.

fronts: DP21524 (http://www.7453217467431.com/affiliate/dfx_ca/home.jsp?bmForm=search&bmFormID=1131996807609&bmUI D=1131996807609&bmIsForm=true&bmPrevTemplate=affil iate%2Fdfx_ca%2Fhome.jsp&bmHidden=SEARCH_INPUT%3C% 3Epath&SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3Epath=%2FAssortments%2FBra nds%2FAllBrands&bmHidden=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EobjectT ypes&SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EobjectTypes=PRODUCT&bmHidde n=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EmaxRows_cd&SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3Em axRows_cd=25&bmHidden=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchText Operator&SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchTextOperator=exac t&bmHidden=bmText&bmText=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchF or&bmText=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchFor&SEARCH_INPUT %3C%3EsearchFor=DP21524&bmHidden=bmSubmit&bmSubmit =partNumSubmit&bmSubmit=partNumSubmit&partNumSubmi t=Go&bmHidden=affID&affID=39963)
rears: DP21354 (http://www.7453217467431.com/search/search_results.jsp?bmForm=search&bmFormID=11319969 55750&bmUID=1131996955750&bmIsForm=true&bmPrevTemp late=search%2Fsearch_results.jsp&bmHidden=SEARCH_I NPUT%3C%3Epath&SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3Epath=%2FAssortmen ts%2FBrands%2FAllBrands&bmHidden=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3 EobjectTypes&SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EobjectTypes=PRODUCT &bmHidden=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EmaxRows_cd&SEARCH_INPU T%3C%3EmaxRows_cd=25&bmHidden=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3Ese archTextOperator&SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchTextOpera tor=exact&bmHidden=bmText&bmText=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3 EsearchFor&bmText=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchFor&SEAR CH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchFor=DP21354&bmHidden=bmSubmit& bmSubmit=partNumSubmit&bmSubmit=partNumSubmit&part NumSubmit=Go&bmHidden=affID&affID=39963)

:)

part numbers as per the catalogue (http://www.ebcbrakes.com/Assets/EBC2006USAautocat.pdf)

[ds2chan]

Originally posted by majic



Originally posted by SABIO


How about posting the Part#.. So those interested can write it down and go to CTC and order.

fronts: DP21524 (http://www.7453217467431.com/affiliate/dfx_ca/home.jsp?bmForm=search&bmFormID=1131996807609&bmUI D=1131996807609&bmIsForm=true&bmPrevTemplate=affil iate%2Fdfx_ca%2Fhome.jsp&bmHidden=SEARCH_INPUT%3C% 3Epath&SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3Epath=%2FAssortments%2FBra nds%2FAllBrands&bmHidden=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EobjectT ypes&SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EobjectTypes=PRODUCT&bmHidde n=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EmaxRows_cd&SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3Em axRows_cd=25&bmHidden=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchText Operator&SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchTextOperator=exac t&bmHidden=bmText&bmText=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchF or&bmText=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchFor&SEARCH_INPUT %3C%3EsearchFor=DP21524&bmHidden=bmSubmit&bmSubmit =partNumSubmit&bmSubmit=partNumSubmit&partNumSubmi t=Go&bmHidden=affID&affID=39963)
rears: DP21354 (http://www.7453217467431.com/search/search_results.jsp?bmForm=search&bmFormID=11319969 55750&bmUID=1131996955750&bmIsForm=true&bmPrevTemp late=search%2Fsearch_results.jsp&bmHidden=SEARCH_I NPUT%3C%3Epath&SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3Epath=%2FAssortmen ts%2FBrands%2FAllBrands&bmHidden=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3 EobjectTypes&SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EobjectTypes=PRODUCT &bmHidden=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EmaxRows_cd&SEARCH_INPU T%3C%3EmaxRows_cd=25&bmHidden=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3Ese archTextOperator&SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchTextOpera tor=exact&bmHidden=bmText&bmText=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3 EsearchFor&bmText=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchFor&SEAR CH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchFor=DP21354&bmHidden=bmSubmit& bmSubmit=partNumSubmit&bmSubmit=partNumSubmit&part NumSubmit=Go&bmHidden=affID&affID=39963)

:)

part numbers as per the catalogue (http://www.ebcbrakes.com/Assets/EBC2006USAautocat.pdf)

I don\'t see any at Canadian Tire online (unless I didn\'t look hard enough).. do you even think CT sells them??

[majic]

Originally posted by ds2chan

I don\'t see any at Canadian Tire online (unless I didn\'t look hard enough).. do you even think CT sells them??

huh??? didn\'t u see the links above? driverfx.ca is the \'perfoirmance parts\' dept at crappy tire.. so umm yah.. driverfx = ct (http://gateway.canadiantire.ca/driver.php?fileid=1408474396669884_140847439667027 1__) ;)

[Illmatic]

Originally posted by ds2chan



Originally posted by majic



Originally posted by SABIO


How about posting the Part#.. So those interested can write it down and go to CTC and order.

fronts: DP21524 (http://www.7453217467431.com/affiliate/dfx_ca/home.jsp?bmForm=search&bmFormID=1131996807609&bmUI D=1131996807609&bmIsForm=true&bmPrevTemplate=affil iate%2Fdfx_ca%2Fhome.jsp&bmHidden=SEARCH_INPUT%3C% 3Epath&SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3Epath=%2FAssortments%2FBra nds%2FAllBrands&bmHidden=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EobjectT ypes&SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EobjectTypes=PRODUCT&bmHidde n=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EmaxRows_cd&SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3Em axRows_cd=25&bmHidden=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchText Operator&SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchTextOperator=exac t&bmHidden=bmText&bmText=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchF or&bmText=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchFor&SEARCH_INPUT %3C%3EsearchFor=DP21524&bmHidden=bmSubmit&bmSubmit =partNumSubmit&bmSubmit=partNumSubmit&partNumSubmi t=Go&bmHidden=affID&affID=39963)
rears: DP21354 (http://www.7453217467431.com/search/search_results.jsp?bmForm=search&bmFormID=11319969 55750&bmUID=1131996955750&bmIsForm=true&bmPrevTemp late=search%2Fsearch_results.jsp&bmHidden=SEARCH_I NPUT%3C%3Epath&SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3Epath=%2FAssortmen ts%2FBrands%2FAllBrands&bmHidden=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3 EobjectTypes&SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EobjectTypes=PRODUCT &bmHidden=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EmaxRows_cd&SEARCH_INPU T%3C%3EmaxRows_cd=25&bmHidden=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3Ese archTextOperator&SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchTextOpera tor=exact&bmHidden=bmText&bmText=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3 EsearchFor&bmText=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchFor&SEAR CH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchFor=DP21354&bmHidden=bmSubmit& bmSubmit=partNumSubmit&bmSubmit=partNumSubmit&part NumSubmit=Go&bmHidden=affID&affID=39963)

:)

part numbers as per the catalogue (http://www.ebcbrakes.com/Assets/EBC2006USAautocat.pdf)




I don\'t see any at Canadian Tire online (unless I didn\'t look hard enough).. do you even think CT sells them??

If you want to order them here is the process to follow:

1.) Find a Canadian Tire and go to the auto parts department
2.) Tell them you\'d like to order a part from Keystone
3.) Have them call Keystone (they\'ll do it while you are there) and quote the EBC part number
4.) Provided it\'s in stock you should receive it in a few days

FYI, since it\'s classified as a special order you\'ll have to pay for it first and if for any reason you decide to return them they\'ll dock you 20% for a \"restocking fee\".

[Illmatic]

The pads came in today! Canadian Tire rules!!!:D

[ds2chan]

oh, forgot about this thread..

thanks majic and Illmatic for the info.. I didn\'t know that about CT.. I thought they would have the brakes on their shelves..