T4 Brake pads - source? price?

[Seano]

My 2001 T4 Transporter (15"wheels) has finally chewed through its (presumably) front brake pads.....it's only taken 142,000km.

Can anyone provide me with options as to pad sources and prices?

As much as I'd love to go with genuine parts the mere thought of asking for a supply only quote from the parts counter at the local dealer fills me with dread. So I'd love to go in somewhat informed.

I am aware that in the aftermarket I can get pads from Bendix and EBC but others....and how much?

[jets]

[QUOTE=Seano;366090]My 2001 T4 Transporter (15"wheels) has finally chewed through its (presumably) front brake pads.....it's only taken 142,000km.

Well they haven't lasted very well

Imparts [in Adelaide] have Textar brand for around $100. They would need a VIN no though to be absolutely right.

[gslrallysport]

Hi Seano,

Do you pads have an electronic wear sensor wire?

And do they look like this:

http://www.atap.com.au/atap/ATAPWEBData/PadProfilesSmall/GDB1282%20(Small).jpg

Or this one:

http://www.atap.com.au/atap/ATAPWEBData/PadProfilesSmall/GDB1367%20(Small).jpg

I know Bendix says the later, but they're European listings are pretty weak.

Regards,
Greg

[Seano]

Hi Seano,

Do you pads have an electronic wear sensor wire?

And do they look like this:

http://www.atap.com.au/atap/ATAPWEBData/PadProfilesSmall/GDB1282%20(Small).jpg

Or this one:

http://www.atap.com.au/atap/ATAPWEBData/PadProfilesSmall/GDB1367%20(Small).jpg

I know Bendix says the later, but they're European listings are pretty weak.

Regards,
Greg

They look like the first one....156x58 but I'll have to confirm somehow. And mine have the sensor in the left front pad...

I have had some feedback from RDA and they've quoted me $75 plus delivery for their RDA Extreme pads in this size. They also supply the EBC brand that is popular with T4 owners in the States but they don't have them in the required type...

The rear pads are very different, tiny & nearly square!! But I'd be surprised if they are worn...

[gslrallysport]

Ok, assuming it is the first option we can do a few options. Starting from the cheapest, would be the RDA entry level pad, looking at $33, those RDA Extreme which they quoted you on we can do for $49. Up from that, and far and away the best quality pad of the bunch would be Remsa, but these are a bit dearer at $127.

Remsa aren't particularly known in Australia, but they're the largest European pad manufacturer, and part of the TRW group. Good for about 650 degrees, which is about 150 degrees more than the RDA extreme.

If it works out to be the second option I'll re price them up.

Cheers,
Greg

[Seano]

Thanks Greg for your help. Pads arrived on Friday. Will go on tomorrow-ish.

[gslrallysport]

No dramas, PM your email or fax and I'll fire your invoice through. Also, I forgot to tell you, they may have come in a Remsa OR a TRW box. Some of the rarer stuff gets brought in in a TRW box, so just in case it did, it's still Remsa (Remsa is part of the TRW Group), but just didn't get reboxed for this particular market.

Cheers,
Greg

[Seano]

Came in a TRW box but you'd already mentioned who owned what so not fussed. PM sent.

[David Morris]

Watch what you do changing pad material I have Lucas brakes on my T4 ex ambo auto & I did a down hill from hanging rock NSW with an empty van with a set of EBC pads on 67000 klm disc rotors that were still fat enough to pass the replacement size & got to stand on the pedal real hard by the botom .
Next trip down the montain I locked the trans in 2 nd gear & no problems so as the amboes did I replaced the rotors & the pads after market from the same Government supplyer they buy from for under $200,00 for the fronts .
The ambo service changed pads & Rotors @ 30000 Klm as they get a hiding in their work with .the weight they have on board the rear brakes get to take some of the load via the sencing device on the rear suspension I may look into that soon as the rear is not doing any work with the heavy suspension coils & shocks fitted to these machines mess with the bias valve that only turns on when its loaded wich is not a lot in my case ,

You as always need your Vin # when shoping or you will get the wrong rotors or pads for your T4 been there done that .
TC

[Transporter]

Just a word of caution about RDA brake pads. I used them on a few different cars and I had to replace them after customers complained that they were noisy. I wouldn't touch them since.
They look OK in the box, but that's where it ends.

[Seano]

Pads are in.....$80 to fit and no complaints from the mechanic. Certainly feel different - a little spongy perhaps - but they are only bedding in.

[gslrallysport]

Pads are in.....$80 to fit and no complaints from the mechanic. Certainly feel different - a little spongy perhaps - but they are only bedding in.

Probably a little bit of knock off whilst they're bedding in. Pads very rarely account for a spongy pedal as they can't physically compress. Generally fluid or caliper related, but let us know how they go!