Wilwood Disc Brake Pads   

Each of Wilwood's brake pad types have different braking characteristics.  Select a type to read which disc brake pad is ideal for your application.

Wilwood friction pads are produced to specific chemical and physical material requirements to meet the high performance demands of racing disc brake systems. Because of the wide range of racing usage (short track, super speedway, dirt, drag) Wilwood has developed specific material compounds to meet specific needs. Experimentation is often necessary to determine the optimal brake pads for an application. Such variables as caliper size, rotor type, rotor operating temperature, race duration, and driving habits all affect brake pad performance. Wilwood high performance brake pads are described in general; your actual selection should combine this information with your own testing and experience.

Brake pad performance is generally measured using its coefficient of friction (cf), i.e. the degree of friction (drag) between the pad and rotor. This friction varies with pad material, rotor material, and operating temperature. The pad descriptions on the opposite page are generally evaluated on the basis of a pad material coefficient of friction variance over a particular temperature range.

NOTE: Brake Pads are sold in axle sets only. Part numbers with a "K" suffix are representative of a set (4 pads). The diagram below represents standard Wilwood applications. Friction material is designated by the screened pattern. Solid outline represents the backing plate.

Brake pads and rotors should always be initially bedded to condition the pads and rotor surfaces for racing use. This "bedding in" procedure will result in greater performance, longer wear, and less likelihood of rotors cracking due to thermal shock.

To bed in brake pads, start by pumping your brakes at a very low speed to assure proper brake system operation. On the race track or other safe location make a series of hard stops from moderate speeds until some brake fade is experienced (you may wish to close cooling ducts to accelerate this process). Allow brakes to cool while driving at moderate speeds, avoiding use of the brakes. Your brake pads should now be properly bedded in.

Wilwood offers a bedding in service performed on a computerized dynamometer that ensures a consistent bed from pad set to pad set. This produces "ready-to-race" pads which saves valuable practice laps when time is at a premium.