03 wrx front brake pads

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May 27, 2003 | 05:37 AM

nhilteb

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03 wrx front brake pads

Apparently the 03 wrx has slightly different calipers as the 02 wrx pads I just received don't fit. Anybody know of any pads, especially ones suited for track days and street that will fit the 03 front calipers on the wrx ?
Thanks, Nate

May 27, 2003 | 11:04 AM

nhilteb

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Just a follow up with more information :
Dealer confirmed that VIN number is needed to determine wrx front pad part number, of course I wanted something other than the oem pads but for informational purposes :
02 and some 03 wrx front pad : 26296AE081
most 03 wrx front pads : 26296SA020
So, if anyone can find a good street/track pad in this new size please let me know. The tabs that fit into the calipers are smaller on the new pad. Maybe suby wanted to make some cash on pads until the aftermarket catches up ?
Thanks, Nate

May 29, 2003 | 05:29 PM

EWThompson13

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Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 76

Why Change Caliper Sizes????

I'm glad I took a look in this forum before getting into swapping out my stock pads for the Hawks that I bought about 2 months ago. You are absolutely correct, the tab on the new pads is widder than the slot in the caliper. My thought is to grind the tab down so it will fit. Does anyone see and problems with doing this? I don't see how strength would be compromised given the fact that the caliper slot is made for this smaller sized tab. Anyone have any thoughts, because I would sure like to have the Hawks on for an upcoming track day!

May 30, 2003 | 10:55 AM

EWThompson13

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Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 76

MY03 pad swaps

ttt. Anyone have any opinions on modifying the tab of the brake pad so it will fit into the MY03's smaller slot in the caliper??? I'd like to do it this weekend if I can get any kind of feedback here.

May 30, 2003 | 07:30 PM

Mdex

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I looked at modifying the hawks... but it isn't just the tab that is off... if you grind down the tabs the pads will slip front to back about a half inch. We called the Hawk rep, and they didn't even know that there had been a change from the 02 to the 03.

May 30, 2003 | 09:05 PM

EWThompson13

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Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 76

Damn Subaru. Why change a caliper for 1 fricken year!!! So, the Hawks are out for now. Is there another performance pad that anyone knows of for an 03 WRX?? I can't believe I have to upgrade to a big brake kit to get some decent pads on this beast!

Jun 1, 2003 | 05:46 PM

nqwan

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Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 275

From: NY

Car Info: o2 duburu arr exu

Quote:

Originally posted by EWThompson13
Damn Subaru. Why change a caliper for 1 fricken year!!! So, the Hawks are out for now. Is there another performance pad that anyone knows of for an 03 WRX?? I can't believe I have to upgrade to a big brake kit to get some decent pads on this beast!

if you want ceramic pads try carbotech bobcat pads. they have them for the 02's and the 03's. actually, i have a set of the front 03's here because i need the 02's but was sent these instead.

oh and if you're going to get the rear pads from carbotech, make sure you grind the nubs on the back of them off before putting them on. otherwise only ~half of the pad will contact the rotor. you also wont be able to use the little squeel tab with the carbotechs.

you can get the carbotech's from subydude.

Jun 2, 2003 | 05:10 PM

EWThompson13

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Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 76

A Huge Thanks

Thanks for the info on the Carbotechs nhilteb!! Looks like suby_dude will be getting some more of my money in the next couple of days. One more question, are the Panther's a bit extreme to run on the street as a daily driver? What I've read, it seems like these need a little heat in them before they begin to perform, which is not always ideal on the streets. Thanks again.