Shower of sparks from brakes???

[solberg Fan]

Hey all

My dad has a 325i that we use in the targa and other similar events. The old pads (not Ferodos) have just been replaced with a new set of Ferodo DS3000s. We took it out for a drive and under braking (not even hard braking) a shower of sparks could be seen coming from the wheels, even some flying over the wing mirrors..

I mean it looks dam cool at night, but ive never seen it that bad before.
Could it be because euro cars make the discs out of diffrent material than what we have over here? Or do they just have softer pads? Any way.

There is no scraping noise, the brakes feel very good and the discs have no score marking on them at all.
Or could it be that the racing pads have more metal in them?
My dad used to run a MKII cortina in the targa with the same pads and it never hapened.
The rotors and calipairs are not standard.

CLICK ME for the page on the DS3000 pads. Under motor sport section

Any one know whats going on and why???

[TrouserFxGt]

Sounds obvious but do you have them in the right way.

A motorcycle dealer in chch changed the pads for me once and after riding half way accross town I took the bike back wondering why there were sparks on braking. The brakes worked just fine.

[solberg Fan]

And they worked fine? Crazy!

Yep they are in the right way.

[Adamal]

Maybe they accidentally shipped you the 'bling' version?

[BlakJak]

Sparks means excessive heat in the context of friction and/or metal shavings.. ... I wouldnt be keen to drive around like that!! Change of pads or professional inspection of installation in question, I think...

[2LTR Rona]

Now i'm no expert, but any form of spark coming from a metal surface would suggest heat generation etc.

Just took a look on their site and this immediately jumps out at ya

The main characteristics of the DS3000 compound are:

* reduced bedding in time (approximately 50% quicker than other materials)
* extremely high friction level (0,62 coefficient of friction) at any temperature or speed
* higher initial bite
* predictability, in all conditions, when braking into the corner because of the flat friction curve
* less off brake between the brake pedal and throttle

When using this material with light inertia racing cars, as a general rule, it is necessary to apply less brake pedal pressure than you would normally expect. This will avoid over-braking and the generation of excessive heat in the braking system and discs.

Could it be as simple as, the pads being coarse for the rotors, and being brand new are possibly wearing the rotor down evenly and thus not showing scouring marks???

Just a thought

[Santa'sBoostinSleigh]

Maybe they accidentally shipped you the 'bling' version?

haha i think he's hit the nail on the head!