disc pads for dura ace 9150: finned vs non finned, does it matter?
#1
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disc pads for dura ace 9150: finned vs non finned, does it matter?
The front brakes on my BMC Roadmachine 01 TWO are beginning to make weird noises. Dura Ace 9150's disc brakes. roughly 3000 miles on them of a pacific northwest annual environment.
I have watched a bunch of you tube videos (Park Tool, etc) and I am confident that I can do the repairs.
The interesting thing is the brake replacement pads. When I see Shimano's site, (https://bike.shimano.com/en-US/produ...R9170-F.html); none of the suggested replacement pads have fins.
I look at my bicycle, and when I see some of the you tube videos, the pads clearly have fins. Pads with fins are available on Amazon. From what I can see, at least with the resin pads, the finned brake pads are a one piece part.
I have not pulled the pads out yet to inspect them
1) For the metal pads, do the existing pads come out, and I put these non finned pads into my existing fins?
2) If #1 is a nope, will the "non finned" versions of the pads work just fine?
I also plan to replace the rotors at the same time.
I have watched a bunch of you tube videos (Park Tool, etc) and I am confident that I can do the repairs.
The interesting thing is the brake replacement pads. When I see Shimano's site, (https://bike.shimano.com/en-US/produ...R9170-F.html); none of the suggested replacement pads have fins.
I look at my bicycle, and when I see some of the you tube videos, the pads clearly have fins. Pads with fins are available on Amazon. From what I can see, at least with the resin pads, the finned brake pads are a one piece part.
I have not pulled the pads out yet to inspect them
1) For the metal pads, do the existing pads come out, and I put these non finned pads into my existing fins?
2) If #1 is a nope, will the "non finned" versions of the pads work just fine?
I also plan to replace the rotors at the same time.
#2
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Yes you can use the non-finned pads. If you do mountain descents or ride in extremely hot weather (as in the Pac Northwest lately
) the fins might be a good idea. Here's Shimano's pad choice explanation. Brake Pad Breakdown Metal versus Resin Pads: What you need to know (shimano.com)
Also, here is the Shimano Parts Fiche with part #'s you can use for a search on the net. EV-BR-R9170-4074D.xls (shimano.com)

Also, here is the Shimano Parts Fiche with part #'s you can use for a search on the net. EV-BR-R9170-4074D.xls (shimano.com)
Last edited by Crankycrank; 08-12-21 at 03:02 PM.
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The interesting thing is the brake replacement pads. When I see Shimano's site, https://bike.shimano.com/en-US/product/component/duraace-r9100/BR-R9170-F.html none of the suggested replacement pads have fins.
The L04C Metal, L02A Resin & L03A Resin are finned, the K04Ti Metal, K02Ti Resin & K03Ti Resin are not finned.
1) For the metal pads, do the existing pads come out, and I put these non finned pads into my existing fins?
2) If #1 is a nope, will the "non finned" versions of the pads work just fine?
https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/techn...hnologies.html
I also plan to replace the rotors at the same time.
#4
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Thank you both for taking the time to reply! I learned a few things, so thank you.
I do realize that I don't need to change the rotors out with every pad change. I have had noise issues with the front brakes since the bike was new. I reported it to the bike shop. They sanded down the pads. Problem came back. I sanded down the pads, and then cleaned the rotors up as well, as I was not sure the shop did that the first time. I used sand paper, rubbing alcohol, brake cleaner.. let them dry. noise came back.
I figured when I replace the pads, I will replace the rotor and see what goes. I will also check brake alignment, just in case.
I do realize that I don't need to change the rotors out with every pad change. I have had noise issues with the front brakes since the bike was new. I reported it to the bike shop. They sanded down the pads. Problem came back. I sanded down the pads, and then cleaned the rotors up as well, as I was not sure the shop did that the first time. I used sand paper, rubbing alcohol, brake cleaner.. let them dry. noise came back.
I figured when I replace the pads, I will replace the rotor and see what goes. I will also check brake alignment, just in case.