I'm trying to do a TS to WRX front brake conversion. I ran into an issue. I removed the calipers from the brackets, and was about to install new WRX brackets that are supposed to work with my calipers. (Switching brackets (and rotors, of course) *should* be all that is necessary. I would think that if new pads were necessary, they'd be included in the kit on subaruwrxparts.com. I also read nothing about needing new pads and clips with this upgrade in the research I did.) I test fit the pad retaining clips and the tabs on either end of the brake pads (and the clips) do not fit the new brackets. They are narrower in height than the space where the tab would be retained on the brackets. So, too much play vertically for the retaining clips to sit properly. So, the clips and pads would not be retained securely. So, I figure, there are two possible avenues to fix this. New pads and clips to go with the new brackets, or different brackets. I know there are two different model numbers of brackets for WRX brakes because the brakes were revised late 2002. 26225AE000 and 26225SA000. I have the former. Does anybody know for certain if the other ones will work? I emailed my VIN to subaruwrx parts.com and they told me the brackets I have are the right ones. I'm not so sure. (I did not order them from there. Otherwise I would have tried an exchange) I have new Hawk pads that would fit my current TS brakes. So, if switching brackets would fix the problem that would be preferred. But, if I just need new pads and clips, then so be it. If anyone has insight into this, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!
It's your pads. I'm not sure what TS pads you are using but if you have post-02 calipers and early-02 pads they won't fit. And vice versa. I *may* have some certified early-02 pads (FMSI #D721) sitting in my garage (if I didn't throw them out) that you can check out. I'm going to try to get some work done on the car this afternoon or Monday and if I still have the pads you can get them and take a look-see at how they compare with what you've got. AFAIK the brackets didn't change with the calipers. But I could be wrong.
My car has an 01 build date. So, early 02. These are the pads I have: http://tinyurl.com/2v8qaz As you can see, hey fit a lot more than just the TS. Including 2002-2005 WRX. This is one thing that leads me to believe I just have the wrong brackets. They fit my current TS brackets and calipers, so I know they are the right pad for what I have now. http://tinyurl.com/2we339 This leads me to believe it as well. I have heard that the new brakes were put on the new-age NA subies before they were put on the turbo. I know they are different than I had on my 99RS. The new brackets I have (26225AE000) also work for doing the brake upgrade on a GC RS. I used to have one and I KNOW that the tabs that sit in the clips were wider than what I have now. What would help the most, of course, is just seeing all the different parts laid out on a table for comparison.
I wouldn't mind having a look for comparison. Monday evening? Where are you located? PM me please. Thanks.
