Brake pads cracking

[TGray5]

Hey all,
I'd like some opinions here. I use Mintex 1155 competition pads on the front of my e46 M3 for DE events. The pads are about 50% worn, but I noticed that they have cracks in them in the middle that run the full width of the pad. Its a small crack and no material is chipping away or loose. Is cracking like this normal? I think my Pagid Blues cracked as well. Are they re-usuable?

Next time around I think I'll try Pagid Orange.

[Akakubi]

I have seen pads cracking after track use. Different brands too. My OEM pads (whatever was left of them) crumbled into pieces when the delaer removed them...

Do you have X-drilled/slotted rotors? Those can cause the problem even more.

[TGray5]

Originally posted by Akakubi
Do you have X-drilled/slotted rotors? Those can cause the problem even more.

Nope, I have stock, solid rotors

[shep01]

actually, the cracking is normal - obviously not what you hope for in a top rate pad, but will continue to function so long as the pad material is still adhered to the backing plate

the linear plane that created pressure to the rotor through the caliper is not perfectly linear - the leading edge of the pad contact is often slightly differnt from the center - in fact - some pads will come with a beveled leading edge for this reason. Another culprit contributing is the 1 big piston caliper - it cannot apply even pressure across the pad. the 6-pot calipers, with smaller leading pistons, resolve a lot of this issue but all in all i w/n sweat it - just keep an eye on it

[The HACK]

Originally posted by Akakubi
I have seen pads cracking after track use. Different brands too. My OEM pads (whatever was left of them) crumbled into pieces when the delaer removed them...

Do you have X-drilled/slotted rotors? Those can cause the problem even more.

I have x-drilled rotors and one of my carbotech panther pluses has developed a hairline crack where there was a center groove cut into the pad.

No problems with my Pagids on the same rotors though. I figure it's the rapid temperature changes that causes this problem...I figure the carbotechs will last me two more schools until September, then I'm going to move back to Jurids for the street and Carbotech Panthers for the track.