Stoptech Street Performance Pad (Front) Review

[itguy61]

Nice that some are not having the problem but I do not understand why some folks who are not having the problem have to weigh in on those of us seeking solutions for the issue. I never understand why problem threads have all the posts from people who are not having a problem and sometimes expressing skepticism about there not being an actual problem based on them not experiencing the issue.

That being said, I see many posts about his issue on the Facebook groups, this Stinger forum, another forum, the G70 forum now, and even a couple of the extended tests at car publications had the issue. The issue is real and Kia/Genesis need to address it. Looks bad.

 

[Kazz]

Nice that some are not having the problem but I do not understand why some folks who are not having the problem have to weigh in on those of us seeking solutions for the issue. I never understand why problem threads have all the posts from people who are not having a problem and sometimes expressing skepticism about there not being an actual problem based on them not experiencing the issue.

That being said, I see many posts about his issue on the Facebook groups, this Stinger forum, another forum, the G70 forum now, and even a couple of the extended tests at car publications had the issue. The issue is real and Kia/Genesis need to address it. Looks bad.

I see people trying to come up with causes. If materials and workmanship are the same in all our vehicles, the only variable I see is the drivers themselves. Until we get more info, that's all I've got. Some don't/didn't have hatch rattle. Some don't/didn't have sound system issues. Etc. I'm trying to contribute, not deride or jeer or make fun. I'd like answers too - how do I - or anyone reading this and similar threads - know I won't have the issue in the future?

 

[robz32]

I hope that you never get it! Did your rotors sit wet or did you drive after the car washes? I have washed a couple of times with no issues but I drove within an hour after the washes. It seems to be bad if it rains and then sits for a day or two.

The disks sits wet for at least 12 hours, as I usually wash it friday evenings or saturday evenings and the car does not get driven until the next afternoon. Also we have been getting rain in the afternoons every day this week and the car sits over night till the next morning and no issues.

 

[itguy61]

I have worked in information technology for 25 years and the same thing happens frequently with various systems. A good example would be Apple iphones. Apple releases an IOS version or update and a significant number of users start having excessive battery usage increases. Many do not. Apple makes all their own hardware and all their software yet only a subset of users experience the issue. They ususally resolve these with an software update that fixes the issue. No idea why it does not affect everyone other than maybe a combination of things that not all users have on their phones. A similar situation to what we see here, a problem that does not affect everyone but affects a sizable number of drivers.

I don't stomp down on my brakes and I have had the issue. My point is that the many owners having the issue just want to find a resolution and/or have Kia come up with a workaround or fix. Showing skepticism or blaming the issue on drivers is not helping come up with a good solution at all. Imho it is widespread enough that they need to do something. If the issue is not affecting people outside the US with European pads why isn't Kia giving us an option for those pads or putting those on all the Stingers?

There are other variable as well such as climate and how much moisture an area gets.

 

[Kazz]

I have worked in information technology for 25 years and the same thing happens frequently with various systems. A good example would be Apple iphones. Apple releases an IOS version or update and a significant number of users start having excessive battery usage increases. Many do not. Apple makes all their own hardware and all their software yet only a subset of users experience the issue. They ususally resolve these with an software update that fixes the issue. No idea why it does not affect everyone other than maybe a combination of things that not all users have on their phones. A similar situation to what we see here, a problem that does not affect everyone but affects a sizable number of drivers.

I don't stomp down on my brakes and I have had the issue. My point is that the many owners having the issue just want to find a resolution and/or have Kia come up with a workaround or fix. Showing skepticism or blaming the issue on drivers is not helping come up with a good solution at all. Imho it is widespread enough that they need to do something. If the issue is not affecting people outside the US with European pads why isn't Kia giving us an option for those pads or putting those on all the Stingers?

There are other variable as well such as climate and how much moisture an area gets.

Almost 40yrs in IT here. Comparing a "system" with an issue vs. a "system" that doesn't present the issue is a valid troubleshooting approach. You've taken my post personally, I believe, which it wasn't intended to be. I deeply empathize with those affected. I've driven other cars in the past (not mine) with this issue and I know it's deeply frustrating and concerning. I'd like to be part of the solution. And either the components and their use are the same between myself and those affected, or the issues hasn't yet presented itself and will. I hope the issue is resolved quickly and easily.

 

[Helo58]

I do believe that some of it has to do with how you use your brakes.

I am interested in all viewpoints. Have you found a common thread regarding brake usage or is this speculation? How would you recommend driving the car to avoid the issue?

I followed the bed in procedure to the letter with the new pads. I have also been extremely "aware" of not parking with hot brakes, aggressive stops, riding the brakes, etc. In my case on the new pads, the issue is noticed specifically when the pads/rotors get wet and sit for more than 24 hours. This issue isn't confined to the Stinger and the "wet pad" issue can be easily found on other forums for other cars as well. Many in those forums belieive that it is compound related. I have no idea, which is why I am posting and looking for answers.

Personally, I have ruled out "driver error." I have never had this issue with any of my other cars running Brembos any a variety of pad choices from OEM to aftermarket. I don't have any bad braking habits that I am aware of and I have searched for things I might not be aware of. Lastly, the dealership I has a program now in which the service manager personally investigates any and all Stinger brake issue due to the high occurrence rate in their shop. Due to the variety of people it affects, the number of people it affects, the various driving styles affected, etc. there is something happening that isn't obvious yet. I hope that one day it becomes obvious.

 

[Kazz]

Oh, it's only speculation. And from what you've outlined, I have little-to-nothing for advice, I guess. I've spent a number of years driving cars that aren't always comfortable to ride in with passengers (wife, kids, even in-laws LOL). I've become used to being very self-conscious about being centered in my lane, accelerating smoothly from a stop, braking smoothly/gently, etc. Some of that has finally bled over into my everyday driving and braking is one of them. Besides all you've mentioned, one thing I know I do is lessen pedal pressure as I near the actual stop, for instance.

I'd tend to think a bad batch of pads were source by Kia. But I don't know that anyone's gathered mfr dates, for instance, to see if it's a specific set of cars or not. Mine's an early one purchased in December of 2017. I wonder if any built around the same time exhibit the same issues. Just a thought.

 

[itguy61]

Nothing personal Kazz, doesn't really bother me but it everyone weighing in who is not having the problem doesn't really help the people who are. I agree in logical troubleshooting you look at problem items same items not having the problem and figure out what the difference is to help finding a root cause. In this case where driving style is so subjective it is hard to narrow down if that is the issue. I see it a lot on technical forums, people have an issue and ask if anyone can help and then post after post happens of those saying they are not having the issue.


I had the problem with mild driving and I have seen others who drive aggressively who have also had it. I am curious to see what happens to Helo58 when he tries semi-metallic pads. I am betting that will help solve the issue with the increased abrasion which keeps the surface smoother from more grinding off of the deposits.

 

[Ozstung]

FWIW I haven't heard of any breaking problems down here as such. I could put it down to two things 1). Our pads are different?
2) it doesn't rain much here barely at all, my car has got wet twice in 20 months, excluding washing.

 

[WildBill]

Some of it may be differences in driving conditions. In my morning commute I have to come down a hill with 1000' of vert that has a stoplight right at the bottom. City driving, flat mid-west driving, hilly / mountainous driving could all give different outcomes with the same driving technique.

Hoping that we find a solution. A little more brake dust would be okay with me if it solved the repeated depositing of pad material.