Reply to "Pantera #5172 project"

Chris, I have a relatively early set of Wilwoods bought from Pantera East back in the early '90s. Perhaps, Wilwood has made some improvements since then. I've owned them long enough to learn a thing or two. I have no issue with their stopping ability and have used different pads for track and street.

My issues are two fold:

1) A lack of seals around the pistons. This condition invites moisture corrosion and premature seal failure from dirt. I've owned mine long enough to replace parts (pistons & seals) many times despite limited mileage. Thus, they benefit from occasional disassembly and cleaning of the pistons. Not an exercise that I enjoy.

2) the pads rattle and rock. The pads rock and then noisely click in their perch when the brakes are initially tapped. This worsened over time as the aluminum perch wore. I fabbed a steel spacer to remedy the aluminum wear and minimize the noise. Actually it is more the caliper perch deforming (rather then wearing) from the steel backing of the pad slamming the aluminum caliper upon application. Granted, the Pantera saw substantial track time and hard braking, but still less than ideal. As loud as my car is, I still hear them when braking.

The attraction of the Wilwoods are that they are inexpensive and stop well when maintained. However, I see them as a racing brake set up and not optimally designed for street application due primary to a lack of piston seals.

There is a reason that competitors brake calipers with rattle pads, that are machined for and come with piston seals, and are cast with internal passages eliminating external crossover lines cost more. These are benefits that I would have paid more for in hindsight. Live and learn.