Is it possible to install the brake pads upside down? I've been looking at the caliper from the outside and the squeal detecting tab is at the top of the outside pad on one side of the car and at the bottom of the outside pad on the other side of the car (other caliper.)

Are the pads totally symmetrical? Would it matter what way they were put into the caliper so long as both pads on the same side were put in the same way? Or do they only fit if they are put in the right way?

 

You would have to be a complete tard to put them in upside down or backwards.

I say the answer is NO.

The caliper pegs go through the pad holes holding them in place. The pads also arch to match the rotor radius. No way to F that up.

 

This is difficult to explain. I guess the easiest thing to do would be if someone has an Evo handy check the driver's side and passenger's side caliper. Let me know if the squeal wear tabs of each pad are at the top or the bottom of the caliper.

I can't tell from mine as I'm not sure whether they have been messed with after the car was assembled.

I can't find a picture on the web with that much detail, and I'm the only Evolution in my parking lot (imagine that.)

If the brake pads are totally symmetrical then this should really be a non-issue (other than being **** and wanting to keep all brake wear tabs the same direction.)

If I can't get an answer I'll try to find one of the STi's in the parking lot ... I think they have the same Brembo's.

 

If by top and bottom you mean by close to the ground and farther away for the ground you can do that. If you mean top and bottom in reference to the caliper no you can't.

 

Yes, in reference to the ground. When you say yes you can do that ... is that how they come from the factory? Should they always be closer to (or further away from) the ground on both sides?

 

I noticed that when I replaced my front pads. The front brembo pads have an arrow in it also. I think the arrows shows the direction of travel of the rotors. The wear tabs is on top on the right wheel and below on the left wheel.

 

Different pads have different indicators.... some dont have them at all.

It doesn't matter if you put the inside pad in the outside spot as long as you bed the pads after install.