So I install a new set of xp10/xp8 pads earlier in summer. New rotors all around and new clip/spring hardware as well. The used sport calipers I had gotten were frozen up, so I got new ones from AutoZone. After installaton I heard some awful clicking noises. I got the pads bedded in per the instructions included. Pop and click didn't go away. Always makes this loud click upon initial brake application.

A few weeks later I got a helper and spun the wheels off the ground and jammed on the brakes. I can visually see the bad sloppy in the calipers. Ive dug though all the images I can find and I don't think I'm missing any clips or hardware. I've retorqued everything in there. It is definitely the pad shifting.

I can easily slip a 0.032 feeler gauge in the lateral edge of the pad. I can shift them in the caliper with my finger. On my phone now, but I'll try and upload better pics when I'm home

 

I'm guessing this isnt a normal movement. Done in slowmo. Brake pad shift. - YouTube

 

Mine click unnervingly loud as well. Ive read that is just what they do.

 

Yeah it seems so. I have shared this info with them directly through phone and emails and it seems to just be a thing they do. They don't just out right say it though. I get responses like maybe the caliper is worn, or other things. I could not get any actual required measurements though. I wanted a dimensions diagram to go off of. The squealing "race brakes" on the street I can tolorate, but the clicking is a no go. Maybe 949 will have a better brake kit out later when I can afford it. Nothing wrong with the current setup or anything, but they seem to be playing with new caliper setups recently. I always seem to the guy that gets a product and the next week the better model comes out of the same money or less.

 

It's humorous trying to explain to people that the horrendous noises the car makes while braking are from 'upgraded' parts and not an imminent mechanical failure.

 

Knowing what you know now, would you do it again? Is the added performance worth the noise?

 

I've got a 2001 w/ sport brakes, just installed G-Loc R8's F/R (identical to Carbotech XP8 from what I understand) and don't experience this issue. Your images show way way more clearance between the pads and the sheet metal clip "channels" they ride in than I had. I actually had to file down my pads slightly so they were able to fit and have the ability to slide back and forth in the channel. Are you absolutely sure you have the correct pads for the calipers you're using?

I've also had carbotech's on a C6 and never experienced an issue like this.

 

Knowing what I know now . . . No. I can handle the squealing no problem. The noise is a little annoying, but worth the trade off easily. Brake dust is a lot, a lot, A LOT, of dust. I can wash the wheels and they are black the next day. It does come off very easy though and even a rainy day cleans them a bit. The clicking is inexcusable. I get looks in parking lots if the pads click and the pads don't howl. I swear it is about as loud as slamming a hood shut, or hitting a car with a hammer, or an engineering students head exploding. It's not subtle. If budget allowed another expensive pad change I'd order today. A new set of G-loc's are $300. At the moment I have things I need and as long as it doesn't seem to be damaging anything I'll run them into the ground cause they are paid for.

As far as I can tell the calipers are the only not new thing in the brakes. I got remans from Autozone. Problem is I don't have another set of sport calipers to measure for differences. Plus the rears do it as well and they didn't before. I've crossed the part numbers ordered with Carbotech directly and I gave them all these images and video. The response was basically the caliper is out of spec. They may not be wrong either. I just can't find measurements I can check with a dial caliper. I'd be happy to take the calipers back to Autozone and slap them with them.