I got tired of spending a solid hour each weekend cleaning the brake dust from my wheels and ordered these Powerstop Evolution Z16-1240 Ceramic pads because of several recommendations on this forum. Anywho, I started to swap them out this afternoon and stopped cold when the new pad wouldn't fit, or at least the outer pad would not fit. The inner pad fit perfect. I only tried the left front tho.

First pic is the lung-cancer inducing Textar pad that was in there.




This next pic shows the new Powerstop outer pad test fitment. Note that it will not sit down all the way in the slot.



I'm wondering which of four options I ought to take.

1) Send them back and get another set of the exact same in hopes that it was just a manufacturing defect. I.e. has everyone else that's tried these found they fit perfect and the one I got is just a quirK?

2) Get a refund and try yet another brand/part number of pads. I.e has anyone else has this issue with this particular set of pads?

3) File the tabs until they fit. I.e. has everyone else had the same issue?

4) Install without the little slide clips (it fits without them like it was made that way.) I.e. Was it designed to work that way, after all they are aftermarket?

 

The clips are supposed to give the pad a smooth surface to slide on, rather than binding on the rough casting... I wouldn't remove them unless the directions tell you to.

I would suggest contacting the manufacturer or retailer for their advice.