I have to replace my pads and rotors front and back and need some recommendations for good pads and rotors. I hear ebc has good stuff but I don't really want to spend that much right now, anything that's close to the performance of ebc?

 

Got mine from RockAuto...nothing fancy just used what was OEM recommended...

 

I've used AC Delco brake pads on the front and they were junk... TERRIBLE brake dust and didn't last too long either... So I would stay away from those

 

With so many options I had to do a bit of research to find out what I wanted.

If you plan to sell the car tomorrow get organic pads. These ain't worth a cent if you ask me. They won't last long and have the weakest stopping power, but that's for the next guy in line to worry about. Please only do this to dealers .

Mid grade would be Metallic pads. Get these if your on a budget. They will heat up faster then the next option, but do generate less dust and will do the job just fine for day to day use.

Best you can usually do are Ceramics. These are just a little better then metallic on stopping power, but they do tend to cost a little more. Some say they generate more dust then other types, but I haven't noticed on mine. They heat up slower then the metallics but really unless you're going down a mountain side you likely won't know the difference.

Personally I got Ceramics from the local shop. I go down long steep hills a lot and they have yet to fail me and I've never had to floor the brake pedal (if I did it would probably lurch my passengers forward, maybe out the window).

RAYBESTOS is the brand I'd go with. I've only heard good things about them, and they don't cost an arm and a leg.


How bad are the rotors? If you never had them spun you could do that. Most parts stores can even do that for about $15 per rotor I believe or per set not certain on price but it is cheaper then buying a new one. All this does is create a new smooth surface for the pads to make contact on and will prolong the life of the brake pads compared to using unspun old rotors. The local shop will be able to tell you if there is enough rotor left for this to be worth your while or not.

 

I just purchased front and rear pads from RockAuto. (and new seals for the rear calipers). They were Wagner Thermo Quiet OE ceramics. Sold as daily driver. I have used them on other vehicles and they are good for road use. I paid 56 bucks plus shipping for all 4 corners. They are not the cheapest. At only $30 over the cheapest Centrics, they won't break the bank and you get a much better brake pad IMO. Can't say anything about off-road use. Ceramics will generally have low dust and keep your wheels much cleaner than organic or metallic pads.

I've used Monroe and Bendix and Raybestos in the past on other cars with good success too. Just get a name brand and definitely get the ceramics.

 

Thanks for the recommendations everybody, rockauto is where I'll purchase from, I'll do some more research on the brands mentioned. On a related note, how do I tell if the guide pins are sticking or if the piston is? Im sure the guide pins will be obvious to diagnose simply by moving them by hand and checking for grease, but what about the piston? It takes some force to compress the piston with a c clamp when its functioning normally, will it be noticeably more difficult to compress the piston if it was sticking?
My passenger side inside rear brake pad is totally worn, while the outside one still has some meat on it.

 

From the way you describe your brake pad wear, it sounds like your pins are frozen. Mine were too. I broke them free, cleaned them up and re-greased the livin' heck out of them. Then reinstalled. After 2 weeks, no problems.

I also bought CARLSON 41160 seals. and rebuilt the Calipers. at $2 each, it was cheap insurance.

Hint, If you decide the pull the calipers to rebuild, get fresh copper Banjo Bolt Washers or anneal the used ones before reinstalling. You'll need 2 per caliper.

 

I buy my parts from Rock Auto or Amazon unless I need them same day, then I use Advanced, Bennett, or Carquest. If you don't need high performance metallic pads, Wagner Thermo Quiet Ceramic are the best pads I have ever used in 45 years. I now use them on every car. For rotors I have had good luck with Wagner, Bendix and AC Delco (usually mid grade). Keep away from bargain rebuilt calipers as well because I have had bad luck with those. Rebuilt AC Delco calipers are good. Can't remember the other brands that have worked. got tired of fighting pins and Pistons on my own caliper rebuilds and went reconditioned years ago.

George

 

do you think all brake rotors are pretty much the same?

 

No all brake rotors are not the same. Some are less true out of the box and/or more prone to warping especially under hard driving. If you ride those hard a couple of times you wind up with pulsing brakes and wobbling steering wheels under braking. That why I go up a notch to mid grade with those brands that I pointed out and have had good luck.