Help on Deciding for New Brakes

[Jeff Likes Bagels]

Well, basically the OEM brakes I have now SUCK. I completely loathe them, lol. The front left is pulsating like crazy, they're the most sticky brakes I've ever used (i tap lightly on the brake pedal, nothing happens, so I push down another half inch and they throw me into the windshield), and I just recently got into a close encounter when I had to go from 60 to about 10, and even when I pushed all the way down when ABS kicked in, my car would still want to go forward, and I could hear clinging noises like metal on metal (not sure if this is brake-related). All four brakes are OEM and have roughly 41k miles on them. My grandfather who owned the car before overheated the brakes while going down a mountain, so that caused the annoying pulsating.

Anyways, I am asking the ECM community's advice on what kind of aftermarket brakes I should get, and whether or not I should go full blown (calipers and everything). I don't want to spend millions on my brakes, but on the same token I want something that will give me peace of mind when I want to brake.

I have absolutely no knowledge on different brake brands, so I am completely new to all of this, lol. My plan is to buy everything needed myself, then take it all to a shop and have them install it.

[wtcii]

I cannot say which brakes are good, but there is a thread that has reviews on many different brands and set-ups. That may give you an idea on what you may want. I am not sure if there are BBK listed there or not.

About the install, they will rape you, especially if you dont want to buy them there. Buy a haynes manual for your car and do the brakes yourself.

[Jeff Likes Bagels]

After reading that thread, I think the best ones to get for my budget would be the EBC Ultimaxx rotors, and the green/red stuff pads. I've still gotta figure out the difference between the green stuff and the red stuff, lol. Time to Google away!

Is there anything that I need besides rotors and pads? Or would that end up putting me in the the high dollar range?

Edit: Ok, Green Stuff is for cars under 200 BHP, and Red Stuff is for cars over 200 BHP. So I guess I'd be getting the Green Stuff then.

[wtcii]

I would suggest that you bleed your brakes, so brake fluid.

[Mike]

1st thing is as wtcii said search the forum before making a new post asking a question that has already been answered. The Pad and rotor combination that you are talking about switching to should provide a great deal better performance than the stock set up. Just insure that you follow the break in procedure on the parts that you purchase to the best of your ability. Also, I agree that you should bleed your brakes, and attempt to do the install yourself. It' s not that difficult a task, and a good way to begin learning how to perform your on maintainence.

[Jeff Likes Bagels]

Sorry about that. I just needed somewhere to vent my frustration with my OEM brakes, lol. I'll make sure to search more next time. But thanks on the info!

[InFuMoUs]

Before you bleed ya brakes, wont hurt to check ya brake lines as well to make sure the rubbers arent cracked or starting to rot.

[Jeff Likes Bagels]

I haven't gotten around to removing my tires and checking the status of my brake pads and rotors, but let's just say the OEM rotors are still fine. Would it be ok to just get the Greenstuff, or should I just get the Blackstuff since I won't be having the EBC Ultimaxx rotors to compliment the Greenstuff pads?

I found all the stuff I need at autopartswarehouse.com;the total came out to being $408 with free shipping. I just want to make sure I'm making the right decision. If I got just the Blackstuff/Greenstuff pads alone, would I still see an improvement in stopping power?

[wtcii]

I would replace your rotors whether or not they are "ok". Mine were turned at the lexus dealership where it was purchased at 47K miles. It is at 63K now and they suck. Buy something like a Bremo blank at tire rack.

[Jeff Likes Bagels]

Awesome, I found the Brembo rotor you were talking about. A lot cheaper than the EBC Ultimaxx ones, too! Like $100 less, lol. Although, I don't see the Brembo rotors for the rears. Hmm...

[AV6NHBP6SPD]

id recomend at least get new brake pads and rotors and maybe stainless steel lines, that will give you great results,

whatever you do dont get drilled or dimpled rotors. no benefit for you

[InFuMoUs]

If your rotors arent that bad, you can always get em cut if they're still within thickness specifications. I had mine cut at Strauss for like 26 bucks, but was told that was the last time I can get em cut. Installed with the EBC Greenstuff and havent had any problems yet.

[thisaznboi88]

pepboys ceramic breaks are also decent. I have them on my car and stopping power is swt and best of all no more shudders

[cna]

i use some auto zone ones for the front with duralast gold pads and duralast gold for the rear as well but i use some vented rear rotors from ProPartsUSA and has worked find for me better then stock but then again am on a budget

[thisaznboi88]

yeah i was on a budget too. 40 bucks is all good compared to a 100 for the hawk hps