Title: Help on Deciding for New Brakes Post by: Jeff Likes Bagels on May 27, 2009, 02:54:33 PM 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. Title: Re: Help on Deciding for New Brakes Post by: wtcii on May 27, 2009, 03:11:59 PM I cannot say which brakes are good, but there is a thread (http://elitecm.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=25&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=url) 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. Title: Re: Help on Deciding for New Brakes Post by: Jeff Likes Bagels on May 27, 2009, 03:24:52 PM 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. Title: Re: Help on Deciding for New Brakes Post by: wtcii on May 27, 2009, 03:56:06 PM I would suggest that you bleed your brakes, so brake fluid.
Title: Re: Help on Deciding for New Brakes Post by: Mike on May 27, 2009, 04:00:42 PM 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.
Title: Re: Help on Deciding for New Brakes Post by: Jeff Likes Bagels on May 27, 2009, 04:05:00 PM 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!
Title: Re: Help on Deciding for New Brakes Post by: InFuMoUs on May 27, 2009, 04:27:35 PM 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.
Title: Re: Help on Deciding for New Brakes Post by: Jeff Likes Bagels on May 27, 2009, 08:07:20 PM 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? Title: Re: Help on Deciding for New Brakes Post by: wtcii on May 27, 2009, 08:18:19 PM 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.
Title: Re: Help on Deciding for New Brakes Post by: Jeff Likes Bagels on May 27, 2009, 08:45:20 PM 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...
Title: Re: Help on Deciding for New Brakes Post by: AV6NHBP6SPD on May 28, 2009, 10:46:53 AM 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 Title: Re: Help on Deciding for New Brakes Post by: InFuMoUs on May 28, 2009, 04:43:23 PM 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.
Title: Re: Help on Deciding for New Brakes Post by: thisaznboi88 on May 28, 2009, 09:30:37 PM pepboys ceramic breaks are also decent. I have them on my car and stopping power is swt and best of all no more shudders
Title: Re: Help on Deciding for New Brakes Post by: cna on May 28, 2009, 10:57:37 PM 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
Title: Re: Help on Deciding for New Brakes Post by: thisaznboi88 on May 29, 2009, 01:03:42 AM yeah i was on a budget too. 40 bucks is all good compared to a 100 for the hawk hps
Title: Re: Help on Deciding for New Brakes Post by: AV6NHBP6SPD on May 29, 2009, 08:10:00 AM EBC is good, thats what i use. you can get pads on ebay for under $70 or so
Title: Re: Help on Deciding for New Brakes Post by: Fenix on May 29, 2009, 10:40:00 AM Here is a link to a cheaper brembo blank setup front and rear
Front - http://www.importrp.com/product.php?pro ... =38&page=1 (http://www.importrp.com/product.php?productid=111059&cat=38&page=1) Rear - http://www.importrp.com/product.php?pro ... =38&page=1 (http://www.importrp.com/product.php?productid=119048&cat=38&page=1) Its what i plan on doing soon Replacing the rotors isnt as daunting a task as it seems. Def pick up a haynes manual, its saved me several times, and it pays for itself in one use. I replaced the rotors on a 300C, the most difficult part is actually getting the rotor off, thats where the hammer came into play. Make sure you dedicate an entire day to this task, its not like doing an intake. Make sure you have all the tools you need to do the job, cause you cant drive on three wheels. Lastly, bedding the brakes can be a scary task, be sure to leave yourself atleast double the stopping distance you normally would. Title: Re: Help on Deciding for New Brakes Post by: Skippy on May 30, 2009, 09:16:45 AM Slotted and dimpled rotors are OK in my book. A buddy of mine and I use the same setup (EBC greenstuff and their sport rotors) and we both love how they work. I can give a definite A+ on the pads, and the rotors put up quite well with my abuse.
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