Brake recommendations?

[scott_h]

We're approaching 60k on the '04, so I figure it's probably time to change the pads before we end up with a mess from putting it off too long (which happened on my old Maxima). Are there any recommendations out there for what pads to buy (whether local or online)? And while I've got things apart, I'm guessing it's not a terrible idea to just replace the rotors too. Any recommendations for those?I haven't changed pads in years, so have been nervous to do so. But the father-in-law is going to be around this weekend, so I figure he can watch over my shoulder to make sure I don't really screw it up.If I'm going to order something online, I probably need to get the ball rolling. We don't need anything extremely fancy, although I'll willingly pay for quality. Mostly just highway and town driving. It's rarely in heavy stop-and-go rush hour traffic.Thanks!

[Kamikaze]

whatever you do Get Ceramic Pads. You will have less brake dust, and they usually don't squeek as bad.And here's a link to a DIY brake job (compliments from Sublimewind):http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=30457

[Sublimewind]

I have the EBC Ultimaxx pads on my Subaru and really like them, they aren't agressive, but, one step above stock... I just posted a fron brake toutorial and have some really good info on proper beding and seating of the pads and rotors in another thread, just look in here and in the brake forum... The job itself is SIMPLE....

[Whelan]

At 60k I would look at the rotors as well, they get thinner over time and a thinner rotor and new pad will not perform optimally. I have also been against resurfacing as purchasing a new set of rotors works just fine. I have switched all my stock brake setups to Powerslot rotors and Stillen Metal Matrix brake pads with great results on all. I may switch up pads just to see, possibly to Axxis. But for me the Powerslots work great!And for a drum shoe that I need to get at some point down the road, I am getting some Satisifed Brakes from Tirerack. Good price and nice shoe. Plus the Slots look better up front.

[scott_h]

Is there a preferred place to buy the Stillen's or Powerslots? (whether B&M or online)Thanks to all for the info!

[Whelan]

I typically bought my Powerslots from tirerack.com. However I found them slightly cheaper at buybrakes.com I would stick with the regular powerslots, not the cryo's or the plus, not worth the extra cash IMOThe stillens are only available through stillen.comRotors:http://www.tirerack.com/brakes...Clar=h ... ct...=VIBE

[scott_h]

Quote, originally posted by Whelan »Rotors:http://www.tirerack.com/brakes...Clar=h ... r....htmlI happened to find both of those via Google, but wasn't sure if there was someplace else out there.I hate to ask the question, but I've scoured the Tire Rack site, and can't figure it out. Which of their rotor sets is the equivalent of the ones on Buy Brakes - because all of the ones I see with the PowerSlot name are significantly more (and have a black finish). Is one of the others the same, but labeled differently?And the regular ones are the same size as OEM, so they fit with no mods necessary?Thanks for the help - I change my oil and all the filters, but beyond that I'm not much of a car repair junkie.

[Whelan]

Powerslot rotors come in a few different types.PowerslotStandard OEM fitment but are made with Cadmium for better looks (i.e. won't get that rusty finish to them) and better cooling ability. The machine drilled slots are there to dissipate heat, keep pads clean, and extend pad life. They are OEM fitment.Powerslot CryoIdentical to Powerslot rotors but have also been chryogenically treated (i.e. dipped in like freezing liquid to harden the material and make it stronger)Powerslot PlusOffered to give you a big brake look. The rotors are plus sized and only for use on wheels that are 17" or bigger. It comes with the necessary equipment to relocate your brake caliper/pad so that it still fits on the outside of the rotors but you get the larger rotor surface to fill the area more.Powerslot ProStopIdentical to Powerslot OEM fitment rotors but they also have additional dimples between the slots to give the appearance of drilled rotors as well. They are claimed to be better than standard powerslots, but unless you are autocrossing the difference is minimal.The powerslots you are looking for on Tirerack.com are for some reason not listed. It appears Tirerack has stopped carrying them for some reason. Maybe they signed on with a new manufacturer because the ones for the Matrix (which I thought were identical) are being offered at a discount, that suggests they may be clearing inventory). Either way, Buybrakes.com is the best place to get them. I think I saved like $15-20. Free shipping was a big plus as well. Cost from them comes to $186.32 with free shipping. They were fast and friendly with the service. I would definitely buy from them again.Stillen is also fabulous, with great communication and shipping.

[scott_h]

Quote, originally posted by Whelan »The powerslots you are looking for on Tirerack.com are for some reason not listed. It appears Tirerack has stopped carrying them for some reason.OK - at least I know I'm not overlooking something.I'll have to make a decision - might have to place a couple orders tonight to make sure I get them by the weekend.Thanks again!

[scott_h]

Powerslot and Stillen have been ordered - you better be right!

[Whelan]

lol, I know I'm right, I've had the same combo on my 94 Saturn, then my 02 Civic, now my 05 Trix. Immediate difference and noticeable stopping. after 300-500 miles the pads are borken in. You will notice hardly any fade when exiting a highway, great initial grab and hold. These things do not like to let go. You will notice under regular normal braking conditions they act better than stock, but when you need them for an emergency braking or quick stop, they really show their power, it's almost scary how you lurch when you stomp it. Once they are broken in, get the thing up to 40 or 60 and mash the brake, you'll see.

[Sublimewind]

Quote, originally posted by Whelan »lol, I know I'm right, I've had the same combo on my 94 Saturn, then my 02 Civic, now my 05 Trix. Immediate difference and noticeable stopping. after 300-500 miles the pads are borken in. You will notice hardly any fade when exiting a highway, great initial grab and hold. These things do not like to let go. You will notice under regular normal braking conditions they act better than stock, but when you need them for an emergency braking or quick stop, they really show their power, it's almost scary how you lurch when you stomp it. Once they are broken in, get the thing up to 40 or 60 and mash the brake, you'll see.I would just like to interject here and say break-in on pads and rotors should NOt take you 3-500mi.. it "should" take roughly 24hrs if you follow proper procedure... Link to my brakes info thread, interesting read and I bet many many people are running around with improperly bedded/seated and seasoned pads/rotors... I can tell you from experience that doing this will not only increase your brakes performance, but there LIFE as well...

[Sublimewind]

FYI I have a front brake tutorial in the suspension/brakes area... they're EASY..