'03 Base new front brakes - Life is good!

Handling, suspension, and brake tuning discussions
Post Reply
mntn-biker
Posts: 189
Joined: Tue Jan 09, 2007 1:07 am
Location: West Georgia

'03 Base new front brakes - Life is good!

Post by mntn-biker »

Just replaced the front brakes on my '03 Base (122k miles - 2nd set of pads/rotors). After having an issue with some el-cheapo Chinese rotors that I installed ~50k miles ago (a chunk of the rotor surface actually de-laminated :shock: ), I put on some quality Napa Ultra-Premium rotors and some AdaptiveOne ceramic pads over the weekend. My braking has never been better!!! I about ate the steering wheel once I broke the pads in 8-)

I have learned a lot about rotors and pads over the last few years having dealing with an issue on my better half's Grand Prix and have found it is not worth saving a few bucks on inferior brake parts.

I had to do the "quick fix" above to get my Viberator back on the road (busy with work, not much free time) but my near future plan is to:

- replace the calipers
- replace the OEM rubber brake lines with stainless steel ones (for even better brake response)
- replace the rear drums, wheel cylinders, hardware, and shoes
- bleed out the old fluid with fresh

Links to the rotors and pads I used:
Rotors - http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Catal ... 0129748433
Pads - http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Catal ... 0319622896
2003 base model
User avatar
Chiadog
Posts: 971
Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2012 9:41 am
Location: Abrams, wisconsin

Re: '03 Base new front brakes - Life is good!

Post by Chiadog »

I'm not proud of this, but I got my front brake pads from the Junkyard. They looked like new, almost! they are still stopping the car 5K later, so they have nearly paid for themselves ($3). I am still laughing, I can't believe I did that! I feel better now.
chiadog
User avatar
Rayven01
Posts: 525
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2013 12:07 pm

Re: '03 Base new front brakes - Life is good!

Post by Rayven01 »

Chiadog wrote:I'm not proud of this, but I got my front brake pads from the Junkyard.
:shock: You are a braver man than I!
Image  Image
User avatar
Chiadog
Posts: 971
Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2012 9:41 am
Location: Abrams, wisconsin

Re: '03 Base new front brakes - Life is good!

Post by Chiadog »

Hey Rayven,
I thank you for your restraint!!!!!
chiadog
Post Reply