Dead Brake Discs & Pads Vs New Discs & Pads...

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 24 Mar 2007, 18:26

It's very simple...on your car it's 280mm discs... from the time this was first posted, I went to drilled/slotted brake rotors all around but stayed with OEM pads...I'm very happy with my purchase and it's been about 6 months since I did this so things are wearing very well.

Ronniedasaint · Post by **Ronniedasaint** » 25 Mar 2007, 12:18

Anyone have any helpful advice on brands for new rotors and pads? As of right now I haven't decided on the rotors but I am thinking I'll get rptprs with holes for the front and just some regular ones for the back. As far as brake pads go I'm thinking either EBC or Akebono for the front and some EBC Ultramax for the rear. Any advie would be great, thanks.

Rene J.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 25 Mar 2007, 16:30

Most have squeaks without using OEM pads...I've always stuck with them after one bad experience on our 850....since then I've never heard squeaks.
In regards to slotted and drilled rotors, I feel no difference in stopping power. It was explained to me that when you take away that much surface area, the pads have to work harder to stop....guess this is true. Slotted will help you normally stop faster. Drilled is good for keeping the rotors cooled down, especially if you do a lot of hard braking such as mt. driving. Although what I have sure looks good, if I had it to do over, I probably would have just done the slotted rotors, like the power slots that IPD sells.

Ronniedasaint · Post by **Ronniedasaint** » 26 Mar 2007, 12:37

So then I should stick to OEM rotors and pads if I don't want squeaking, correct? These will also be less expensive I think than the other high end rotors and pads I've been looking at. I am not a tuner but I do like to push my car to perform, and every now and then I have to brake hard but not often. Also, I'm at 185K miles, so it doesn't make too much sense to go crazy spending on high end parts. So OEM it is for brakes and rotors! MiJ, thanks for everything dude you have been very insightful and helpful. Much obliged.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 26 Mar 2007, 17:43

well, you can't go wrong with OEM, but I didn't say rotors....you can go aftermarket rotors...slotted would be good for extra stopping, but stick with the OEM pads no matter what rotors you get....I was hoping to relay this message. Good luck!

Tsquared · Post by **Tsquared** » 26 Mar 2007, 18:56

OEM pads are junk. They do not last very long and throw out a lot of dust. The calipers will corrode if you live in an area where they salt the roads in the winter or near the sea. The disk is the strongest link in the system (and that is not saying much). For a car that is usually over engineered the brake system meets the system requirements.

Now for the other side. The brake system when properly maintained are more than adequate for a stock system. For a higher performance the OEM rotor (Brembo if memory serves) and ceramic pads will greatly improve the brake system. If you need more, a drilled rotor with ceramic pads; Slotted rotors for the next level; and finally slotted and drilled for the top end (also increasing the rotor size to the largest diameter that will fit in the wheels). The drawback of drilled, slotted, and drilled/slotted rotors is the decreased life of the pad. All of the holes and slots will grind off more pad material resulting in a diminished pad life.

In all cases ceramic pads are the "best" fit because they dissipate the heat better, less dust, and due to the harder compound they last longer. The drawback is they get hotter which does allows for quicker stops but can warp the rotors if you get them too hot. Proper break-in for the pads and rotors are necessary to minimize the chance of warping the rotors and for the life of the pad (go to the EBC website where they have the procedure for the brake in of the pads. BTW: I run EBC on my Electra Glide).

For the 850 I am running the Brembo direct repalcement rotors and NAPA premium ceramic pads with no squeaks. At the last service I had 1/2 the pad left at 45k miles. With the OEM pads the best millage was about 25k miles.

There are a lot of choices for bake parts. Look at how you drive the car. If you have bumped up the performance and push the car's performance envelope, the slotted or drilled rotors are a good upgrade. For most of us the extra performance is not needed in our daily driver. Whatever brand you select be sure to follow the recommended breakin.

Tsquared · Post by **Tsquared** » 26 Mar 2007, 19:00

I forgot to mention the fluid...

Follow the OEM recommendation on the service cycle of the fluid. Anytime I replace brake parts I purge my system with new fluid. I also recommend synthetic.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 26 Mar 2007, 21:08

I agree about the brake fluid....it is also nice to have different opinions on here. It may be the way we all drive (different) but out of the OEM pads, I typically get about 45K miles. There is dust but no squeaks.

Ronniedasaint · Post by **Ronniedasaint** » 26 Mar 2007, 23:03

What's the scoop on Mintex pads? I was talking to a guy about a brake package and he offered me Brembo rotors, front and back, with Mentix pads for like $250. I know the rotors alone are worth the money but what's the story with Mintex pads? Good? Or not?

volvrow · Post by **volvrow** » 27 Mar 2007, 07:25

On the subject of brakes....it seems that volvos have the noisest brakes. They seem to squeal, even if the pads are good. Is there a way to stop that horrible noise?
Also, I have drilled rotors and they really help the stopping power...interested to find out recomendations on brake pads, I have heard hawke pads are pretty good. Anyone know anything about minitex pads?