Brakes/Rotors

[nfpgasmask]

OK Folks, next on my list of maintenance is new brakes all around, possibly new rotors and a repack of the front wheel bearings.

So, I would like to open the floor to suggestions for brakes. What should I get? Should I try for OEM or is there a good quality, long lasting performance brake pad set for the VX? Also, I was thinking of getting some performance rotors like these:

eBay

What does everyone think/suggest? I'm going to San Fran this coming weekend and I know I am going to need brakes after I get back.

Also, I was planning to have the pads changed out by a shop, but how hard is it to do myself? I did my Xterra's brake pads a few years ago, but it was never quite right I think. I would like to make sure it is done correct.

Bart

[Ruflyf]

My biggest suggestion on pads is ceramic. I put them on my wifes blazer a while back to help eliminate brake dust. I must say brake dust is definately not an issue any longer. As for performance, well I cant really say because I dont drive it. I do know there is no brake noise either, but not sure if there was before they were installed or not. Moral of the story is: If brake dust is currently an issue, I strongly suggest ceramic pads.

[nfpgasmask]

Cool, I will look for ceramic. Any brands suggested? Also, I tried emailing you but all the messages bounced back? Did you get my PM about that?

Bart

My biggest suggestion on pads is ceramic. I put them on my wifes blazer a while back to help eliminate brake dust. I must say brake dust is definately not an issue any longer. As for performance, well I cant really say because I dont drive it. I do know there is no brake noise either, but not sure if there was before they were installed or not. Moral of the story is: If brake dust is currently an issue, I strongly suggest ceramic pads.

[Navigator]

Excellent stopping power, and because you have matte black wheels the black dust should not be an issue.

[Tobert]

I just put the r1concepts (ebay) rotors and ceramic pads on mine a couple weeks ago. I've been very happy with them so far. I found other threads on these forums saying they were good, which is why I went with them. I think it was like $90 for the 4 rotors then $70 for the pads, $50 for shipping to Michigan. I may have those numbers off, since I also ordered a full set for the Subaru while I was at it. Definitely get the Ebay ones if you're not going OEM. Autozone wanted the same money for one front rotor that r1concepts wanted for a set of 4.

Make sure you buy a can of the good NAPA penetrating oil. It's a red can and is NAPA branded. I've had fanominal luck with that stuff. I also recommend buying your own supply of brake equipment grease. Grease all the metal parts that aren't part of the pad->rotor contact and you'll be squeak free.

[Tobert]

Oh yeah, I got OEM style rotors, no drill, no slotting. If anything skip the slotting and get just drilled. I drive hard, but nowhere near hard enough to need either of those features.

[VCrossfan]

I just installed new pads (OEM) all around and OEM style Rear Rotors. I went with the OEM pads by reading the forums here, I removed oem's and haven't had any brake dust issue's, so I'm sticking with them..

[Ruflyf]

I cant remember the brand, but it was what Autozone carried, or possibly Advance Auto.

Cool, I will look for ceramic. Any brands suggested? Also, I tried emailing you but all the messages bounced back? Did you get my PM about that?

Bart