Brake pads from RockAuto

[Donald]

I was looking at front brake pads for my Dodge Ram and some say with RWD, some say 4WD, some mention the 7500 GVW and some mention 8800 GVW.

But many just say "front" and ceramic or semi-metallic?

I could see different pads for regular and heavy duty versions of the pickup, but would think it would be consistent across brands.

Does not look like the have my favorites Wagner TQ or Akebono.

The vehicle is a RWD 8800 GVW.

 

[tommygunn]

Yes they do have Akebono for your truck. I looked it up on Rock Auto myself. It is the very last pad listed.

 

[Thax]

Wagners or Akebono would be my choice , stick with semi-metallic as it is OE friction material.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: tommygunn
Yes they do have Akebono for your truck. I looked it up on Rock Auto myself. It is the very last pad listed.


Yes, but am not sure I want ceramic. While the dust is significantly less, I am not convinced it stops as well as semi-metallic. And why does only this pad need a caliper bushing?

 

[yonyon]

Those caliper bushings should be replaced when they shrink or crack. Regardless of shrinkage or cracking, they should be lubricated every time the brakes are serviced just like slidey-thing pins. It costs almost nothing to give you a set with the pads. With the new bushings in your hand it is expected that you'll either use them and have a better experience with your brakes (good for their reputation) or you'll throw them out and attribute any negative experience to your own decision to discard the bushings.

 

[tommygunn]

Originally Posted By: Donald


Yes, but am not sure I want ceramic. While the dust is significantly less, I am not convinced it stops as well as semi-metallic. And why does only this pad need a caliper bushing?



oops I didn't realize that! Most of the time when people mention that they want Akebono they usually mean the ProACT (ceramic) pad.

Maybe all the pads include the bushings but just don't mention it.

And isn't the Thermoquiet also ceramic?

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: tommygunn


And isn't the Thermoquiet also ceramic?

When I worked at Firestone, I always noticed that thermoquiet pads would be semi-met, ceramic, or organic based on whatever the car left the factory with.

 

[mattwithcats]

I have had good luck with Autozone Duralast brake shoes and pads.

They make a regular and Gold version in Semi-Metallic, and a Ceramic Gold....

 

[SuzukiGoat]

Sometimes rockauto will surprise you, then 12$ brake pads for my wife's tracker turned out to be 100$ sumitomo brake pads... ceramic.

If you get Tp the point where your pads are impeding your stopping, you're overloaded.

 

[zzyzzx]

On a lot of cars brake pads should be bought locally. Preferably with the old ones in hand for comparison purposes. This is one thing where you seem to be more likely than usual to be given the wrong part.

 

[meep]

based on recent experience---

dealer-installed pads came off our mdx, along with gouged rotors. they looked like semi-metallics to me, and were pretty rough on the rotors. plenty of pad, like 75% left, but rotors scored to heck.

Installed akebono pro-act with raybestos AT-300 rotors. these are the ones that are pseudo-slotted.

This is the best combo I have EVER tried. linear response, but it feels like there's a lot more braking power in reserve than before, especially if the vehicle is loaded.

My truck will get this combo when its due. Outstanding.

 

[stephen9666]

Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
On a lot of cars brake pads should be bought locally. Preferably with the old ones in hand for comparison purposes. This is one thing where you seem to be more likely than usual to be given the wrong part.


I've bought four sets of brake pads online in the last few years and never received a wrong pad.

Make sure you know what to order and you'll be fine in most cars.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: meep
based on recent experience---

dealer-installed pads came off our mdx, along with gouged rotors. they looked like semi-metallics to me, and were pretty rough on the rotors. plenty of pad, like 75% left, but rotors scored to heck.

Installed akebono pro-act with raybestos AT-300 rotors. these are the ones that are pseudo-slotted.

This is the best combo I have EVER tried. linear response, but it feels like there's a lot more braking power in reserve than before, especially if the vehicle is loaded.

My truck will get this combo when its due. Outstanding.


There have been discussion on this forum about slotted and/or drilled rotors and the conclusion I took away was if you are not racing your vehicle, normal rotors are best.

 

[meep]

^^^ I'd enjoy that link if you recall it. I haven't seen those threads here.

What I've learned is greater chance of messing things up with drilled than slotted. drilled provides venting AND cooling. overcooling can be counterproductive, and drilling is prone to cracking. slotting only provides pad venting.

I certainly would not put drilled rotors on a commuter vehicle. But slotted? I see no harm since it doesn't change the cooling and doesn't interfere with structure like drilling does.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: meep
^^^ I'd enjoy that link if you recall it. I haven't seen those threads here.

What I've learned is greater chance of messing things up with drilled than slotted. drilled provides venting AND cooling. overcooling can be counterproductive, and drilling is prone to cracking. slotting only provides pad venting.

I certainly would not put drilled rotors on a commuter vehicle. But slotted? I see no harm since it doesn't change the cooling and doesn't interfere with structure like drilling does.


http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubb...rue#Post2981615

 

[Da Game]

Just put on a set (4) of Beck/Arnley's rotors anyone have experience with this manufactureer?

 

[tommygunn]

Originally Posted By: Da Game
Just put on a set (4) of Beck/Arnley's rotors anyone have experience with this manufactureer?


Beck Arnley is not a manufacturer. They just rebox other brands' products. Most of their stuff is good quality though, which is rare for reboxers.

 

[stephen9666]

Perform a search here for more info on BA rotors. Many if them are made in Brazil, seemingly by Fremax. These ones come in a neat plastic case instead of a cardboard box.

But, they also source rotors from other countries.

As the above member mentioned, most BA stuff is good quality. I've bought a number if their parts recently and I've been mostly very happy with the quality.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: artificialist
Originally Posted By: tommygunn


And isn't the Thermoquiet also ceramic?

When I worked at Firestone, I always noticed that thermoquiet pads would be semi-met, ceramic, or organic based on whatever the car left the factory with.


We here this all the time here. Thanks for posting.

FACT> The brake pad you buy for car A may be nothing like the exact same brand for car B. Even though they share the same box, name, etc. FORMULAS VARY!

 

[meep]

Originally Posted By: Donald
Originally Posted By: meep
^^^ I'd enjoy that link if you recall it. I haven't seen those threads here.

What I've learned is greater chance of messing things up with drilled than slotted. drilled provides venting AND cooling. overcooling can be counterproductive, and drilling is prone to cracking. slotting only provides pad venting.

I certainly would not put drilled rotors on a commuter vehicle. But slotted? I see no harm since it doesn't change the cooling and doesn't interfere with structure like drilling does.


http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubb...rue#Post2981615


A nice read. Thank you. My experience was similar to Roob's. It's certainly been a good enough experience that I will likely repeat on my tundra. It sees heavy towing and is certain not endowed with oversize brakes.