Do front and rear brake rotors need to be the same brand?

T

TheReal_DW

Joined
Feb 24, 2026
Messages
95
Location
USA
For context: I own a 130k mi. 2013 FWD Kia Sportage 2.0L T-GDI and am struggling on a first time brake job finding parts. The goal is new, quiet, and long lasting pads and rotors that fit. My rear rotors are stock, rear pads replaced @ 100k, front rotors and pads replaced @ 83k. The rotors are glazed and pads are low, 3mm front and 5mm rear from what they told me.

I got into manual repairs around last September because I felt price gouged by all the dealers around me. $650 for a valve cover gasket job, $1574 for all new brakes (both of which I declined and am now attempting myself). I changed the oil with OEM filter+Valvoline Restore and Protect myself to hopefully keep this engine in tip top shape. Also repaired the failing driver window motor+switch, and soon my loose spoiler once the 3M VHB arrives.

I was recommended rockauto and partsgeeks to find compatible brakes, but brands I was recommended like Bosch Quietcast and Advics for rotors, and for the brake pads I plan on using AKEBONO ACT1398 for $45 in rear, and AKEBONO ACT1295 for $46 in front unless there are better options im not seeing.

Problem is, I can't find Front Rotors! ADVICS R6R239U for $44/per or BOSCH 28011488 QuietCast for $34/per are both for the rear, but nothing for the fronts? I was looking for advice on whether differently branded F/R rotors was looked down upon or if I can find the right brakes somewhere else?

Kia.webp
 
Just looked up your vehicle here in Canada from max brakes I can get four rotors and pads starting at $227.10 plus tax
 
Lubener said:
The only requirement is that all rotors need to be round.....
Click to expand...
Well, straight is nice too!
Can tire has front rotors and kits. I don't worry about having the same brake pads front to back either, although you should probably get something similar on both ends, not mixing good performance brakes with white box specials.
I just get OE or OE+ from can tire most of the time.
 
TheReal_DW said:
For context: I own a 130k mi. 2013 FWD Kia Sportage 2.0L T-GDI and am struggling on a first time brake job finding parts. The goal is new, quiet, and long lasting pads and rotors that fit. My rear rotors are stock, rear pads replaced @ 100k, front rotors and pads replaced @ 83k. The rotors are glazed and pads are low, 3mm front and 5mm rear from what they told me.

I got into manual repairs around last September because I felt price gouged by all the dealers around me. $650 for a valve cover gasket job, $1574 for all new brakes (both of which I declined and am now attempting myself). I changed the oil with OEM filter+Valvoline Restore and Protect myself to hopefully keep this engine in tip top shape. Also repaired the failing driver window motor+switch, and soon my loose spoiler once the 3M VHB arrives.

I was recommended rockauto and partsgeeks to find compatible brakes, but brands I was recommended like Bosch Quietcast and Advics for rotors, and for the brake pads I plan on using AKEBONO ACT1398 for $45 in rear, and AKEBONO ACT1295 for $46 in front unless there are better options im not seeing.

Problem is, I can't find Front Rotors! ADVICS R6R239U for $44/per or BOSCH 28011488 QuietCast for $34/per are both for the rear, but nothing for the fronts? I was looking for advice on whether differently branded F/R rotors was looked down upon or if I can find the right brakes somewhere else?

View attachment 326684
Click to expand...
Is this FWD or AWD?
 
There are raybestos element 3 rotors available for front and rear.

I'd probably use the bosch on the back and element 3 on the front.

If you dont like raybestos element 3, Dynamic friction for the front

Akebono pads are usually good
there are at least 5 different pads on rockauto I would use with no worries.

I have to say if you had to ask this question, do you know enough to do a quality brake job? its not hard but its very important to get it right.
 
Rand said:
There are raybestos element 3 rotors available for front and rear.

I'd probably use the bosch on the back and element 3 on the front.

If you dont like raybestos element 3, Dynamic friction for the front

Akebono pads are usually good
there are at least 5 different pads on rockauto I would use with no worries.

I have to say if you had to ask this question, do you know enough to do a quality brake job? its not hard but its very important to get it right.
Click to expand...
ive got a friend who works on cars a lot who is going to assist
 
Rand said:
There are raybestos element 3 rotors available for front and rear.

I'd probably use the bosch on the back and element 3 on the front.

If you dont like raybestos element 3, Dynamic friction for the front

Akebono pads are usually good
there are at least 5 different pads on rockauto I would use with no worries.

I have to say if you had to ask this question, do you know enough to do a quality brake job? its not hard but its very important to get it right.
Click to expand...
which would produce the least dust and noise?
 
It looks like there are even fewer for the front than yesterday. The elements 3 were good a few years ago but are total crap today, the quality took a nose dive, the parent company is bankrupt.
I would probably try the Centric for the front rotors
 
Trav said:
It looks like there are even fewer for the front than yesterday. The elements 3 were good a few years ago but are total crap today, the quality took a nose dive, the parent company is bankrupt.
I would probably try the Centric for the front rotors
Click to expand...
Can confirm element3 quality. Turrble now
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

J
Are All Rotors the Same?
2 3 4
Replies
63
Views
3K
JoeDirt41
T
Changed Brakes on my own, creaking noise is still there!!
2
Replies
21
Views
327
lmdshepherd
T
Are the dealers trying to scam me on brakes?
2 3
Replies
47
Views
2K
CBODY67
N
Bendix PriorityOne rotors.
Replies
7
Views
675
2strokeNorthstar
D
Putting together a brake package
Replies
16
Views
668
DCDG
Back
Top Bottom