Originally Posted By: badtlc
I'd been looking at the Raybestos pads and drums from Rock Auto. I was looking at their ceramics. I want some pads that dust less. The rotors have a "zero turn guarantee." Is that like guaranteeing the rotors for life?
Their Advanced Technology ceramics work fine as long as you are not picky about performance. They perform as well as any other premium ceramic pad, but if you're looking for high performance, this isn't your best choice.
A "zero turn guarantee" means that the rotors will not have excessive runout when you receive them. That doesn't mean the runout will be in-spec when you install them onto your car. In order to minimize runout with an installed rotor, it is important to clean the hub flange.
Originally Posted By: badtlc
OK, so the c-clamp is cheap. What about lubrication? It seems like there are many places that need lubed properly but I'm not sure where. I also saw something about carb cleaner to clean off a coating on the rotors. I'm clueless about that, too.
I use dish soap and water to wash off the rotors if there is a packing oil. After drying the rotor, I spray some brake/carb cleaner on there and give it a final wipe. I do this for both new and resurfaced rotors. It is especially important to follow this procedure for resurfaced rotors.
Originally Posted By: badtlc
Finally, will drum brakes really last that much longer than the front disc brakes? I won't need to do them all at the same time?
Yes, drums usually last at least two sets of front pads. You need to clean and adjust them every 15k at the minimum, especially on heavier applications, to allow for balanced braking and to prevent glazing the front pads.