Powerstop Z36 or DFC Ultimate Duty Pads

[The Critic]

I need to replace the front rotors on my truck due to pulsation. For experimentation reasons, I am looking to try a different set of front pads.

Does anyone have experience with either model?

 

[Kalle.J]

If the discs were warped by excessive heat woulnd't OEM (stockish) pads or a disc size upgrade be better?

 

[mattd]

I use the Z36 package on my super duty

 

[JWC86]

IDK what truck you have but powerstop is the "go to" for HD trucks(3/4 & 1 Ton).

 

[atikovi]

I equate Powerstop with Pepboys or Ebay specials. If you want a boutique brand, R1 had some nice rotors. Otherwise Raybestos E3 or oem.

 

[The Critic]

I use the Z36 package on my super duty

How is the cold temp performance?

 

[I<3oil]

IDK what truck you have but powerstop is the "go to" for HD trucks(3/4 & 1 Ton).

Yeah but not everyone wants drilled and/or slotted rotors, especially on a HD truck. So that kinda takes the Z36 out of the running.

 

[I<3oil]

I equate Powerstop with Pepboys or Ebay specials. If you want a boutique brand, R1 had some nice rotors. Otherwise Raybestos E3 or oem.

I love your posts. They always crack me up.

 

[atikovi]

Yeah but not everyone wants drilled and/or slotted rotors, especially on a HD truck.

But the boy racers all love that stuff.

 

[mattd]

How is the cold temp performance?

Good so far. I am really not hard on the brakes cold. They do bite a bit harder when warmer though. I do notice that.

 

[chris719]

I like the Brembo NAO pads so far on my Mazda 3. Better initial bite than the Raybestos EHT. The fit and finish of the pads and shim was really nice.

 

[edyvw]

Of those two? Probably Powerstop.
I personally would go with EBC rotors and their Greensstuff or Redstuff pads, or their truck-specific pads.

 

[t1snwrbrdr12]

Not that it’s applicable really, but after my experience with dynamic friction / r1 performance (all in the same from what I saw…same part numbers same addresses) I wouldn’t use them again.

My pads don’t fit right, they’re a little small, so they clunk back and forth in the front caliper brackets on parking lot maneuvers when you stop and switch direction and stop again.

The rotors looked nice. I bought their fully coated ones because I HATE seeing rust through wheels. I also painted them before using them as I wanted black instead of gray. My paint didn’t adhere well…my fault I suppose, but I thought being brand new that caliper paint would adhere. But beyond that, they’re rusting through their own gray coating too. They also began pulsating extremely quick, way quicker than the Mazda oem rotors. I do live in a Washington DC suburb with bad traffic, though.

 

[drtyler]

It's early, but I just installed DFC Ultimate on a 2nd gen Tundra with stock wheels. They fit fine. I honestly haven't driven much since installing, so we'll see. I hesitate to comment on brake pads until I've had several thousand miles of driving behind them.

The EBC truck and suv pads (orange) are ok, but they are stupid expensive. They also use shims on the pistons, rather than the pads. I never found them to be better than the old Centric Fleet Performance pads. Unfortunately, the Centric Fleet Performance pads have changed formulation.

The Z36 seem to be a known quantity, but I suspect the formulation has changed there as well. I fell for DFC's marketing videos over the glossy Powerstop ads.

 

[The Critic]

Ordered the DFC Ultimate (1400 series) pads. Will report back.

 

[drtyler]

After a few months of use, the DFC Ultimate are stopping truck well. Pedal feels better with these over OE Toyota pads. Fit in the calipers was good, and hardware was perfectly acceptable. They are not noisy at all, so far.

They do create levels of dust typical of European car brake pads, which was not unexpected. In comparison, the OE Toyota pads produced very little dust.

For the price and based on my limited use so far, they are good truck pads. Now we see if they last as long as the Toyota pads (60k miles).

 

[The Critic]

Ordered the DFC Ultimate (1400 series) pads. Will report back.

Mine are still in the box. I will get around to it....some day.

 

[D60]

After a few months of use, the DFC Ultimate are stopping truck well. Pedal feels better with these over OE Toyota pads. Fit in the calipers was good, and hardware was perfectly acceptable. They are not noisy at all, so far.

They do create levels of dust typical of European car brake pads, which was not unexpected. In comparison, the OE Toyota pads produced very little dust.

For the price and based on my limited use so far, they are good truck pads. Now we see if they last as long as the Toyota pads (60k miles).

Thank you, a buddy just asked about his '15 Tundra today. He has an in-bed camper and would like an upgrade if possible.

I also wonder about Bendix Fleet Metlock? They appear to offer them for the Tundra.

Finally, is DFC Dynamic Friction, or something else?

 

[drtyler]

Thank you, a buddy just asked about his '15 Tundra today. He has an in-bed camper and would like an upgrade if possible.

I also wonder about Bendix Fleet Metlock? They appear to offer them for the Tundra.

Finally, is DFC Dynamic Friction, or something else?

Bendix Fleet Metlock are usually ok, but I have not used them in recent years. Most pad formulations have changed across the board. Bendix is now part of MAT Holdings, which I would not consider as positive.

Yes, DFC is Dynamic Friction.

 

[nthach]

Bendix Fleet Metlock are usually ok, but I have not used them in recent years. Most pad formulations have changed across the board. Bendix is now part of MAT Holdings, which I would not consider as positive.

Yes, DFC is Dynamic Friction.

Yea, I have a feeling Bendix isn’t too far off from Duralast Gold/WearEver/BrakeBest Select - all made by MAT in India.