Time to do front brakes - Opinions pads/rotors

[Oldswagon]

I just put my winter tires on my '93 2WD Suburban the other day, and discovered it's due for front brakes. Rather than turning the rotors, I am going to replace them too.

For pads, I have decided to go with PBR most likely (best bang for the buck). I have narrowed the choice down to PBR 4WD super, which is their semi-metallic long lasting brake designed for trucks/SUVs/Fleet use. But I am also considering PBR ultimate ceramics, which supposedly stop far stronger than any other pad they make. This beast of a Suburban could definitely use stronger braking, even if it means shorter life span on the pads (it hauls a lot of weight fairly often).

So far I have found both PBR, Wagner and Brembo rotors for good prices. I used PBR rotors on another car I have, and they were decent, but made in China. Still too new to see how they will hold up. I am leaning towards the Brembos, since they are only a few dollars more and probably the highest quality (these are the OEM style Brembo's, not slotted or drilled).

Any recommendations or experiences with any of the above?

 

[HTSS_TR]

I have PBR Deluxe Plus pads and Brembo rotors on my MB E430, they stop very good and very little brake dust. PBR Ultimate Ceramics is better than Deluxe Plus, it will give you shorter braking distance with heavy loads that your Suburban can carry.

 

[2oldtommy]

Oldswagon, You cant go wrong with Brembo rotors. IMO they are the best. Take a look at Hawk brake pads. They have several types that you can choose from. I recently replaced OEM pads on my Mazda Protege with Hawk HPS pads and Brembo rotors and the results are amazing. Amazon has the pads at a great price. you can find cheaper pads but none better IMO.FWIW----Oldtommy

 

[XCELERATIONRULES]

I just buy the cheapest rotors available,and change them often.
Any rotor will warp if you heat them up down long grades or decelerating off the freeway.
Most people have no idea how hot brakes get.
The way I drive,the pads are more important.

 

[PT1]

Raybestos Advanced Technology Rotors & pads are excellent IMO.

 

[mechanicx]

Originally Posted By: PT1
Raybestos Advanced Technology Rotors & pads are excellent IMO.


I agree. Their PG plus are pretty good too especially for the price.

 

[compnurd]

after long debate Raybestos PG Rotors and Autozone Cmax pads

 

[mrsilv04]

I just go to the local Farm-Fleet supply store, and buy Raybestos "Professional Grade" everything. I put it all on, and don't have any problems.

Plus, I don't have to worry about overpaying for the quality that I get.

 

[bigmike]

If they make it, I always buy Powerslot rotors and Hawk brakes. I swear by them. The only difference has been my Silverado, which gets OEM brakes because they last so long and Powerslots.

 

[Oldswagon]

Well, I think I am going to go with the Brembo rotors for sure. I am just not sure about the pads yet.

I can get the best deal on the PBR's, the Metal Master, 4WD Super and Ultimate are all about the same price.

I can get Wagner Thermo Quiets for about $10 more, but the top line Raybestos are considerbly more expensive. The "mid line" Raybestos are cheaper than even the PBR's, but I am not sure what line those are (that's how the part store described them).

And for reference, my current rotors are not warped, but the one side is too thin to machine (I had a dragging Caliper that wore it exessively). That said, since this is a 2WD truck, it has the hub built into the rotor, so I don't like changing rotor's unless I have too. That's why I am willing to buy a good quality rotor.

 

[mechtech2]

Semi metallic pads usually stop better than ceramic pads.
But they make a lot more dust than ceramics.
Look for the rating on the side of the pad.
It will read something like EE, EF,FF.
This is warm and hot performance - how well they bite and grab.
The later/higher the letter, the better the grab.

I like cheaper rotors, because even expensive ones are no sure thing.
But I like the best pads that you can get.

 

[nthach]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Semi metallic pads usually stop better than ceramic pads.
But they make a lot more dust than ceramics.
Look for the rating on the side of the pad.
It will read something like EE, EF,FF.
This is warm and hot performance - how well they bite and grab.
The later/higher the letter, the better the grab.

There are some ceramics that dust quite a bit - Monroe Ceramics come to mind. Also, some semi-metallic pads have poor to sub-par cold bite until they warm up.

 

[JustinC25]

Raybestos Professional Grade (Blue Box) Ceramic, or Semi-Metallic pads.
I personally like the Ceramic formulations, Though they say semi-metallic are better for towing. This being said I have Ceramics in Dad's Tundra, and I tow with it rather frequently.
His trailer is about 2000 Lbs, and I put cars on it. So 5000 Lbs or so, and it stops fine. Also, the trailer brakes are not hooked up right now. (Though they will be soon.)

For rotors I would go with the Brembo's, or Raybestos.
Also with it being a 2wd I would change your inner, & outer wheel bearings, and grease seals. (Since you will have them apart already.) Bearings are cheap.

I have used these pads in several cars and trucks and never had a problem.

Justin

 

[Oldswagon]

Mechtech, thanks for the info on brake pad ratings. I'll have to see what I can dig up.

Again, I am simply looking for the best pad for the money that offers good braking and decent stopping power. Improving stopping power would be nice. It's too bad you can't try out brakes before you buy them.

As for the wheel bearings and seals, I already planned to change them as well. I've never cahnged them before, the service records I have suggest they have never been changed. After over 210K miles, I figure it's cheap insurance.

And brake dust is not a huge concern for me.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Oldswagon
Mechtech, thanks for the info on brake pad ratings. I'll have to see what I can dig up.


Keeping a balanced braking system is very important.

If you install an aggressive pad in the front, you must do the same to the rear or else you risk having problems.

With that said, PBR ceramics are very aggressive pads that tend to be dusty and a tad noisy, but stop very well.