Wagner severe service
What brakes do you guys use?
- Thread starter MattLawz
- Start date
Akebono Pro Act Ceramic
I’ve used a variety of brands from Rock Auto and have generally good, though mixed results. I’m warming up to the idea of using AAP rotors and pads that I can source locally. I recently installed platinum rotors and gold pads from AAP and have to say I am impressed. Rotors were painted on non contact surfaces and seemed of good quality.
I discovered Wagner TQ Semi-Metallic pads are G-G rated and downright epic good in the stopping power department. Just installed another set today!
After all is said and done, it is very hard to find great pads today, most are imported junk with less than perfect qualities. These (the TQ Semi Met) are truly superb. Fast bite, quick release, no noise, and full-on hard core braking power for enthusiast drivers like me.
I notice the edge code starts with FER. They could be reboxed Ferodo
Raybestos E3
I just ordered some Power Stop Z23 for the fronts on the '19 Pilot. Started hearing some random noises under harder braking like low groan, also MC is getting low. Checked it just before and I do have some rust on edge of rotors and front pads are very low. The rear pads still have a lot of life left. Everything is moving freely not rusted up.
I replaced the factory pads all around at 38k and fluid flushed. At that time, rears were more worn than fronts, both still had decent pad left bit it was sunny, warm and I had time. I used the Element 3 pads all around. At this point I only have about 25k on the pads. Driving style and daily use really hasn't changed so not looking to the E3 this time.
I do have the Element 3 pads/rotors/calipers on 3 other cars that have been working good but definitely noticed lately the noise backing up and first stop at end of cul-de-sac on 2 of them.
Reading here is like analysis paralysis. RA has the Wagner OEX, Padgid, Advics, E3, 3 different Power Stops, Bosch, Akebono ProAct, Centric, Dynamic friction and other less expensive.
AZ is about 5 minutes away if I wanted to try the DL Gold. The bonus for that is I could them tomorrow instead of Thursday/Friday but I still had a credit at RA that covered all but $3.
I used to like the ProAct on others as well as Wagner TQ's but the E3's with matching rotors/calipers/pads were working well with the NY winter corrosion. I did have one E3 caliper seize up resulting in an AAP rotor/caliper and then some of their "better" pads on sons Forte.
I replaced the factory pads all around at 38k and fluid flushed. At that time, rears were more worn than fronts, both still had decent pad left bit it was sunny, warm and I had time. I used the Element 3 pads all around. At this point I only have about 25k on the pads. Driving style and daily use really hasn't changed so not looking to the E3 this time.
I do have the Element 3 pads/rotors/calipers on 3 other cars that have been working good but definitely noticed lately the noise backing up and first stop at end of cul-de-sac on 2 of them.
Reading here is like analysis paralysis. RA has the Wagner OEX, Padgid, Advics, E3, 3 different Power Stops, Bosch, Akebono ProAct, Centric, Dynamic friction and other less expensive.
AZ is about 5 minutes away if I wanted to try the DL Gold. The bonus for that is I could them tomorrow instead of Thursday/Friday but I still had a credit at RA that covered all but $3.
I used to like the ProAct on others as well as Wagner TQ's but the E3's with matching rotors/calipers/pads were working well with the NY winter corrosion. I did have one E3 caliper seize up resulting in an AAP rotor/caliper and then some of their "better" pads on sons Forte.
I'm just a DIY shade-tree, but I help my friends with their brakes and do all my own and my grown kids'; so I usually do brakes 3 or 4 times a year. My go-to are Bendix. I like their Fleet Metlok stuff (semi metallic) for my own cars, but a couple of my friends insisted on ceramics and the Bendix ceramics have done well too.
Just posted up on "Latest Brake Job" thread. Front and rear Duralast Elite on '08 CRV, only available choice between multiple stores and not really time to postpone and do later.
The Element 3's up front were shot at 29k. One was also rusted in/jammed.
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2024
- Messages
- 1,472
Good results with Bosch pads, O’Reilly rotors and power stop brake kits.
I use any decent rotor and mostly factory pads nowadays.
I was using the Element 3 components for awhile, but they seem to have changed for the worse.
OE pad fitment is amazing.
I was using the Element 3 components for awhile, but they seem to have changed for the worse.
OE pad fitment is amazing.
I don't recall when I put the E3's in last time, I thought they went in easy, but the one was definitely rusted/jammed. The DL Elite with the new hardware/clips went very easy. I wiped on some copper anti-seize where the clips rest in the calipers and used the "moly grease" packet that came with the pads for the edges of pads. We'll see how that combination holds up with the NY and CT winter salt.
I like Hawk.
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2020
- Messages
- 189
Raybestos Element 3 ---
NO MORE. Last car I installed these on, they got really loud and made a grinding sound. I took the pads off to inspect them and found a lot of cracking. This is on a normally driven car---nothing extreme.
Centric PQ Pro ---
NO THANKS. These pads have performed well, but have caused excessive dusting and very dirty wheels. I won't buy these again.
Powerstop ---
YES. I've been pleased with these pads (all models) on every vehicle I've tried them on.
Semi-metallic --- on larger vehicles, if the stock pads are undersized (Chrysler Minivan) I have had better success using Semi-metallic pads.
For a mobile mechanic, I agree, better to just go with Autozone Golds for the lifetime warranty. The price is passed on the customer.
NO MORE. Last car I installed these on, they got really loud and made a grinding sound. I took the pads off to inspect them and found a lot of cracking. This is on a normally driven car---nothing extreme.
Centric PQ Pro ---
NO THANKS. These pads have performed well, but have caused excessive dusting and very dirty wheels. I won't buy these again.
Powerstop ---
YES. I've been pleased with these pads (all models) on every vehicle I've tried them on.
Semi-metallic --- on larger vehicles, if the stock pads are undersized (Chrysler Minivan) I have had better success using Semi-metallic pads.
For a mobile mechanic, I agree, better to just go with Autozone Golds for the lifetime warranty. The price is passed on the customer.
I’m always akin to try new pads and really like semi metallics. For the life of me, I can’t find these in semi, only ceramic. I miss the old days of having a choice. Raybestos eht were close but turned into corroded chunks of garbage in a winter.I discovered Wagner TQ Semi-Metallic pads are G-G rated and downright epic good in the stopping power department. Just installed another set today!
After all is said and done, it is very hard to find great pads today, most are imported junk with less than perfect qualities. These (the TQ Semi Met) are truly superb. Fast bite, quick release, no noise, and full-on hard core braking power for enthusiast drivers like me.
Hawk.
Am something like 6 sets of Hawk models on various vehicles- super happy.
The ones Im running now are the LTS pads on my trucks that I tow with frequently.
Not sure who Stillen used (I think stop tech) but I was happy with Stillen pads as well.
Am something like 6 sets of Hawk models on various vehicles- super happy.
The ones Im running now are the LTS pads on my trucks that I tow with frequently.
Not sure who Stillen used (I think stop tech) but I was happy with Stillen pads as well.
