Time for a brake job ...

[Ernie Longino]

I have a 2001 Job II ST 4X2 with approximately 70K that is in need of a brake job. I've searched the archives and read related posts but would like to get your thoughts concerning Carbon Metalic vs. Ceramic pads. (I have an eighteen foot Regal boat that I pull approximately 4 or 5 times a year, so I'm not sure if this rules out the ceramics???)



I noticed in the posts that some of you went with Akebono ProActs ... I would like reccomendations for Carbon Metalic as well.



I'm not sure about the condition of my rotars so any advice you can give me concerning rotars is appreciated.



Also, I will not be able to do the work myself ... can someone give me an idea of what to expect to pay?



Thanks ... JaxMan

 

[Sean Baltagi]

To me... the only difference is in brake dust. With ceramic pads, you get a lot less brake dust. As far as the rotors... i'm at 65k and i'm doing my rotors this weekend( you should replace the rotors afetr they have been resurfaced about twice)... expect to pay between $200-$300 for a complete job...I know nothing about mechanical things, but thats just my experiences.

 

[Scott Tanner]

i have the ceramic akebonos... no dust, and it'll stop on a dime and give you 9 cents back... in fact, when towing my trailer, it'll lock up the front tires if i get on it too much. they work ok when cold, but when they heat up they really bite. i'm using ebc slotted and dimpled rotors. i have a complete set of pictures on the brake job on my 02 2wd, if you want to see them

 

[shawn stonbraker 2]

I have ceramic pads from Advance Auto and paid like $60 for them. Worth every penny. I bought regular pads and they "shreeked" every time I hit the brakes. Not a sound from these after 5k miles. They grab pretty well and I've had to use them hard twice.

 

[Dre L]

Oh, you said Brake.



I loved my Akebono pads. Sears does a nice brake job with Wagner ThermoQuiet linings which are nice as well, but I think the Akebono's stopped better.



Pricing for the fronts can be between $150 and $200 for pads alone, rotors are about $100 each (you need 2).



Stay the hell away from midas and meineke, unless they're installing Akebono, OEM Ford, or a good brand ceramic pad. Check the packaging, If they pull out some garbage box that says "OEM Pad" walk away.



The drums and shoes you have in the rear should be a lot cheaper.

 

[Tom Schindler]

JaxMan,



Ceramic pads are not recomended for towing. If it is not recomended for towing, how can I trust them to stop my vehicle.



With that being said, I recomend only Carbon Metallic pads from Performance Friction. They are very dirty, not because they produce more dust then the ceramic pads do, but because the dust is black. The ceramic pads produce dust too. The dust is a lighter color so it doesn't show up as well. it still produces dust. my brother had them on his Dodge Avenger. He did not like them at all. Returned them and got Carbon Metallic pads. He only run's Carbon Metallic pads now.



It is unfortunate you are unable to replace the pads yourself. Shops will try to screw you when replacing pads and serviceing/replacing the pads.



The job is easy. Just take yor time and do it right. Turning the rotors should only cost about $8.00/rotor and the pads are about $50.00. A couple cans of brake fluid to bleed your brake lines to replace the fluid and that should only cost $5.00. So, for only about $75.00 you could change the pads yourself. Expect to pay $200.00 or more at a shop. They will try to sell you things you don't need.



If you know somebody that can change them, ask them to show you. It is a lesson, IMO, everyone should learn. My girlfriend knows how to do brakes. When her stock brakes went out on her Grand Am, the dealer quoted her $250.00 for new pads and if the rotors needed turned, it would be $50.00 more. We replaced the rotors and pads for under $75.00. I did the first side, she did the other. When we were finished, she looked at me and said, "is that all there is to it?". I said, "yup, thats it".





Tom