Brake Rotors for the long commuter

[scootermcrad]

Well, it's time. I've done pretty good with my '07 4Runner up until I moved and got a job with a long commute. I spend a lot of time in hectic traffic going to work and coming home. I know I'm due to replace the rotors this time. I'm reluctant to use Toyota's OE replacements. I've liked their pads, thus far, but am open to alternatives.

I see some of you have tried Brembo, NAPA, EBC, etc.. Vented, non-vented, etc.

What a good combo for everyday insane traffic driving?

Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[TeamAllen]

I just put EBC UltraMax rotors on our 03. I went with the larger diameter rotor for a sport model and matching size caliper with OEM pads.

 

[talonjade]

What kind of improvments did you see when you switched to the EBC rotors?
P/N's?

 

[SCSPerformance]

Are you experiencing vibrations during braking or feeling grooves on the rotors? One cheap alternative is to have them resurfaced if you're getting vibrations. I've always had good results with Brembo blanks with Hawk pads. Centric is also another quality brand for rotors and pads.

Be sure to get your old fluids flushed out and add some stainless steel braided brake lines if you want a firmer brake pedal.

 

[aha2988]

Are you experiencing vibrations during braking or feeling grooves on the rotors? One cheap alternative is to have them resurfaced if you're getting vibrations. I've always had good results with Brembo blanks with Hawk pads. Centric is also another quality brand for rotors and pads.

Be sure to get your old fluids flushed out and add some stainless steel braided brake lines if you want a firmer brake pedal.

He's replaced all his rotors & pads and flushed his fluid
this is his issue :http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/130849-brake-noise-when-selecting-reverse.html

 

[scootermcrad]

Just getting back to this...

Any more input?

TeamAllen - What calipers are those?? Would love to have some P/N's as well. I hate bleeding brakes, and hadn't thought of doing a brake line change at all, but if changing from hoses to braided flex lines, I may consider it.

BTTT

 

[zimm]

EBC Ultimax USR rotors. EBC yellow stuff pads up front (race pads)- lots of dust and more braking power. Green in the rear (only compound available) which is their more street friendly version.

 

[scootermcrad]

So, based on the responses here, I've been thinking of going with the EBC USR sport rotors.

2007 TOYOTA 4RUNNER EBC USR Series Sport Rotors USR7238 - SummitRacing.com

How do we feel about brake pads for the long daily commute? The yellow stuff pads sounds awesome, but will green stuff be better for the commuter? Should I stick with OEM pads?

Planning on just doing the fronts, for now. The rears are in pretty good shape and still have some decent life left in them. I'll end up swapping in the same EBC rotors out back and make a pad decision then. Going to stick with stock calipers all the way around and I think I'll leave the lines alone for now. I have some plans to do a small lift and level later on. I'll probably address the flex lines then.

Thoughts on the pads with these EBC sport rotors?

Thanks guys! This is a big help!

 

[zimm]

Those are the bigger 13.3" rotors for the sport and limited. Do you have those or the smaller SR5 rotors?

I'd go green pads all around from EBC. I ordered yellows at first, then called summit to change to green, but it never did change- yellows showed up. I like 'em but they dust a lot!

Keep all the stock shims off your pads and put them on the EBC's. Mine are quiet and don't squeak.

 

[scootermcrad]

Those are the bigger 13.3" rotors for the sport and limited. Do you have those or the smaller SR5 rotors?

I'd go green pads all around from EBC. I ordered yellows at first, then called summit to change to green, but it never did change- yellows showed up. I like 'em but they dust a lot!

Keep all the stock shims off your pads and put them on the EBC's. Mine are quiet and don't squeak.

Shoot! I just saw that... I have an SR5.

Is this what I'm after, then?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ebc-usr7237/overview/year/2007/make/toyota/model/4runner

Maybe I'll just use the 7000 series Greenstuff pads, then. These?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ebc-dp71657/overview/year/2007/make/toyota/model/4runner

 

[zimm]

Here're the smaller front rotors.

TOYOTA 4RUNNER EBC USR Series Sport Rotors USR7237 - SummitRacing.com

 

[scootermcrad]

Here're the smaller front rotors.

TOYOTA 4RUNNER EBC USR Series Sport Rotors USR7237 - SummitRacing.com

Yep! Thanks! Seems like a slam dunk. I think I'll go with the green 7000 series greenstuff pads for the "little extra" EBC claims they give.

I appreciate the help!

 

[M1911]

If you are changing calipers and rotors, then I'd order the larger size and get the new backing plates that you need as well.

 

[scootermcrad]

If you are changing calipers and rotors, then I'd order the larger size and get the new backing plates that you need as well.

Nope. Staying with the stock calipers, for the time being. Thanks for the tip, though.

 

[M1911]

Keep it in mind for when (not if) your calipers seize.

 

[jimmied]

Do sport calipers seize just as much as sr5/limited rotors

 

[riceandpho]

I use ebay brake motive drill and slot rotors, ebc green 6000 pads front and back, works fine so far, its time for a pad swap so i got the yellows on order. Ebc dp41657r for front and dp4993r for the back, had to use the lexus gx model to get the yellow rears, hopefully they will fit.

 

[scootermcrad]

Keep it in mind for when (not if) your calipers seize.

WHOA! Enlighten me on the subject. I haven't had any issues, as of yet. What's the scoop and what's the solution??

 

[MikeInNH]

WHOA! Enlighten me on the subject. I haven't had any issues, as of yet. What's the scoop and what's the solution??

Then you're one of the very very few who haven't had a problem.

The problem is with the Calipers. There are 4 pistons in this design. And over time one or more of the calipers tend to stick. When this happens you'll get a vibration in the steering-wheel when you brake (just like you have a warped rotor).

The solution is to replace the rotors. I suggest you get them from a place that offers life-time replacement on the rotors. I'm on my 3rd replacement set of rotors with (225k miles).

There is no aftermarket rotor solution. The ones you buy at places like ADAP and NAPA are just rebuilt OEM calipers. So no matter which ones you buy it'll keep happening. The problem probably occurs more here in the North East because of our harsh snowy winters.

 

[M1911]

WHOA! Enlighten me on the subject. I haven't had any issues, as of yet. What's the scoop and what's the solution??

The solution is to buy a new set of rotors, pads, and calipers. That works great right up until the new set of calipers seizes. I've replaced my front calipers twice and my rear calipers once. I can't ever remember replacing calipers on a vehicle before (lots of pads and rotors, of course).

My independent mechanic said that Toyota has improved the caliper design to address this issue, but I'm not holding my breath. I expect that I'll get to replace them again in another 30k miles.