Performance brake pads & rotors

[Lewis&Clark]

After 114,000 miles, it's time to finally replace the original pads and rotors on my 4R. The rotors shake badly when driving, and the pads have only 3mm left on them.

I'll be doing this work myself (with help from a friend who actually knows what he's doing), and it's my first "major" mechanical project. (By my standards...I know how to fill the gas tank... ;D)

A couple questions:

1. What are my best (read: cheapest) sources for buying pads and rotors?

2. Are there such things as "performance" pads/rotors? I'd like to get the longest life and best braking performance possible. What should I be looking for?

3. A plus, but not a requirement: if there's any pads or rotors I can get to help ease the truck's tendency to inch forward when at a stop with the AC on (unless you have a lot of pressure on the brake pedal), that'd be cool.

 

[HiVel-JR]

A couple questions:

1. What are my best (read: cheapest) sources for buying pads and rotors?

2. Are there such things as "performance" pads/rotors? I'd like to get the longest life and best braking performance possible. What should I be looking for?

3. A plus, but not a requirement: if there's any pads or rotors I can get to help ease the truck's tendency to inch forward when at a stop with the AC on (unless you have a lot of pressure on the brake pedal), that'd be cool.

Answer to #1 - get online with a car parts store and use their online discounts/coupons. I have an advanced auto account and can typically get somewhere around 20 to 25% every time i shop there.

I buy it online, then drive down the street and pick up the order.

***Rotors and pads are not hard, just tiring work. especially if you have to beat the front rotors off.

#2 - most stick to OEM stuff, others go to NAPA etc.. and get their premium warrantied parts.

#3 - sorry, (at least with my experience) it still happens no matter what.

 

[YotaDriver]

Check Amazon for Centric Premium rotors and Akebono pads. You can purchase for all four wheels for under $300.

 

[HiVel-JR]

Check Amazon for Centric Premium rotors and Akebono pads. You can purchase for all for wheels for under $300.

Yes, agreed, was going to mention that as well.

If you have a prime account you can buy your stuff right now for a better price than anywhere else and then pay $8.99 to have it dropped at your front door tomorrow (Saturday).

 

[ben550]

Answer to #1 - get online with a car parts store and use their online discounts/coupons. I have an advanced auto account and can typically get somewhere around 20 to 25% every time i shop there.

I buy it online, then drive down the street and pick up the order.

***Rotors and pads are not hard, just tiring work. especially if you have to beat the front rotors off.

#2 - most stick to OEM stuff, others go to NAPA etc.. and get their premium warrantied parts.

#3 - sorry, (at least with my experience) it still happens no matter what.

I have done this many times. Its a great way to get very discounted parts. you can find $40 off or 30% off orders at advance auto by google searching their coupon codes... Break up the order into separate orders to maximize savings.

Check Amazon for Centric Premium rotors and Akebono pads. You can purchase for all for wheels for under $300.

I have bought both the Akebono pads and Centric Premium rotors from Amazon and have been happy as well.

 

[DisguisedRope]

3. A plus, but not a requirement: if there's any pads or rotors I can get to help ease the truck's tendency to inch forward when at a stop with the AC on (unless you have a lot of pressure on the brake pedal), that'd be cool.

Does you T4R creep forward with AC on @ traffic light?

 

[HiVel-JR]

Does you T4R creep forward with AC on @ traffic light?

I did this and i think mine still creeps... i will have to check today out driving around. But i replaced my lines with TOYTEC stainless steel front and back.

Hmmmm.

 

[riceandpho]

remember to flush out the brake fluid with fresh fluid since you add new parts. Want to take advantage of that.

 

[dixie_boysles]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AN..._SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=powerstop+koe2422

Best deal for the money for a great brand.

Just out this kit on myself

 

[ghs215]

No need for any of that fancy drilled/slotted stuff...Just go buy autozone high end with lifetime warranty. If it ever give you trouble, pop it off, get new for free, no questions asked and keep driving.

 

[DEF4Runner]

Can't go wrong with Akebono

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C1LLPA?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

 

[robaroni]

A lot of people have been upgrading to 5th Gen rotors, pads and calipers in the front. The feedback has been very positive on the improved breaking characteristics. I'm looking at a 5th Gen Powerstop kit and Centric calipers.