Rotors and brake pads recommendations?

[unevolved]

Do you need a micrometer to measure the rotors or will calipers work?

Calipers will work just fine.

 

[paraordnance]

I second Powerstop, they been just incredible for me so far (2 years). I went from OEM to NAPA/Raybestos and now I wear Powerstop Z23 Evolution slotted/drilled rotors & ceramic pads kit.

Let me tell you from first hand experience, OEM doesn't even come close to Powerstop rotors in performance department (braking distance, fade and feel). I have to note that I upped the rotors size from stock 319 mm to 338 mm so performance improvement could have come from larger brakes. The fit and finish on Evolution rotors quite impressive and they still look almost as new when OEM or NAPA rotors simply rust away.

OEM rotors/pads are at least twice the money. Powerstop ceramic pads also completely dust free, as I can't see and deposits on rims even after a months of avoiding the car wash.
I no longer have any warp/pulsating problems with these rotors/pads either. But OEM will last longer on average.

 

[sr3tlaw]

[MENTION=39478]paraordnance[/MENTION] powerstop doesn't make calipers for the 13.3" rotors though

Not sure about the rotors

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[unevolved]

I second Powerstop, they been just incredible for me so far (2 years). I went from OEM to NAPA/Raybestos and now I wear Powerstop Z23 Evolution slotted/drilled rotors & ceramic pads kit.

Keep an eye out for cracks. As soon as a crack reaches the perimeter, it's time to replace them. Drilled rotors are prone to it.

 

[paraordnance]

[MENTION=39478]paraordnance[/MENTION] powerstop doesn't make calipers for the 13.3" rotors though

Not sure about the rotors

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the caliper shown in my pictures is Toyota OEM remanufactured unit (really nice quality), rotors and pads are Powerstop

 

[paraordnance]

Keep an eye out for cracks. As soon as a crack reaches the perimeter, it's time to replace them. Drilled rotors are prone to it.

I'll keep an eye for it but so far so good. I'm sure I not going to get same mileage from them as I did from OEM. But I also think there are a lot of myths going around. Some people will say how bad slotted/drilled rotors are without ever trying them out. :lol: It is also highly dependent on quality of rotors and materials. Do you see cracked drilled rotors on Porsche's and Ferrari's very often?
I was also skeptical at first, the cheap price actually spooked me off but after I ordered them and installed I could not believe the difference. Its been 2 years and I can safely say they passed the test. They wear evenly and no signs of corrosion anywhere. OEM or other non-coated rotors will be all covered with rust by now.
The only huge problem with drilled/slotted rotors is the mud. If you wheel periodically or often they would be horrible choice. I never go in the mud, but people say they will wear out prematurely as cuts and holes will fill up with mud and become abrasive.

 

[unevolved]

Do you see cracked drilled rotors on Porsche's and Ferrari's very often?

Actually yes. I work for a road racing shop. We've got a failed M3 rotor sitting on the counter as an example to customers of what to watch out for.

Most "high end" professional-level cars will have slotted rotors, not drilled. Drilled looks cool, but when keeping brakes cool REALLY matters, it's not what you need. You need huge amounts of airflow, not strength-compromising holes.

Sorry, enough of a tangent. This is a 4Runner forum, not racecar forum. Just be aware of the potential failure methods.

 

[zimdba]

Actually yes. I work for a road racing shop. We've got a failed M3 rotor sitting on the counter as an example to customers of what to watch out for.

Most "high end" professional-level cars will have slotted rotors, not drilled. Drilled looks cool, but when keeping brakes cool REALLY matters, it's not what you need. You need huge amounts of airflow, not strength-compromising holes.

Sorry, enough of a tangent. This is a 4Runner forum, not racecar forum. Just be aware of the potential failure methods.

So you've never seen me drive? Nor the guy who used to track his 4Runner (@skylinegtracer I think)?
/s

I've heard the same issues with drilled rotors, so I'll keep to the slotted rotors.

 

[riceandpho]

been using powerslot slotted rotors ( stoptech, centric brand) with hawk lts pad. so far so good. also i did change out the brake lines to all stoptech stainless steel lines. i did use the ebay brakemotive rotors before, i beleive they might be the same as powerstop kits, they were alright. but i did use to use ebc yellow pads with it. it made my wheels dusty everyweek. now with the new setup, wheel dust is very minimal compared to before.

 

[paraordnance]

Most "high end" professional-level cars will have slotted rotors, not drilled

That is outright false statement, I don't know how you can say it when almost all hyper performance cars are actually other way around (they wear drilled but not slotted rotors) if you pay attention to their brakes. This is exactly how the myths are born.

Bugatti veyron brakes

Ferrari 458/California brakes

Lamborghini Gallardo brakes

I know some of them carbon fiber rotors but thats not the point. Do you think engineers at Scuderia, Bologne or elsewhere are stupid and we know more than they do? Telling that all drilled rotors are prone no failure is just absurd in my opinion. Its got way more to do with how rotors designed and what materials are used then simply blaming the "holes" for possible failure

 

[unevolved]

That is outright false statement, I don't know how you can say it when almost all hyper performance cars are actually other way around (they wear drilled but not slotted rotors) if you pay attention to their brakes. This is exactly how the myths are born.

Bugatti veyron brakes

Ferrari 458/California brakes

Lamborghini Gallardo brakes

I know some of them carbon fiber rotors but thats not the point. Do you think engineers at Scuderia, Bologne or elsewhere are stupid and we know more than they do? Telling that all drilled rotors are prone no failure is just absurd in my opinion. Its got way more to do with how rotors designed and what materials are used then simply blaming the "holes" for possible failure

Three out of those four rotors are carbon. Totally different behaviors, materials, and failure modes. That absolutely has a lot to do with it.

I really don't want to get in an argument, but I think you'd be surprised how many production performance cars on the market today have tons of design concessions for budgetary or aesthetic reasons. Every car is a compromise. Case in point, a new Z06. Tell me that's a well-designed car from a thermal standpoint with a straight face.

By "professional" cars I meant endurance road racing cars. Like the new Ford GT that's kicking ass in IMSA and FIA LM GTE:

Or the Ferrari 488 GTE:

You could find more examples if you'd like, but drilled rotors aren't going to be common in any series that bans carbon rotors.

I never said drilled rotors are going to explode or anything like that, just wanted anyone running them to be aware of the most common failure mode.

 

[grave]

I've been doing lots of reading today on rotors and pads and, thanks to everyone's comments in the myriad rotor/pad threads, i'll be picking up some centric premium rotors and hawk 5.0 pads. my truck does see the dirt fairly often, sometimes mud (yes, even in southern california!) so i decided against slotted rotors. having said that, i have a couple of n00b questions...

the centric premium rotors are not L/R specific are they? i can just buy two of these and be good?

More Information for CENTRIC 12044127


and the hawk 5.0 are sold in pairs, right? judging by the box in the photo, i would say yes. but the description says "Brake Pad," singular. does $52 for two brake pads sound right? is there any reason to believe these are sold individually?

https://www.amazon.com/Hawk-Perform...id=1484080453&sr=1-1&keywords=hawk+HB490B.665

thanks for all the input!

 

[zimdba]

I can't imagine that they only sell one side. I don't know if the box is identical (since I tossed mine months ago). But mine did come as a pair.

Edit: part number is the same: HB490B.665. I paid $65 at Auto Anything. This is a good price.

 

[theladyviola]

My Power Stop K2421 set came in yesterday. $175 set for $75. Ask me if I care about slotted or not at that price? I don't do heavy off-road so it's not a concern. And I've never had a problem with the drilled/slotted rotors on my other vehicles.


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[grave]

I can't imagine that they only sell one side. I don't know if the box is identical (since I tossed mine months ago). But mine did come as a pair.

Edit: part number is the same: HB490B.665. I paid $65 at Auto Anything. This is a good price.

thanks! i will be buying today.

 

[Beaumont67]

I second Powerstop, they been just incredible for me so far (2 years). I went from OEM to NAPA/Raybestos and now I wear Powerstop Z23 Evolution slotted/drilled rotors & ceramic pads kit.

Great documentation paraordnance
I used Powerstop Kit, on my 2005 Jimmy once.
- drilled & slotted premium rotors plus their ceramic pads
- 4 wheel Kit @ $152 US$, shipped from Chicago to Port Huron, MI.
- did a cross boarder drive, to pickup brake kit
- unfortunately the fronts fit like a gem / rear kit was wrong part # shipped
- fronts worked great, and are very slow to rust / on a vehicle, that is used as a spare
^^ Local NAPA/UAP would have been $700 CDN incl. HST...:shrug:

Now for my wife's 2008 RAV4 Limited v6 brake kit - this time, I chose a brake kit company, out of Toronto, Canada area / MaxBrakes . com
- totally impressed with them / they also ship to the States
- rear rotors fit like a glove and I broke them in hard (for 10-15 miles) to get rid of coating & initial chatter
- stopping distance is noticeably improved / and alloy rims stay clean, with their ceramic pads
4 wheel kit was like $270 CDN, shipped to my door / next day delivery.
- my go to brake company now / superior product, shipped right out of Ontario
I was most impressed in having a choice in Cast Iron grades (G-3500), and rotors are indeed thick / huge $$ savings over Toyota or NAPA/UAP.

ELITE xDS Series, T4R Gen4: Brake Rotors - ELITE xDS Series
Cross-Drilled and Slotted Disc Brake Rotors
- Manufactured from G-3500 Grade Grey Iron
- Meets or Exceeds OEM Standards
- ELITE Anti-Rust Coating
- 100% Guaranteed Fitment* - 1 Year Manufacturer's Warranty*

 

[paraordnance]

Great documentation paraordnance
I used Powerstop Kit, on my 2005 Jimmy once.
- drilled & slotted premium rotors plus their ceramic pads
- 4 wheel Kit @ $152 US$, shipped from Chicago to Port Huron, MI.
- did a cross boarder drive, to pickup brake kit
- unfortunately the fronts fit like a gem / rear kit was wrong part # shipped
- fronts worked great, and are very slow to rust / on a vehicle, that is used as a spare
^^ Local NAPA/UAP would have been $700 CDN incl. HST...:shrug:

Now for my wife's 2008 RAV4 Limited v6 brake kit - this time, I chose a brake kit company, out of Toronto, Canada area / MaxBrakes . com
- totally impressed with them / they also ship to the States
- rear rotors fit like a glove and I broke them in hard (for 10-15 miles) to get rid of coating & initial chatter
- stopping distance is noticeably improved / and alloy rims stay clean, with their ceramic pads
4 wheel kit was like $270 CDN, shipped to my door / next day delivery.
- my go to brake company now / superior product, shipped right out of Ontario
I was most impressed in having a choice in Cast Iron grades (G-3500), and rotors are indeed thick / huge $$ savings over Toyota or NAPA/UAP.

ELITE xDS Series, T4R Gen4: Brake Rotors - ELITE xDS Series
Cross-Drilled and Slotted Disc Brake Rotors
- Manufactured from G-3500 Grade Grey Iron
- Meets or Exceeds OEM Standards
- ELITE Anti-Rust Coating
- 100% Guaranteed Fitment* - 1 Year Manufacturer's Warranty*

So which ones did you like the most? You see when I did some research for rotors and pads I came across Maxbrakes but could not find any reviews about their products at that time at all, so I kept looking. Maxbrakes rotors and pads almost look identical to powerstop, I would not be surprised if they are just a re-brand.

 

[Beaumont67]

So which ones did you like the most? You see when I did some research for rotors and pads I came across Maxbrakes but could not find any reviews about their products at that time at all, so I kept looking. Maxbrakes rotors and pads almost look identical to powerstop, I would not be surprised if they are just a re-brand.

Ordered MaxBrakes brake kit (4 wheel) & only used on the rear / Toyota dealer replaced fronts earlier, during ON. Safety Check...on RAV4.
- with Electrolytic Black Coating
Ordered PowerStop brake kit (4 wheel) & only used on the fronts / rears didn't fit (order error, from vendor)...on GMC.
- coating not really evident
^^ Different applications, but I'm totally sold on MaxBrakes premium quality and low $$ kit.

I'll choose Maxbrakes over PowerStop, because their website shares more information, from the manufacturing process / this allows me to evaluate the differences in brake kits. So for a minimum price increase, I have more confidence that their top tier kit, is the best on the market (via grade of Iron).
Also, the fact that they x-ray inspect and list a small rejection rate, assures an added level of confidence, that their product will perform successfully, on the real road / and I'm not chasing warranty work or added labor. And if an order error occurs, easier to ship within Canada vs ship Canada to USA or potential hassle at boarder.

Maxbrakes examples:
- Composed with G3500 or G3000 Grade Grey Iron, for higher performance and tensile strength.
- Meets or Exceed ISO9002 / QS9000 / VDA 6.1 World Standards.
- X-Ray Inspected for guaranteed vibration free operation. Industry leading, less than 1% defect ratio.

 

[pipo6007]

My Power Stop K2421 set came in yesterday. $175 set for $75. Ask me if I care about slotted or not at that price? I don't do heavy off-road so it's not a concern. And I've never had a problem with the drilled/slotted rotors on my other vehicles.


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How did you get that pricing? And do you have slotted for the rear as well or just the front?

 

[trey99ek]

In using centric premium rotors and Duralast gold pads. Truck stops as good as it did the day I bought it.

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