What rotors and pads for street use?

[Fryguy]

I've got a '97 Eclipse RS (so front disc only). And recently I've noticed my brakes going on the way out. Since I have many other suspension components, I figured I might as well upgrade these as well. My question is where can I get a set of front rotors for cheap (like $150 for the pair is what I am shooting for), and what are some good brake pads?

I plan on doing brake pads ASAP since my stock rotors are still in generally good condition, then do rotors later on when I have money.

So what brake pads are good, where can I get them, and how much can I expect to pay to have them put on (sorry I'm not a DIYer).

Also, is there anything worthwhile doing to the rear drums? Like I said, this is just a plain street vehicle, so I don't plan on doing anything like a disc conversion or a big brake upgrade, but is there anything OEM that can be replaced to incrase braking performance?

 

[Blk95gs]

Axxis pads are good, along with EBC. Search prostreetonline.com, extrememotorsports.com, etc. They both have generally good prices. Stick to Brembo stock replacement rotors. Don't believe the hype on cross drilled and slotted rotors; theyre more prone to cracking and premature pad wear than anything else. Pads aren't that much to get put on, however to get pads/rotors installed on all 4 corners, expect to pay $250-$300. Since 70-80% of your braking is done up front, don't hassle your bank account for anything other than stock drums and shoes. Unless you get some big 13" brakes up front.

 

[Defiant]

For on the street, any "best" pad at the parts store will be terrific. Hell, the "better" pads are more than enough.

And front disc brake pad replacement is one of the easiest jobs on the whole car. It's a _damned_ lot easier that the fuel filter replacement. Just be sure to re-install _all_ the little clips, and do one side at a time so you can refer to the other side as a helper if you get lost. And take the lid off the master and watch the level as you push the pistons back in, you may want a turkey baster to pull some fluid out before it overflows.

 

[Fryguy]

So if my stock rotors are fine, there is no sense in blowing $$$ on x-drilled/slotted ones? And there isn't anything really special for pads? I'll probably just go to meineke or something then and get some pads from there then..

 

[cait sith]

Originally posted by Fryguy
So if my stock rotors are fine, there is no sense in blowing $$$ on x-drilled/slotted ones? And there isn't anything really special for pads? I'll probably just go to meineke or something then and get some pads from there then..

I wouldn't go *THAT* cheap on your fronts, but a decent sport pad like Metal Masters is decent.

But if you go through them quick, just keep tossin' pads on. Most stock/cheap pads are really easy on the rotor. For the MOST PART.

 

[Fryguy]

well where can I get decent pads from? I guess I could just bring it to my local mechanic and have them put on (I'm lazy and not a DIYer)

 

[cait sith]

It's ONE BOLT to remove to change the front pads (other than the wheels themselves).

ONE BOLT.

Are you THAT lazy?

 

[Fryguy]

taking off my wheels is a PITA cuz I don't have a jack that fits under my car...

so anyways, even if I do it myself, where can I get some pads from?

 

[Spidey]

Autozone, like $10 for the fronts. Beware of brake fade though

 

[ericismyname]

use the scissor jack that comes with the car the throw some jack stands in there, pull out ur haynes manual for the 5 step or so process.