Brake Pads

[Malibooya]

Since there's no general tech...

I need to replace my front pads soon - should I do all four at once?

Also, has anyone used Duralast pads? This is the only decent kind Autozone stocks for my car.

Advance has these but I've never heard of the brand.

[Sponsor]

[xxMichaelAnthony]

There is a Wheels, Tires, Brakes & Suspension section though
http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/f...splay.php?f=50

By all four do you mean all corners? How many miles are on the car and have the rears been done before? In most cases I have seen, rears are changed every other time the fronts are done. I haven't used any Duralast products but I haven't really ever heard anything negative about them.

[Malibooya]

Originally Posted by xxMichaelAnthony

There is a Wheels, Tires, Brakes & Suspension section though
http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/f...splay.php?f=50

By all four do you mean all corners? How many miles are on the car and have the rears been done before? In most cases I have seen, rears are changed every other time the fronts are done. I haven't used any Duralast products but I haven't really ever heard anything negative about them.

Whoops.

Yes, all corners. Pads were all changed at...hm...when did I get brakes...36K?

Oh shit, I have almost 70K on the car now. Wow. Now I'm wondering if I should do the rotors while I'm at it, those have the same mileage on them and are pretty worn.

[cyfocus01]

I put the duralast from A/Z on my 01 zts. I got the ceramic/metalic mix. Second most $$ they carry. Quiet, stop good, no squeeking. They were the only kit with new springs/clips and stuff to stop sqeeking. I probably should have done rotors too, but didn't want to invest more than I had too. Picked up for $100, one of the many items it needed.

It does make a odd sound at slow speed after new pads. I'm thinking rotors wound have fixed it, but only hear with windows down and need to be next to something for sound to bounce off of. Its like a rotational whiff sound, and goes away with slightest brake pressure. But I deal with it.

If you have rear disks, I'd grab a set of pads and check 'em out. If you don't need them now you will, and you'll have them. If you have drums, they are still good.

[mac.mogul]

Duralast is good stuff for OE replacement. Definitely go with Duralast Gold for longevity.

[Malibooya]

Originally Posted by mac.mogul

Duralast is good stuff for OE replacement. Definitely go with Duralast Gold for longevity.

Yeah, that's pretty much the aim here. I don't want to do any more work after this - planning on getting rid of the car next year.

[cyfocus01]

I put on Duramax Gold C-max. Quiet stoppers.

[bringler26]

i would replace the fronts only with new rotors at the same time if they need replaced. I'm not a fan of turning rotors which should be done with pad replacement or atleast scuffed with 300 grit sand paper. If your rears look fine I wouldn't touch them at all.

[my_beautious_ZX3]

I rebuilt my front end brake system about 3 years ago using Autozone parts. The Duralast Gold pads are good, but avoid the low-end (2-year warranty) rotors unless you want to turn them every year.

Check the old pads for odd wear patterns & the calipers for frozen pistons. The pads have a funky spring retainer geometry, so if the previous owner/mechanic f'd it up (like mine), don't repeat his mistake!

Since you're gonna have the calipers off anyway, there's no point ignoring the rotors. You might want to mike them to see if sufficient material remains to turn them; if it's close, save yourself the hassle and replace them with new.

Finally...don't over-torque the slide bolt!!

[Malibooya]

Originally Posted by bringler26

i would replace the fronts only with new rotors at the same time if they need replaced. I'm not a fan of turning rotors which should be done with pad replacement or atleast scuffed with 300 grit sand paper. If your rears look fine I wouldn't touch them at all.

The rears look just fine, which makes sense.

I did a few hard break tests from 40 in a secluded area on the way home from work tonight. Holy crap. I didn't realize how bad they'd gotten (I do 90% high these days).

I figure I'm probably looking at new front rotors and pads. AZ has Duralasts for the rotors too, and the reviews are positive. Looks like this is going to cost around $120 to do, which isn't that bad I suppose. But considering the money I've put into my car in the last month...this is it.

I don't want to touch a damn thing on the car until I sell it or trade it in next year. Already over a grand in repairs this month. Granted, brakes are maintenance, and I don't count that against the car. It's also been four or five years since I did the brakes. But the car's worth maybe 8K.

I love it, but I'd rather get something easier to work on like a Focus. I got sick of working on this thing when I changed my spark plugs. Ask anyone who's spent time around GM's FWD V6 cars...engineering stupidity.

Now I wonder how much of a fight the calipers are going to give me. We'll see, I hope to do the brakes ASAP once my friend is free. I don't own a jack or stands anymore, so I need to enlist him.