Decent quality brake parts??

[tdkkart]

Thinking I've got a caliper hung up on my '96 F150 2wd, who does decent brake calipers and rotors these days?? Is the Cardone stuff worth a ****?? I'll keep the rotors if I can skim them off and save them, but probably end up with calipers and maybe hoses. Shame, the truck doesn't get driven very much.

 

[e30bradley]

Raybestos. OEM.. ATE, Brembo, also Akebono.. Those are all very high quality. Brakes are not the place to save money, cheap pads don't last and don't stop well and cheap rotors warp.

 

[SMKS]

I recently did a lot of research before a brake job.

I had it narrowed down to Akebono ProAct (made in the USA) and Bendix CT-3 (made in USA or Canada). Both of these get a lot of good internet reviews. These are both ceramic pads. I went with the Bendix b/c they were about $10 cheaper.

A lot of people also like Wagner Thermoquiet, but I think some of those may now made in China.

Also, check Rock Auto and Amazon. Amazon usually wins out b/c of their lower shipping, but sometimes Rock Auto is cheaper. I ended up ordering my rotors and pads from Amazon. Both the sites should have quite a few choices for your vehicle and pretty good prices.

 

[700hpAMG]

17 years in the business, stay away from Cardone. Raybestos is a small step above. Bendix went downhill long ago. Akebona is where my money is at.

 

[digdug18]

I usually end up going with the regular NAPA parts if I want quality, but I usually change brakes spur of the moment when I have the time.

 

[SMKS]

Bendix went downhill long ago.

Why do you say this?

I've been quite happy with my Bendix pads. They're CT-3 ceramics, which are one of their higher-end products. Mine are made in Canada, but I've seen pictures of other people's pads that were made in the USA.

Mine had a higher friction rating than the OE pads, were decently price, are quiet and stop well. Plus, they're made in a first world country. What's not to like?

 

[dankicksass]

For rebuilds and parts kits, I always went Napa until they changed things a couple years ago. Now their warranty isn't as good and the quality doesn't feel OEM like it used to. Pads and rotors, I put my money in EBC.

 

[blacK20]

I've had no luck with cardone stuff. The last reman rack and pinion I changed had to be warrantied twice before the car even left the hoist.

 

[brownbagg]

for a vehicle that doesnt get driven much, any brakes parts from a parts house will work. these parts house not going risk a lawsuit. now some are better but its not a mustang doing road racing at 200 mph. you said a f150 that doesnt get driven much. I have had more problems with factory stealership parts OEM than aftermarket.

 

[700hpAMG]

Keep in mind that a ceramic pad is not a ceramic pad, with some having very little ceramic compound vs higher quality content units.

My driving style being different than most, braking from 150mph weekly-desert road.

The higher end NAPA ceramic pads are decent, the lower version not. One has more ceramic material vs rubber (filler) for noise.

Keep in mind that most people are happy with brakes provided noise is low, rotor TLC, etc. If you just want a cheap quiet pad go with the Thermoquiets or Centrix brakes. They are **** IMO, but for most people they work just fine.

Never had issue with Akebona, and Bendix uses entirely too much rubber in their pads for me.

Additionally, most companies do not make their own pads, very seldom are made in the US if that matters, they are boxed here , but made elsewhere.

 

[SMKS]

Keep in mind that a ceramic pad is not a ceramic pad, with some having very little ceramic compound vs higher quality content units.

My driving style being different than most, braking from 150mph weekly-desert road.

The higher end NAPA ceramic pads are decent, the lower version not. One has more ceramic material vs rubber (filler) for noise.

Keep in mind that most people are happy with brakes provided noise is low, rotor TLC, etc. If you just want a cheap quiet pad go with the Thermoquits or Centrix brakes. They are **** IMO, but for most people they work just fine.

Never had issue with Akebona, and Bendix uses entirely too much rubber in their pads for me.

What makes you think Bendix pads have "too much rubber"?

I'm not trying to be a troll, but do you have any evidence to support your claims? Any links?

Also, many of the NAPA pads (even the high end pads like Adaptive One) are now made in China. They may no longer be the NAPA pads you seem to like.

 

[700hpAMG]

What makes you think Bendix have "too much rubber"?

I'm not trying to be a troll, but do you have any evidence to support your claims? Any links?

Also, many of the NAPA pads (even the high end pads like Adaptive One) are now made in China.

I care less where they made. Bottom line. If that makes you sleep better so be it. Does nothing in terms of performance. Good and bad made by everyone.

I remember years back when Raybestos started sourcing most of their parts from overseas. The typical old grumblings, but you know what? Their quality actually went up! Granted it was also with their new formulation.

As far as rubber, I used to work in the industry for over 17 years. We dropped Bendix due to their higher rubber content, less braking ability with the positive tradeoff of being very quiet. Did you really believe ceramic pads were 100% ceramic?

 

[SMKS]

I care less where they made. Bottom line. If that makes you sleep better so be it. Does nothing in terms of performance. Good and made by everyone.

As far as rubber, I used to work in the industry for over 17 years. We dropped Bendix due to their higher rubber content, less braking ability with the positive tradeoff of being very quiet. Did you really believe ceramic pads were 100% ceramic?

I never said I believe pads labeled as "ceramic" are 100% ceramic. I know there are many different types of materials in every brake pad.

I'm not doubting you have 17 years of experience, but is your information 17 years old?

I'm not trying to be a troll, but can you provide any links or other info backing up your claims?.

 

[700hpAMG]

I never said I believe pads labeled as "ceramic" are 100% ceramic. I know there are many different types of materials in every brake pad.

I'm not doubting you have 17 years of experience, but is your information 17 years old?

If you can't provide any links or other info backing up your claims, I think you're assertions may be questionable.

Again, I'm not trying to bash you.

No problem, don't mean to come across harshly, and you know what, perhaps Bendix sells a better pad these days vs a few years back. Now if your looking for a actual fact sheet from Bendix, they just do not put out this type of information. Just the same as makers do not explain in detail the ceramic content of their pads. The same that Cardone is nothing but **** which is industry known , and seems to be the consensus even here.

I understand your stance because you spent money on something and of course it is human nature to defend one's decision. What have you used in the past for comparison sakes? Would be nice to see more quality brake options and maybe the new Bendix stuff is fine.

Myself and others I know have had very good luck with Akebono, Hawk, and higher end NAPA stuff. They all have fillers, some better material vs. others. Even on a vehicle that does not get driven often, safety is safety.

 

[Ign]

You can source calipers that have metal pistons (Napa used to offer them) but I knew an auto tech who had been to a couple Raybestos training workshops. He claimed the phenolics were every bit as good for general use, have been tested and proven to be perfectly durable. Personally I've never spent the $$ for the metal pistons, and never had a problem.

I usually buy on the cheaper end for most everything brake related. One hung caliper doesn't mean you should go empty your wallet, these things happen. And since you're talking about a '96 2wd 1/2ton, it ain't worth that much.

If anything I'm particular about hoses. Don't get cheap hoses, at the very least they'll fit poorly. And don't buy into SS braided; OEM quality rubber hoses are far more durable than the pre-fab **** in the aftermarket from Earl's, Skyjacker etc.........but you're not likely to run into this as you're not lifted.