I don't have $200 bucks to spend on a set of performance front rotors and pads, so I have to take the Autozone/Pep Boys/Advance/Napa route. Can anyone suggest decent rotors and decent pads I could get? Can a decent setup be found for $75-100? The 4th gen maintenance sticky only mentions more expensive stuff.

I'd like to spend a little more, but I can't. I can't buy Axxis Metalmasters and I can't buy performance rotors.
And I've already had these cut, but they were so warped at the time that they took three passes. I don't feel like spending ANY cash to have them cut again, because it probably won't last very long. They lasted about 3 months after I had them turned.

I'd like to buy cheap used rotors, but the shipping just is too much.

Anybody have luck with inexpensive brakes?

 

I got Performance Friction Carbon Metallic (that's the brand name) pads from Autozone for about $30 they are cheap and noticably better than stock. I'd say just go with some OEM replacement style rotors.

 

Thanks for the suggestion on the pads; the OEM rotor suggestion means $150 bucks for my '98. I don't have that to spend.

 

You didn't say if you need brakes on two wheels or all four. It makes a difference.

These are the cruel facts of life: Good brakes aren't cheap. Cheap brakes aren't good.

If you have a cash pinch, buy cheap pads and leave the rotors alone. Save up for good quality parts. Drive slowly until you have those good brakes installed.

 

Ug. [sigh]

From what I can tell, it's just the fronts. The wub-wub-wub feels like it's coming from up front. It's just the fronts I'd like to change.

Are there really no inexpensive rotors that make the grade?

 

What this country needs is a good five-cent cigar and a good five-dollar rotor. If you discover either one, post the details here.

 

ROTORS ARE NOT INEXPENSIVE ON JAPANESE CARS. IT'S A FACT OF LIFE. So there's no need to sigh.....

Go to any AutoZone, etc, and you won't find rotors for a Max any cheaper than $50. Get over it and ante up, either go for AutoZone garbage or spend $20 or $30 more for decent quality (Brembo or Bendix) rotors.

BTW, Advance auto sells the Bendix rotors mentioned in the sticky.......but they're probably $70.....but you WON't have to pay for shipping....

There are ways to get a good deal for good quality (carparts.com coupons, etc.), but a cheap deal for cheap quality is the easy route and often the more expensive one in the long haul.

 

Ok, guys, I took your advice.

I called a few places, and everyone kept beating everyone else's quotes. I started at the dealership near where I work, and they wanted $93, came down to $81.90. The place between work and home was willing to sell them for $81.90 after tax. Then the third place, one mile from my house, after hearing that Garrand's in NY sells them for $61 before shipping, came down to $72.09. Sold.
I just won't save as much this month for the wedding. Good thing it's next year.

Anyway, is the Performance Friction Carbon Metallic suggestion the best anyone has for inexpensive pads? If they bite better than OEM, I can't see a reason to go with OEM. I'm not that concerned with brake dust, and not VERY concerned with longevity. I'd rather trade longevity for stopping power and price.

 

Maxwell,

Great effort! Hopefully others will understand its patience and tenacity that gets you the best deal, not complaining that a good deal should be handed to you on a silver platter.

mztmg's suggestion was fine.....also Bendix Titanium IQ pads are around $30 to $35 and available at Advance Auto Parts......be sure to insist on Titanium IQ's as they'll try to pawn off another line of Bendix brake pads as those will not likely be in stock.....

These are both better pads than OEM.....and will last.....

Good luck!

 

I understand your reasoning, but have a different point of view.

In general, a hard pad will last a long time but it wears the rotor faster than a soft pad. (Hard and Soft are relative terms, referring to the hardness of the friction material.)

I prefer a soft pad. Soft pads wear out faster than hard pads. Soft pads are less expensive than hard pads. Pads of any hardness are less expensive than rotors and easier to replace. YMMV.

 

The math works well there, Daniel. It's like my dad's reasoning: he taught me that in most cases it's better to slow the car with the brakes than with the clutch because the latter is so much more expensive to replace. It makes sense to sacrifice pads for rotor life. So do you have any suggestions? Are the above-mentioned pads relatively hard or soft?

 

Your parts counterman can advise you on this point. In general, metallic pads are hard and ceramic pads are hard. Organic and semi-metallic pads are softer. I've had good results with name-brand brake parts such as Raybestos.

 

I hate metallic pads so much, my local Nissan dealer was telling me about how great they were and that's why i should spend so much extra for them, so I figure hey... these guys are pretty smart, maybe I'll listen for once... worst mistake I ever made, whenever I hit the brake, my brakes squeek & squeal like a virgin on prom night... what do you guys think I should do.. replace them, or let them live out there pad-life?

 

If you do your own "wrenching" you can do this in two steps.

1) Pull out the pads and apply Blue Goo brake silencing compound on the steel backing plates of the metallic pads. Maybe that's all you need.

2) Replace the pads with a softer friction material.

 

a lil while back a friend told me about some organic pads made by a company whos name currently eludes me, but they were really nice organics i think it started with an H but anyways , if u want decent (ie: last 15k) brakes then ask your autozone dude for the rotors they have they are like 33 bucks a piece get the performance friction pads and u have a quick fix for a little over 100 bucks , this is a harder pad then stock so it will warp the rotor faster if not broken in properly , so take it easy , really easy when u put them on , or jack up the front of the car and throw some jack stand under it and let it run in gear for a little bit , make sure everything is secure so that the car doesnt fall from vibration but this will help to seat the rotors well.
good luck
maxse98

 

I have never seen a rotor for the Max for under 50 bucks.....do you have a part number or brand name by any chance?

 

Does brakes wobble a little right before needing new pads or just squeak?