Ok, this will be first time I'll be changing my brakes since I got the car. Right now it has stock OEM Nissan system, and my machenic said he can get me new ones for $120 per pair, install and all. (total 240 for all). My questions:
Are OEMs good?
What are my other choises, in same price range?
Anything else you might suggest?

thnkx all

 

I recently replaced my pads with Bosch ceramics. I believe they were around $55/pair at Strauss Auto. So far they have been great in stopping power, etc. They are completely quiet, too. I had my mechanic install them at his home as a little side job for $20 (all he asked for) because Although supposedly an easy job, I've never done it myself.

 

Do you mean pads, rotors, or both?

OEM pads are quite good but tend to fade during spirited driving and high speed stops (e.g. 100mph-45mph, 75mph-35mph, etc.). Here in Philly area OEM pads are starting to get expensive ($65-$70 for fronts) at the dealerships, so I've started to use Hawk HPS pads. They're slightly better than stock and you can get them for $59.95 @ shox.com.

Anyway, if your mechanic is going to use OEM parts (not Key Value) then that's a pretty good deal.

 

yes they are a very good brake pad, installed mine last week very quiet and perform well so far.

 

im going to be buying slotted/cross drilled rotors within the next month or so for the front and rear. What pads would be best with my combo? I was thinkin Nissan cause they dust the less, but alot of people talk about Hawk Pads.. hmm!

Ant

 

We need to know what that price includes. I don't personally buy OEM because I think it's probably more expensive than other pads like Hawks or whatever. I will say OEM are better than autozone's performance friction pads (lifetime warranty on them, but still), which I've had on the front for the last 12k miles. The new pads I have have no freaking grip and I have to hammer down to get the brakes to work (Ok not quite but you get the idea!).

 

$120 for installed fronts and $120 installed for rears. So $240 for brakes, labor, and a cherry on top