Alright, this is not for my Subaru, but for my Protégé. I'll be picking up some Axxis Ultimate and Centric blank rotors from MPJ Performance soon. But at the same time my Protégé is also running low on the brakes (front).

Few years back I decided not to turn the rotors and got some slotted DBA and Axxis Ultimate for the Protégé. They were/are very nice. I was planning on getting some Axxis Ultimate again, but they are pretty expensive ($80-$90) now. And MPJ and folks are giving me some deals already. Rotors are still good, not warped or anything. But I am afraid if I get something else (different foot print) I could have a VERY noisy setup.

Bottom line, it's a Protégé, and my gf is driving it. She doesn't drive aggressively, so no need for performance pads. But since I can't turn the rotors and Axxis Ultimate is so expensive, I am looking for alternatives.

I called around and found these ceramic pads:
Autozone:
Duralast $36.99

Kragen:
Satisfy $48
Raybesk $59

Pepboys:
Prostop $50

Would any of the above pads work fine? I don’t want something that would kill the rotors after one set of pads. Then again, I might have to change the rotors after this new set anyway.



Leo

 

any body willing to take a poke at it?

 

I guess it depends what you're comfortable with, as far as dollars spent vs performance vs intended usage. Probably thousands of people buy pads off the shelf from the neighborhood auto parts store and we don't hear of many tragic stories.

On the other hand, I'd be afraid to tell you that any 'ol bargain pads will do the job in case something were to happen as a result. Years ago, I bought a set of Raybestos ProStop Plus pads for another car. After bedding them in and driving on them for a few days, I tried a hard stop from about 65 mph but could only bring the car down to about 3 mph or so before the pads overheated, the fluid boiled, and the pedal went down to the floor. The factory pads on this car were developed in IMSA showroom stock racing - putting a new set back on the front calipers restored braking performance.

Why not check around for some less expensive alternatives that still outperform OEM pads? Axxis also makes Metal Master and another pad (Deluxe?).

--
0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

 

The autozone pads aren't too bad.. I sell about 20-30 sets a day. Never had a complaint yet (Sold to vetts,cobras,maros,srts,) The duralast brand isnt that bad.. Its an Albany pad re-boxed. Most of the time the Duralast gold pads (36.99) are ceramics..

 

Thanks guys! I ended up picking up a set of Centric rotors and Monroe pads for the front. Turned the rotors and put on some OEM pads for the rear. (And fixed the stupid nail in the rear) That's for the Protege... and should be good a while now...

Now, my suby has some Centric rotors on the way and Axxis for the front. I thought I could run a little longer with my rear, but it turns out it's going bye bye too. I am going to give MPJ and folks a call tomorrow to get some Centric and Axxis for the rear as well.

Hopefully I can put this whole brake thing behind me and focus on the damn CEL... There is another thead on that darn thing...

Thanks guys!

Leo