I have 46K miles on my 02 wrx with stock brakes (rotors, pads and fluid). I have noticed some shaking at freeway speeds with semi-hard braking lately. They have done me quite well, but I wouldnt mind something a bit better.

I was going to have the rotors turned, but I think new pads and new rotors would be better for the long term (with synthetic fluid), as I dont want to think about them again for a while.

Should I stick with the oem rotors or go with slotted/regular aftermarket rotors(Centric, DBA, ect..)? This is for a daily driver, no track/auto cross. I was thinking Hawk HPS or Axis brake pads.

Any advice on rotor/pad combos? TIA!

Matt

 

Check out stoptech's stage 2 brake upgrade. Sounds like what you're looking for. I got this when having the same problems and have been satisfied for 15,000 miles now.

 

I would love to get that setup but Im trying to save money and not get the SS lines, plus I wouldnt be able to do it myself and its too much $$ for the lines installed. A good rotor/pad setup I could do myself hopefully for around $400.

I guess Im wondering if aftermarket/slotted rotors are worth the cost over OEM.

 

Go with brembo rotors. They run around $40 each. Don't bother with slotted stuff unless you are really hard on your brakes. Buy some high end pads. Don't skimp on price here. The cheaper the pads, the worse for your car and rotors. When you buy domesticly manufactured pads at advanced or Auto zone or any other place they usally carry three types. The difference between them: I more exspensive the pad, the more spacific they are to the application. For instance, the typical Silver pads available at advanced have 13 different weight/wear ratings. While Bendix pads have over 300.

After you figure that out, the best and cheapest upgrade you can do to your brake system (and I'll die by this statement) is to buy a $14-$18 bottle of Super Blue brake fluid. Or at least some other super high end brake fluid. This stuff will stiffen your brakes all the way around and will never disapate.

Mitch www.cp-racing.com

 

Thanks Mitch, the Brembos seem like a good deal. Downtown Oakland Subaru quoted me 115 bucks for rotors...

so, Brembo rotors, Hawk HPS pads, super blue fluid and done.

 

To bad you didn't live closer to me cause I would have installed those ss lines for you. Fluid, pads, new rotors, and you should be doing just fine. Make sure to bed your new pads in properly or you run the risk of high low spots again.

 

Rock on... you'll be happy with that superblue

 

hey where do you get the brembos for that price range?

 

If you're near Oakland, I can help you install your brakelines, pads, rotors. Save yourself the money and learn to do it yourself! PM me if you want, I'm in the East Bay.

 

I just had my 45k mile service done on my '04 WRX sedan and was told that I need to get my rear brakes replaced soon. It's down to 1mm and they usually recommend replacement at 2mm.

The Subaru dealership quoted me $236.62 for parts and $240 for labor. So that's $476.62 + tax. I was just wondering if I can get a better price elsewhere and what should I expect to pay? And if I were to go w/ aftermarket brake pads, what brands would you guys recommend? How much do they cost?

I'm located in the Bay Area (East Bay), so any suggestions or places you would recommend would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

JB

 

Gino at mpj is cool, check out the vendor forums.

I STILL havent done my brakes yet, I need to change them BAD. I have no confidence in my brakes.

 

Shoot me a PM and I can help you out Matt. The only reason I haven't hit you up on the steering rack bushings is because I haven't bought mine yet. Here's my brake setup as of recently-

Stock rotors (didn't even have them turned, no problems)
Stock calipers (painted)
ATE Super Blue Racing Fluid (DOT 4)
Axxis Ultimates pads, front and rear
Just bought Stoptech stainless steel lines

I can give you a ride if you don't have your heart set on something yet. Oh, and I don't have any squealing.

Oh, and barriostkd, I'd be more than happy to help you out with your install, too, or CharT will. It's really good stuff to know if you're willing to learn.

 

Thanks Smitty, I still havent bought anything yet but Im planning on getting rotors, pads and fluid. I was thinking about just pads or turning the rotors, but replacing everything at once will last much longer, hell, my stock stuff has lasted 3 years!

 

I can get you Rotora Slotted rotors for:
$106 Front pr
$82 Rear pr
PADs
$46 Rear
$60 Front
$318.00 all the way around with a kick butt set up. + shipping. If you buy all the way around I'll toss in a bottle of Super Blue for free!

If anyone else wants in pm or call me.

Cross drilled available as well.

Mitch www.cp-racing.com
303-296-3030

 

I guess I contradicted myself. I just discovered the Rotora stuff. Awsome set up for the price. Rotora makes the Axxis pads