Hi All:
I'm the original, proud owner of a 2002 WRX (build May, 2001). I have just over 40k with original brake pads (!). It's time to replace, and I was thinking of treating myself to an upgrade at the same time. I (think) I've decided on Akebono Street Performance for the front, and Akebono ProACT for the rear (both ceramic...I don't think I could live with the dust & squeal of semi-metallic). Both have good ratings at Tirerack.com. Now, I was also thinking of upgrading the brakelines to stainless steel. And this is my real question, as the install cost is a bit high (plus the lines are $115 themselves) (no, no way can I do it myself!). Will I really notice a difference in everyday highway/street driving (no track), or is it like the law of diminishing returns and not worth the cost? Has anyone done a brakeline kit replacement? Does the pedal feel better, or is just going to be that I think there is a difference? Please help & reply...thank you so much!

 

the ss brake lines make the pedal response more 'precise' and help to negate expanding brake lines under excessive use/heat.

the brake pads make more of a difference in braking performance, than any other part of your brake system. they are the device which creates the friction to actually stop you. the rotor is just the device which absorbs that friction.

so, will upgrading the lines make a world of difference? no, but it grants you more confidence.

will upgrading the pads make a world of difference? yes, depending on the pad and they're effective heat/grip range.

i would suggest over doing it on the rear, as per getting an super aggressive pad. but, do NOT get a track pad as they will only be effective once they're warmed up (which takes some time). axxis ultimates would be fine, or ebc red stuff... there are others, but i dont have experience with them, so i cant comment.

 

brake lines and pads is a difference for sure.. just make sure the pads are good.. or else ull end up like me, running through a set in 15k miles lol..

so my next set is coming from get-primitive.com

metal master brake pads front and rear... suppose to be good pads for street and rally(what i do.. DD and rally x car lol)

just do some research and be happy with what u are buying

 

well, just pads will help you alot and show you the results right the way after you put them on, but lines....... not really much for me to feel the difference between the OE or upgrade, but once you have upgrade the caliper, lines and pads, then you will feel it is totally different, i have used OEM pads, then go for Akebono brake set and 4 brembo disc, so far alittle bit better then OEM stuffs, and now all subaru red brake calipers and new pads rotors, the car stop totally different, respond faster and more grip. plus subaru is on sale now, i got 4 calipers only around $700. pretty good price. well hope this info can help you for some upgrade idea.

 

I don't recommend Axxis Ultimate for street pads. It eats rotor surfaces even under moderately hard braking and dusts like crazy for a street pad. For everyday use, I like to upgrade pads, rotors, front brake lines to stainless braided (which is stainless steel on the outer sheath, only, with a teflon or high-pressure inner core), and a high temperature brake fluid such as Motul RBF 600 or Motul 5.1 which is designed for high performance street use with ABS braking systems.

Before you make any changes, you might also ask your Subaru dealership to perform a free upgrade of the ABS control unit on your MY02 WRX. This upgrade will supposedly reduce the tendency of the ABS to engage when braking moderately hard over uneven pavement or manhole covers. The dealers have been instructed to install this improved ABS control unit only on cars with factory unmodified braking systems (no caliper, rotor, or brake line modifications). I experience these symptoms in my own MY02 WRX but cannot ask the dealer to install the ABS unit since I no longer use factory calipers, brakes lines, or rotors. This unit WILL work with any other brake upgrades that retain proper braking balance.