Should I finally abandon my OEM pads/rotors?
 

So, about 6 months ago I got brand new OEM pads and rotors on my '06 TSX. That was somewhere in the 115k range. They had great feel, very smooth, quiet and little dust. All of you know what I'm talking about.

Within a few months, the all-to-familiar vibrations started up again. I admit-I do drive a bit more aggressively than my grandmother, but I'm not racing the car, just general commuting while enjoying my TSX as much as possible.

Frankly, I'm tired of it. I know I can get them machined since they are relatively new still, but I've got a little money saved up so I'm trying to see if it makes more sense for me to move away from OEM and upgrade to something that aligns a bit better with my driving style.

Should I just keep getting them machined and swapping pads, or do you think it's time to try an upgrade? I want to maintain the original characteristics of low dust, quiet, etc, as much as possible, but I also want to stop feeling guilty every time I'm hard on the brake, especially when they are new. I want to enjoy my braking! :tongue:

Disclaimer: Everything I know about rotors and pad brands comes from Need for Speed. If you suggest a brand, I'm trusting that you know what you're talking about. Also for this reason, I know the vendors will swoop in here, and that's fine, but in full transparency, since I know so little about this stuff, I'm unlikely to buy your goods without support from other non-biased members.

Thanks in advance for your opinions, guys!

I would suggest that you re-bed the pads, they may not have been run in properly. Many (if not most) of the rotor complaints we read here are most likely not caused by warped rotors, but pad build up (in my and other's opinion). Try that before you get too excited about replacing everything. If you do feel the need to replace, I'm not a fan of the OE stuff, but you'll find plenty of help here suggesting replacement parts.

This rotor is known for warping easily. We offer an upgraded brake package for this reason and the front rotor comes with a Power Alloy composition and curved vanes so that it is more durable and cools better.

http://store.excelerateperformance.c.../i-276900.aspx

http://store.excelerateperformance.c.../i-276901.aspx

You can mate the above rotors with whatever pad you want. I recommend STOPTECH Performance pads but they aren't really a low dust pad. They don't emit a lot of dust but they're not low dust.

http://store.excelerateperformance.c.../i-338734.aspx

Hey Excelerate, are the prices on the Stoptech's for a single rotor or pair?

I vouch for StopTech. I've used them before and they're great. I currently run EBC discs and Hawk pads. I find them amazing.

Priced per rotor.