aarif1

So the brakes on my 2002 TL are just about worn out, and I need new ones. I went into Meineke today, and they checked out my car and told me I should probably get new front rotors as well as pads. They quoted me 77+77 for labor, 40+40 for "premium" pads on sale, 2 rotors for 90+90, and shim kits for 24_24. Everything seems reasonable except the rotors are a little expensive (I could get the rotora slotted ones that everyone here loves for that much). Also, I haven't heard much about shim kits, is it necassary to get new ones with new pads?

If I wanted to get my own "non-performance" parts, would I save a lot of money? What pads and rotors would you all recommend for the best cost/performance ration?

Hope this is not to much of a noob question, but there's a lot of info here and I could only sift through some of it.

Thanks!

acutee

Sure you would save some money by doing it yourself. You can reuse the existing shims in the old pads. It does depends on what rotors and pads quality they put on. For that price, I don't think you are putting in high quality stuffs. If you buy the regular front rotors yourself, it will probably cost about the same for a pair.

Gfaze

If they are using quality pads, the shims should come with the pads already. Personally, I think those places just try to price gouge you as much as possible. Wait until they start the brake job. They'll call you and tell you that you need new wheel bearings/hubs, struts, tie rods, etc. I'd buy my own parts and take it to a reputable independent mechanic.

01tl4tl

If you are on a budget go for the NAPA american made -not the chinese- rotors
and their pads or Hawk HPS
Get anyone BUT meinke or similar to do it for less and better
shim kits rofl

aarif1

Thanks for the replies so far.

So I think I should go with the NAPA rotors, and probably either Akebono ProACT or EBC Greenstuff pads (Hawks are a little expensive). Any reason to go with greenstuff over Akebono fro regular driving? Also, why in the world does tirerack carry only the front Akebono pads?

01tl4tl

If using the napa rotors ask what pads they suggest - often have a matched design set for not much $$

The front brakes carry 70% of the braking force- and wear twice as fast- maybe thats why some makers only do the fronts

see this for great deal on hawk pads
http://heeltoeauto.com/Hawk-Performa...-pr-20012.html

After the wife brought the maxima home 2 feet shorter-
I went with awesome brakes for the TL-
any brakes are cheaper than the deductible!!

Pearl TL-S

I am definitely in need of brakes. My front rotors and rear pads are worn so, I will be making the purchase as soon as possible. With that being said, you, 01tl4tl are recommending the Hawk HPS pads with NAPA rotors set up? How much do the NAPA numbers run?

01tl4tl

The NAPA american made- they also have an imported go american!
the rears rotors were 18 each with AAA member discount- so under 20 bucks per
the fronts I dont know- call the local store and ask- the website info is goofy

mcflyguy24

NAPA or brembo blanks is a good OE replacement rotor and satisfied pro-ceramic pads are good for OE replacements. A slight upgrade would be the Hawk HPS pads or EBC greenstuff. The akebono's from what I hear produce too much dust. For the fronts I wouldn't skimp on components. Like 01tl4tl said" After the wife brought the maxima home 2 feet shorter-
I went with awesome brakes for the TL-
any brakes are cheaper than the deductible!!"
Maybe even consider getting the rotora slotted rotors if you can afford it.

boop2002

can someone post the most popular set up for brakes including a name/model number, and place to acquire them from. I am in need of rear brakes but figured will do all of them at once. So if the optimal set up that has seen results from the forum user would post up their info it would be appreciated!!

01tl4tl

MrHeelToe has RacingBrake rotors with Hawk pads

Excelerate has Rotora rotors and pads


see the Off Topic link at top of page
then Sponsored Sales for post by both

Pearl TL-S

Has anyone had experience with the ATE rotors?