goodhed

I bought a new TSX back in 2010 and the car has been largely problem free so far. I have clocked around 39k on the odo due to living close to the city and only get to drive during the weekends. It looks like the constant stop and go city traffic has finally caught up with the car. The rear brake pads are on the last leg and it appears even though the front brakes have quite some life left in them, the rotors are warped since the car vibrates alot during sudden braking. I doubt any of this is covered under warranty which runs out in July. The local mechanic has suggested me to replace the front rotors and pads along with rear pads. He has quoted me $130 for labor or $ 430 all inclusive.

Since I have never had to get a brake job done on any of my cars before (frequent trade-ins ), I am now in dilemma as to which one to go with. I have heard great reviews about EBC rotors/pads and able to get red stuff ceramic pads with front slotted rotors for around $ 265 with taxes and shipping from Autoplicity. On the other hand, generic Pepboys or Autozone (like Centric, Wearever etc.) parts are available for pretty cheap along with lifetime replacement warranty for almost half the cost (I am probably being cheap but wouldn't mind if I can save for a new set of wheels)

Has anyone had any experience working with similar parts and could suggest what would be worth going with ? Appreciate the help!

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

Remember, with brake pads there are always trade offs.
your goals or expectations of that pad dictates which pad you get.
EBC provides a whole line of product depending on your goals.


Ive started installing autozone duralast cmax gold ceramic pads on my friends cars and its been awesome so far

iSeeYouTwo

I use AZ Duralast Cmax Gold pads without any issues. Minimal brake dust, and they are very quiet. I previously had issues with EBC Green Stuff pads. They used to squeal like a piggy

goodhed

So, in your opinion it makes sense to go with the lower priced AZ/Pepboys parts?

iSeeYouTwo

If you aren't really seeking any performance gains, and simply want a decent quality replacement which is backed by a lifetime warranty - then yes, go for the AZ parts. I haven't really heard any complaints, although I can't really speak on behalf of the rotors because I've never used them.

leftlanecruiser

I can attest that the cmax golds/duralast rotors work well, no noise and haven't noticed much brake dust. I replaced my stock setup with duralast rotors and cmax gold pads and no issues so far. Performance of this setup feels slightly better than stock and no vibration when braking yet. 17,000 miles and counting.

goodhed

Thanks for everyone's help. I decided to go with the EBC option and couldn't be more happier with the improved braking performance. Just driven the car for 10-15 miles after the installation and can attest that the brakes are whisper quiet with a stronger bite. I will be reporting more about their performance after the break-in period.

I had also purchased the Wearever pads and rotors which felt remarkably inferior to the build quality of EBC parts. I am going to miss their lifetime warranty though.

Bobisnew

Just fyi - for 2010 model, see acura brake replacement settelment. I got $150 (after 10 months) back, but I think they only do it for the honda replacement brakes.

npolite

I have Hawk ceramic pads and Brembo blanks on my front. They stop the car a little better over the OEMs but don't have that huge initial bite that the OEMs have. You need to bed them in though. The first few stops I was worried since it required a lot more force to stop the car.

whittles

i have hawks all the way around with slotted rotors and the car is impressive . i always had problems with the oems

richyrich1988

i have been told previously that ceramic pads can glaze over time...espicallly with frequent heavy breaking....i've always used semi-metallic pads....i don't care about brake dust....easy enough to clean

808CU2

Well actually OE friction material for the TSX is Ceramic, and glazing can happen with any friction material.!

808CU2

Not to sure on who's the manufacturer for Duralast Brake pads, but if you want real OE pads Oreilly Auto Parts sell actual OE pads, the same pads that the dealer uses. If your looking for OE performance then I say that's the best way to go. If your looking for improved braking performance then you should get a performance kit that includes the rotors with matching pads.