hleapha

Before I get thread crappers, I've searched these forums and have found that 'ziners haven't branched out to much farther than Duralast, Hawks, and RB's.

I want a reliable brake pad that operates well for a daily driver. I also want a pad that doesn't eat my rotors. would like to try ceramics though for less brake dust. That being said, there are always good rebates on brake pads for amounts between $15-$36 for a set of pads.

Anyone have experience with any of the following pads that have rebate deals?:

Bendix
Monroe
Raybestos
Wagner thermoquiet

Rebates: http://www.rockauto.com/lang/en/promo.html

I know a lot of people here insist on spending any amount of money to either get OEM or a specific brand, but I'm sure there are other pads out there that can be had for less money and still fill our needs well.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

Over the years I've used all, except Monroe, and as a general rule of thumb, for a DD there isn't much difference when going with one of their quailty OE style pads. In fact, I'll be ordering Raybestos pads for the TL and our 2008 knock around vehicle.

hleapha

From my internet research, I found Monroe ceramics have a brake dust issue. I've also found that Raybesto professional ceramics and Wagner Thermoquiet ceramics seem to be a toss up as far as to which is better. I'm still curious about the Bendix ones.

Are the pads the only part I need to purchase? I've seen some that come with noise elimination clips. Do they come with shims or are these generally reusable?

butnin

to respond to your question I have used the Monroe ceramic pads and they are not that great. they use up quickly. And the fit is not exact, had to do some grinding to make them fit.

sddale

The previous owner for my car put Akebono ceramic pads on and I've been happy with them. Very low if any dust, quiet and stop really well. When it's time to replace them I'll look into the same pads.

TheChamp531

iTrader: (3)

Just get the CMAX Gold, can't go wrong.

Drunkonjack

I've used the Wagner thermo quiets on my Truck and I noticed better braking and no Brake dust.

I'd get them again for my TL

I hate cars

That is the OEM pad for the 5at.

gotkilled

iTrader: (1)

Pleased with mine except for the minor squeal when braking slowly until the pads get warmed up.

stiffdogg06

iTrader: (1)

A realible brake pad for a daily driver pushing stock power? OEM pads.

sddale

Nice. I assumed the pads were not stock since the rotors were cross drilled.

hleapha

Thank you for your replies. I actually went with the Wagner Thermoquiets, which I got a steal on. There was a $30 manufacturer's mail in rebate for front and back pads. Also Advance Auto had a 40% off coupon (just go to Slickdeals.net and seach for 'advance auto'), so I got the front and back pads for under $20 total.

On to how the pads are performing:

This was my first brake bad job and it was very simple once you get in there and start doing it. Brake dust is pretty messy but that's half the fun. I should have taken fine grit sand paper and smoothed out the imperfections on the pad but I forgot. I believe this would have minimized the slight squeel that you could hear for the first 200 miles or so (likely caused by a piece of grit sticking off the pad). Now that I have driven them about 800 miles, they are very quiet. I'm trying to determine if there is still a slight squeel when the pads are cold, but since my girlfriend has been the primary driver, I haven't been able to monitor it well. Even if there is, it is hardly noticeable.

I'll keep posted though in case somebody is interested in this thread.

SharksBreath

iTrader: (33)

^^link on the pads?

i'd like to hop on that 20$ deal for fronts and backs if it's still available.

hleapha

MIR Form:

http://www.rockauto.com/lang/en/promo.html#wagner

Advanced Auto Parts discount codes and info:

http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthr...9796&t=2267201

The pads are on the Advanced Auto website.
P# QC536
P# QC787

The rebate isn't a straight up 40% but if you get your total just over the limits, it is. Like $24 off $60 or $32 off $80. Just use fillers that you need to get to the cutoff. $82.10 gets $32 off and $79.99 gets $24 off. Code LC123 worked for me. Also note, you can't use this code with engine oil.

Also, if you have a discover card, you can use ShopDiscover to get another 5% back. It will end up being $23 or $20 for both in the end.

SharksBreath

iTrader: (33)

very cool...i assume these pads will work on a 07 type-s.

i'll do some research and see.

thanks for posting that up tho!

whudini3000

iTrader: (1)

I got wagners thermos installed a week ago, and they squeeeeeeeeeeeel like pigs under 30mph stops. I'm going to get factory pads installed for $125 this weekend.

eaglegreen48

+2

hleapha

Hmm, Mine did for about a week. I would drive them about 500 miles to let them break in. New pads aren't always instantly quiet.

Also, The part numbers for the Thermoquiets were for my Base '05 TL, I'm not sure of the others. The $30 MIR works no matter where you purchase them from btw.

whudini3000

iTrader: (1)

Bakes squealing on a luxury vehicle is an embarrassment. Esp, when Im pulling in to places like the Ritz Carlton