Are these brakes decent?

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Old 03-01-2019, 01:13 AM
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Are these brakes decent?

Hey guys! I have a 2014 Acura TSX.. I really hate the stock breaks. The back pads were worn out when I bought it 6 months ago. I replaced those and now the front brakes are squeaking. I have to push down really hard on them and I am pretty sure they are waisting gas.

I want performance breaks but I don't need anything fancy, like Brembos, because I am only at about 208hp right now. A friend of mine suggested this brand. I found a great deal on them, and I just wanted to see what you guys think about this brand.

I think it is perfect, and they have great reviews. They were also suggested by a guy who loves modding cars.

https://www.amazon.com/K2441-Evolution-Drilled-Slotted-Ceramic/dp/B005FK3OJE/ref=asc_df_B005FK3OJE/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=266102701344&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16303173964122447929&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026930&hvtargid=pla-568782935220&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/K2441-Evolution-Drilled-Slotted-Ceramic/dp/B005FK3OJE/ref=asc_df_B005FK3OJE/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=266102701344&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16303173964122447929&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026930&hvtargid=pla-568782935220&psc=1

Edit : here are the same ones that fit my model




Thanks!

Last edited by Matt Lumpkins; 03-01-2019 at 01:16 AM.
Old 03-01-2019, 06:59 AM
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i would stick to slotted only rotors.
Most drilled rotors crack. Unless you're doing serious auto crossing stick to slotted.
Old 03-01-2019, 07:20 AM
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@Matt Lumpkins, those brakes won't do diddly to improve your stopping distances (your tires are the limiting factor here); just go with a nice set of Centric rotors and good quality pads and you'll be good to go.
Old 03-01-2019, 09:57 AM
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Hi Matt. This was my experience: https://acurazine.com/forums/second-...please-970881/. I also agree with horseshoez about the importance of tires. I bought new Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires when I did my brakes. Very pleased. Excellent stopping power, but not grabby.
Old 03-01-2019, 10:11 AM
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Power stop is fine. But like others have said, go with blanks, or slotted at most. Drilled are flashy but even the pro's rarely use them for racing. And yes, Tires > Brakes all day long.
Old 03-01-2019, 06:31 PM
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I'd buy a cheap set of blank rotors and choose a pad that works better with less pedal effort.

Rotors are just rotors.

I like to use blank rotors with an anti corrosion coating.
​​​​​​
Drilled/slotted ones are fine for looks. But the cost goes up...and I wouldn't buy ultra cheap drilled rotors. I really doubt you'll crack a decent set of drilled rotors on the street. Drilled rotors don't help with cooling. Slots kind of do....but idk why this would matter on a street car...

Pads make the biggest tangible difference in braking.

I didn't like the Z23 pads. They're nothing special in terms of initial bite. I guess they're "high temp" capable?

You don't need or want a high temp pad for a street car, though. There's no point.

I like to use a normal, off the shelf semi metallic pad, as they offer the best brake feel and response, and cold friction. More effective braking with less pedal effort. BUT they have a fairly short life and lots of dust. Centric Posi quiet semi metallic or Stoptech STREET (same thing) are good semi metallic options.

If you want long lifespan, ceramic is your best bet...but they offer the lowest performance in terms of brake response. They will take more foot effort to create the same friction. They are also prone to leaving deposits on rotors and creating pulsations. People call this "warping" of rotors. Ceramic pads are likely to cause this. Akebono makes *decent* ceramics. Nobody makes *good* commercial ceramics, IMO.

NAO pads are either absolute garbage or brilliant. Lots of dust, but it washes off easy. They also require a little more pedal effort as compared to semi metallics...but they're not usually as bad as ceramic. Decent life span too. Stoptech SPORT works well.

Hybrid pads are a bit rare. But they probably offer what you're looking for. They dust a lot...but it washes off. I like Raybestos EHT's.

Last edited by BROlando; 03-01-2019 at 06:35 PM.
Old 03-06-2019, 01:22 AM
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I ended up just getting some basic ceramic brake pads.

They had Brembo brake pads ... but those wont work unless I get the whole kit right?

Well a guy at Auto Zone said he would do my brakes and he said they don't even need to be replaced.

So.. Why is it squeaking and making weird noises?
Old 03-06-2019, 01:31 AM
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AutoZone?
Old 03-06-2019, 06:01 AM
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Originally Posted by Matt Lumpkins
I ended up just getting some basic ceramic brake pads.

They had Brembo brake pads ... but those wont work unless I get the whole kit right?

Well a guy at Auto Zone said he would do my brakes and he said they don't even need to be replaced.

So.. Why is it squeaking and making weird noises?
Brake noise and break wear are not correlated. Simple fact of life.

Not sure what you mean by needing a full kit to use Brembo pads. If Brembo makes pads for your calipers and you want them, get them; it matters not if you have Brembo rotors and/or Brembo calipers.
Old 03-06-2019, 06:04 AM
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Originally Posted by horseshoez
Brake noise and break wear are not correlated. Simple fact of life.

Not sure what you mean by needing a full kit to use Brembo pads. If Brembo makes pads for your calipers and you want them, get them; it matters not if you have Brembo rotors and/or Brembo calipers.
TSX never came equipped with brembo calipers..
he has to stick with whatever is OEM......


now to the OP, when someone tore into your brakes and noticed enough meat on the pads; then yes, they dont need to be changed...
lube everything up and put it back together.
Old 03-06-2019, 07:41 AM
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Originally Posted by justnspace
TSX never came equipped with brembo calipers..
he has to stick with whatever is OEM......


now to the OP, when someone tore into your brakes and noticed enough meat on the pads; then yes, they dont need to be changed...
lube everything up and put it back together.
Understood, however, Brembo brake pads are available for some non-Brembo calipers.
Old 03-06-2019, 07:54 AM
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Yeah, everything’s back together and fine.

Yes midnight I did go to auto zone because I wanted to just get some basic ceramics again after reading this post. Since that’s what I got for the rear brake pads a few months ago. And I just wanted to get it taken care of in a restricted amount of time.

And thats cool cool about the Brembo pads. Think they’ll be any better? It’s about 120 for two front pads.
Old 03-06-2019, 07:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Matt Lumpkins
Yeah, everything’s back together and fine.

Yes midnight I did go to auto zone because I wanted to just get some basic ceramics again after reading this post. Since that’s what I got for the rear brake pads a few months ago. And I just wanted to get it taken care of in a restricted amount of time.

And thats cool cool about the Brembo pads. Think they’ll be any better? It’s about 120 for two front pads.
Better is a relative term. If you want ceramic pads, then you're probably out of luck because most Brembo pads I've seen are organic and/or semi-metallic (which I prefer over ceramics).
Old 03-06-2019, 09:43 AM
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Originally Posted by horseshoez
Better is a relative term. If you want ceramic pads, then you're probably out of luck because most Brembo pads I've seen are organic and/or semi-metallic (which I prefer over ceramics).
Too funny, I just looked up pads made by Brembo made for the TSX and they are in fact a ceramic composite pad. Sorry, my bad.
Old 03-06-2019, 01:21 PM
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Well the ceramics seem to be too hard to press. I want something more responsive.
Old 03-06-2019, 01:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Matt Lumpkins
Well the ceramics seem to be too hard to press. I want something more responsive.
Hence the fact I prefer Organic/Semi-Metallic pads.
Old 03-06-2019, 10:22 PM
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Nice! Maybe I can get a set of duralast semi-metallic and see how they work out? And if they wear out fast, but are more responsive, I can at least know, and have my ceramics as a back up?

Nah. I will just get those next time. haha.
Old 03-07-2019, 07:12 AM
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Originally Posted by Matt Lumpkins
Well the ceramics seem to be too hard to press. I want something more responsive.

I didn't like...type an entire post out explaining that this would happen or anything lol

Did the installer clean all the shipping grease/oil off the rotors using brake cleaner?

Last edited by BROlando; 03-07-2019 at 07:20 AM.
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Old 03-07-2019, 07:21 AM
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Also....

Originally Posted by Matt Lumpkins
I ended up just getting some basic ceramic brake pads.

Well a guy at Auto Zone said he would do my brakes and he said they don't even need to be replaced.
Originally Posted by Matt Lumpkins
And I just wanted to get it taken care of in a restricted amount of time.
Ordering pads that improve braking would have been worth the wait, perhaps, eh?

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Old 03-07-2019, 09:23 AM
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sigh...


you's a hot mess Matt ..
Old 03-07-2019, 01:00 PM
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Originally Posted by BROlando
Also....





Ordering pads that improve braking would have been worth the wait, perhaps, eh?


youre right. My problem is that I’ve been getting shitty brakes from auto zone. Link me to some pads!!!
Old 03-07-2019, 01:00 PM
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Originally Posted by thoiboi
sigh...


you's a hot mess Matt ..
but you are saying I’m hot.
Old 03-07-2019, 01:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Matt Lumpkins


but you are saying I’m hot.
Old 03-07-2019, 02:01 PM
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Hahahah! So there’s a chance?? <3
Old 03-07-2019, 02:02 PM
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Nope, i'm just equating you to the character Jim Carrey plays.
Old 03-07-2019, 02:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Matt Lumpkins




youre right. My problem is that I’ve been getting shitty brakes from auto zone. Link me to some pads!!!
I think heeltoe and xlr8 sell the pads I recommended, no?

Otherwise, rockauto is a good place to look. I suggested brands in each category.

Did you buy new rotors already? Were they clean?
Old 03-08-2019, 01:32 PM
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Originally Posted by BROlando
I think heeltoe and xlr8 sell the pads I recommended, no?

Otherwise, rockauto is a good place to look. I suggested brands in each category.

Did you buy new rotors already? Were they clean?
“Ilike to use a normal, off the shelf semi metallic pad, as they offer the best brake feel and response, and cold friction. More effective braking with less pedal effort. BUT they have a fairly short life and lots of dust. Centric Posi quiet semi metallic or Stoptech STREET (same thing) are good semi metallic options.”

So : I’m good getting some cheap semi-metallic pads?
Old 03-08-2019, 07:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Matt Lumpkins


“Ilike to use a normal, off the shelf semi metallic pad, as they offer the best brake feel and response, and cold friction. More effective braking with less pedal effort. BUT they have a fairly short life and lots of dust. Centric Posi quiet semi metallic or Stoptech STREET (same thing) are good semi metallic options.”

So : I’m good getting some cheap semi-metallic pads?

Yeah. Stoptech 308 STREET's are like $35. Low risk if you hate them (I think you'll like them).

I believe you're kinda avoiding the rotor question....but I would strongly recommend that you pair the new pads with new rotors. Pick a rotor. I think Rockauto has good deals on Stoptech GCX coated rotors too. I think the whole thing should cost ~$100 for all 4 wheels (pads/rotors).
Old 03-08-2019, 09:47 PM
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Originally Posted by BROlando
Yeah. Stoptech 308 STREET's are like $35. Low risk if you hate them (I think you'll like them).

I believe you're kinda avoiding the rotor question....but I would strongly recommend that you pair the new pads with new rotors. Pick a rotor. I think Rockauto has good deals on Stoptech GCX coated rotors too. I think the whole thing should cost ~$100 for all 4 wheels (pads/rotors).
Well, I guess it is because I had my brakes changed about 4 months ago or less.. And they said the rotors are fine.. And the guy who tried to replace the brake pads said that the pads still have a lot of life on them.. So I dont know, I guess my rotors are good?
Old 03-08-2019, 11:30 PM
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You might be ok.

New rotors is the best bet still. But 4 months is pretty new...
Old 03-09-2019, 02:03 AM
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Originally Posted by BROlando
You might be ok.

New rotors is the best bet still. But 4 months is pretty new...
I read his comments to say, "four months ago the pads were changed, the rotors were left on the car as they weren't at minimum thickness yet."

Said another way, yeah, I agree, change the rotors.
Old 03-16-2019, 06:06 AM
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Matt, the issues you describe, coupled with the fact you bought your car second hand, are the very reasons I would service all four corners together. Your excessive pedal effort could be caused by a few different things, which is another reason to do all 4 corners at one time. Trust me, you'll find surprises. Never know what the last guy did/had done at a greasy shop. Furthermore, it is my experience that Honda/Acura vehicles that live in "corrosion states" oftentimes have issues where rust causes the brake pads to hang up in the brackets, caliper slide pins stick, etc. All of which lead to increased pedal effort, poor braking performance, uneven brake wear, noise, etc. etc. etc. I cannot emphasize enough on doing all 4 at one time in order to rectify any mechanical or hydraulic issues with the braking system.

The verdict: Get a good set of pads & rotors for the front and the rear; and replace them all at one time. I strongly recommend Centric Posi Quiet pads, and Centric coated rotors. I ran them for years on my EP3, as well as our CR-V. As others have stated, unless you get UHP tires, you will not decrease stopping distances by simply upgrading the brakes. If you really feel the need to "upgrade" I recommend either Stoptech or Hawk. Do not get track pads, they suck on the street. Stoptech Street pads or Hawk HPS 5.0 paired with slotted rotors would be an excellent street performance upgrade.
Old 03-18-2019, 09:17 PM
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Funny that nobody has mentioned brake fluid.
Old 03-26-2019, 11:05 AM
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I replaced my rear brake pads with Wagnar didn't last 14K miles 10 months I guess you can say they have the wear pin out too much because mine was rubbing on the rotor when there was enough pad. Luckly I got it warranted on Amazon.
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