2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission What is Best Brake Pad?

[Lube Man]

Lot of people like Sam Peterson for brakes but it appears he is no longer in business, or am I wrong? He seemed to recommend Hawkhead brakes which apparently are different manufacturer than Hawk brakes carried by Geno's.



Geno's usually carries good stuff. Anything wrong with the Hawk brake or is the Hawkhead better? Where do you get Hawkheads?

 

[Thomas]

I believe retired rather than out of business. Try the business:

Rapid Brake Service
415 S Bay Rd NE
Olympia, WA 98506
360-357-4958

Let us know what you find out

 

[Lube Man]

Thomas, thanks for reply. I ordered set of front pads from Rapid for $60 including shipping. Salesman was very helpful and low key.

 

[Thomas]

It's good to know that Sam Peterson's successor can still accomodate TDR members. Most on this board who have tried the Hawkhead material have nothing but positive comments.

The following, "The best overall performing brake pad appears to be to be from Hawkhead Automotive. In seven of the ten evaluation categories, this pad turned in the best performance among replacement pads, and in nine of the evaluations outperformed the OE pad. " is from this page: http://www.pfmmag.com/summer03/summer03replacementbrakepads.htm

I believe the tests mentioned in the above-linked page are detailed here: http://www.nlectc.org/pdffiles/EvaluationBrakePads2000.pdf

In addition to the performance mentioned, these pads are real easy on the rotors.

 

[fj40charles]

I believe retired rather than out of business. Try the business:



Rapid Brake Service

415 S Bay Rd NE

Olympia, WA 98506

360-357-4958



Let us know what you find out

Thanks for the post Thomas. I called and placed my order for some front brake pads. The price is now $65. 00 shipped.

 

[CharlieFoxtrot]

Came across this thread while searching for brake pad info. The article links posted by Thomas are dead, but here are the current locations:



magazine article: Replacement Brake Pads for Patrol Vehicles | Police Fleet Manager Magazine



full test: Record View



Is Rapid Brake Service still around?

 

[Thomas]

. . . Is Rapid Brake Service still around?

Try:
Rapid Brake Services
2851 R w Johnson Rd SW
Tumwater, WA 98512-6114

(360) 357-4958

 

[Grizzly]

How about Pacific Clutch & Brake in Spokane.



Talk to my friend Jim (jelag).



george

 

[DSpringstead]

Has anyone used Pro-Performance slotted rotors? I wanted to cut down the number of times I'd need to get into the front end for brake work so the garage I go to recommended the Pro-Performance rotors with NAPA's Adapted 1 pads. They're NAPA's

3rd gen ceramic pads. Was told they wasn't much different than the ones they run in NASCAR. What I CAN say is this. Never once have they heated up or faded on me. Up here in Washington headed east over Hwy 20 & washington pass (elev 5700) there's about 4 or 5% downgrade on the eastside that runs for 5+ miles. I run a '97 with a auto w/o a mystery switch.

I've put on 27,000 miles since the change & at last oil change I still had about 80% left.

I can't tell you if this is the norm or not but the combination sure helps keep that 6200 lb truck in check.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

These may be or similar to Pro-Performance. Don't overpay. Summit's are a good price.



Summit Racing SUM-DSEP-5593L - Summit Racing® Extreme Performance Cross-Drilled and Slotted Brake Rotors - Overview - SummitRacing.com

 

[HEMI®Dart]

I like EBC GreenStuff front pads. Easy on the rotors. Long life. Made in England. little to no brake dust. I'd swear it took 20% less pedal pressure to stop after I installed them. I would buy again. Pricey but worth it!



EBC Brakes DP71307 - EBC Greenstuff 7000 Series SUV Supreme Heavy Duty Range Organic Brake Pads - Overview - SummitRacing.com

 

[kkreigh]

I got 125,000 miles out of my original equipment front brake pads. I went back to original equipment for replacement. My rear brake pads were about 60% worn and are still going at 140,000 miles.

 

[SNGLESHOT]

125,000 miles on front pads???

KKreigh:

You must have an exhaust brake then right? I have never heard of 125,000 on a set of front brake pads. I have 50,000 on mine at this time, not sure how much is left on the pad but the rotors are still looking good. all original stock equipment. I credit my exhaust brake... . however..... 125K? that is simply amazing to me. Please advise as to how that happened... no hills, no stop and go traffic, no heavy loads???? How???

 

[kkreigh]

No engine brake Most of my driving is without load. I have made numerous trips to Wyoming and thru Rockies. I have hauled tractors a few times and a trip to Alaska and back to Missouri with with a 24 foot goose neck trailer Sportsman camper. I do use downshifting to slow for red lights and slowing traffic etc rather than using the brakes. No hot rodding of truck.

 

[DSeamans]

Oem

I had 88k on mine when I replaced stock pads. And then they still had 1/4" left, they just rusted loose from the backing plates. I do credit the ebrake as I always drive hard and pull trailers a lot.



Dave

 

[Bob Cochran]

I have 150,000 + on my original front pads. I do down shift when approaching traffic lights, etc. While I do have an exhaust brake I only use when towing. When towing I weigh around 21,000 lbs. I have thought about changing front pads and rear shoes just because!!!!

 

[SNGLESHOT]

WOW! You guys are blowing my mind here. Simply Amazing stories. I do believe all of you too. I am now looking forward to seeing how long I can make these brakes last but the PA inspection stations might have something to say about that. Thanks for the interesting feedback! Good stuff indeed!

 

[HEMI®Dart]

I agree...

You guy's must have rear brakes that actually work.

 

[BEnglish]

14,000 miles ago I put on new Napa premium rotors and ceramic pads.

Two days ago I heard a grinding and so I pulled the tires and checked and sure enough, all the pads are almost gone and one is into the new rotor.

I put new pads on but can't figure out why they would only last 14K miles.

I do change the fluid with the pads and only bleed out the old fluid (not push it back in), and i do grease my slide pins and the rest of the caliper.

I do know I need to do the wheel cylinder upgraded so my rears start working some.

 

[Bob Cochran]

Just so you know I do adjust the rear brake shoes on mine regularly.