Suggestions on replacement brake calipers, pads, and rotors

[WranglerTJForum]

I’m looking for some suggestion or guidance on replacement brake pads, calipers, and rotors. The issue that I have is that there’s so much junk out there, especially when it comes to the remanufactured calipers. Brands like Cardone, Duralast, and most auto part store parts are trash.

I’m looking to overhaul my power front discs on my 1973 K10 and I need new rotors, pads, and I’d like to replace the calipers since they’re old and crusty looking.

Don’t need anything performance, just high quality replacement parts preferably.

 

[chevdude]

Some parts stores will ask if you want new or remanufactured parts.
I always go for new. Higher priced but.....
Go buy your stuff at a local store. That way, if you have issues, they are right there.
And don't buy the cheap brake pads or shoes. Spend the money and get the best.

 

[Grit dog]

I’m sure there’s many online options. But for me, if it’s something I want warranty or easy warranty replacement, I generally go to Napa.
For brake pads I would recommend getting ceramic pads to help keep them nice wheels clean.

 

[dusterdude]

Wagner

 

[fast 99]

I have installed literally hundreds of calipers. We do occasionally run into a defective one but it is rare. If quality is a concern rebuild them yourself. It isn't hard. Am sure there are you tube videos out there that will show how it's done. As far as pads depends on the expected use. Ceramic is a good choice provided the vehicle isn't loaded heavily. Company that has the largest selection is Rock auto. Name brands are usually decent. Be sure to lubricate slides with high temp caliper grease and back side of pads to quell noise, use new hardware.

 

[Sad Sack]

Another vote for NAPA.
Especially their adaptive one coated calipers and rotors.
Seriously consider ceramic pads though, ones that you can afford.
Like the guys say, go with the premium styles always and when safety is a factor.

 

[75BEASTK20]

New only. Rebuilt quality has gone down hill a lot in the past 20 years. I only buy new now. Alternators, brake cylinders, water pumps, everything. New. More money? Yes. Worth it in the long run? Yes.

 

[fast 99]

New only. Rebuilt quality has gone down hill a lot in the past 20 years. I only buy new now. Alternators, brake cylinders, water pumps, everything. New. More money? Yes. Worth it in the long run? Yes.

Our shop thought the same thing until......I installed a new Chinese starter that was under the intake. Got the pleasure of doing it twice. Bought a reman worked fine. Its luck of the draw no matter what is purchased.

 

[Ricko1966]

Another vote for NAPA.
Especially their adaptive one coated calipers and rotors.
Seriously consider ceramic pads though, ones that you can afford.
Like the guys say, go with the premium styles always and when safety is a factor.

Except semi metallic stop better than ceramics.

 

[fast 99]

Except semi metallic stop better than ceramics.

SM will also take more heat

 

[Grit dog]

SM will also take more heat

Except semi metallic stop better than ceramics.

Meh, yes sorta, kinda, maybe, if you could somehow compare them accurately. Yes they do, but unless you’re doing something extreme with an old squarebody. Or any vehicle for that fact, I’d challenge anyone to discern the difference.
I’ll take an extra 5’ stopping distance from 60mph over having black or rust colored wheels to scrub every week.
And fwiw, the more aggressive ceramic pads do their job VERY well.
Also ceramics have been OE on some/many models of vehicles for the last 10 years at least.

 

[Ricko1966]

Meh, yes sorta, kinda, maybe, not really, if you could somehow compare them accurately.

I can I've seen the charts that have the braking distances. I'll look for them.

 

[Grit dog]

I can I've seen the charts that have the braking distances. I'll look for them.

It’s ok. I don’t really care. I’ll take ceramic 10x out of 9 unless it’s a F550 dump truck pulling an excavator or something. I like my rims looking shiny, not like a chimney sweeps @ss at 3pm.

 

[fast 99]

Meh, yes sorta, kinda, maybe, if you could somehow compare them accurately. Yes they do, but unless you’re doing something extreme with an old squarebody. Or any vehicle for that fact, I’d challenge anyone to discern the difference.
I’ll take an extra 5’ stopping distance from 60mph over having black or rust colored wheels to scrub every week.
And fwiw, the more aggressive ceramic pads do their job VERY well.
Also ceramics have been OE on some/many models of vehicles for the last 10 years at least.

Pad selection is very important. Brake bias can even be moved around a little bit to fit the application. All pad materials have areas they are better in. I recieved the information from a brake representative that visited our shop. We were having issues on certain applications mainly Dodges. He was able to shed a lot of light on the subject. In 30 minutes I learned 5 years worth of OTJ trial and error. And yes I dislike rusty wheels, my driver has CC pads, SB's have metallic.