Need new brakes?

Got my brake fluid changed at the dealer last year and it improved the tightness of the braking. A year later and its mushy again. Had the tires changed a month ago and no mention of the brakes needing replacement. I do the occasional squeel when cold.

If I do replace brakes I was thinking Akeboni ceramic brakes. I tow a lot so I want something that'll last and do the job well. Is it necessary to replace rotors or can I just resurface them?

 

If you are trying to do it on a budget, i would at least get them resurfaced. You can find new rotors pretty cheap, but i've always had cheap rotors warp on me.

I went with Frozen Rotors cryo treated rotors and Hawk Green pads and very happy with the setup. I only did the fronts but i need to do the same to the rears. Very grippy pads, i tow a 6k lb trailer and very confident braking.

 

Rotors look good, leave'em alone.

 

I prefer fresh rotors and pads at the same time. Starting with two smooth surfaces allows for good brake pad bedding and maximum contact. In my mind at least.....

 

Doesn't really matter unless rotors are warped or are of unknown quality/origin. In my experience good rotors lasts at least 2-3 pads sets.

 

I generally get around 120-160k out of factory pads. At that change interval, I go fresh. But as long as they are not deeply grooved, it's probably fine. Just messes with my OCD.

 

My pads are eaten by sand and mud, I replace them every 40-45k or so.

 

Akebono Performance (ASP) are good pads. The standard Akebono Pro Act (ACT) pads are also good, but the ASP pads have a more aggressive friction material.

how many miles on your brake rotors? If braking is still smooth (and appears there is no ridge along top based on your photos), then they might be good to go for a while.

 

I second Hawk LTS and Frozen rotors. Definitely stop better than stock, and I expect the frozen rotors to be much more resistant to heat related warping and wear. Pedal feel isn't great but tbh I don't think it's any worse than stock but the performance improvement makes it worth it.

Whatever you do, if you upgrade to performance pads make sure to follow the bedding procedures as described by the manufacturer.

 

Love the hawk pads have them on 3 vehicles good stopping grip and they fit great to