Front Disc Brakes

[snigma]

What's the best way to find out what kind of Brake Pads and Rotors I have on my 1996 DX (7A-FE) Sedan? I've been having brake problems for a long time now--either annoying squeals or on-and-off squealing when coming to a stop.

The last time I got my car thoroughly checked (its at 45k miles right now, I took it in for a 40k mile check-up) they said the brakes still had 70% on them (I dont know if they meant pads or rotors), and I had complained about brake pedal mushiness and they didn't do anything about it (I guess they assumed it was normal).

Before that, I had taken my car in and they said the rotors and the drums needed to be resurfaced (there was a lot of vibration: the entire car would vibrate when coming to a stop)--I told them to just replace the rear drums and they still found vibration so they resurfaced the front rotors for free. I paid $300 for new rear drums + labor. Unfortunately, I didn't know that it doesn't include new brake shoes (wtf). As soon as I took the car out of the dealership after getting all this done, I would've almost gotten into an accident simply because the you had to push the brake pedal down A LOT--and it was mushy as hell. It still is; only i've gotten used it it

This time, I'm thinking if theres a part number or a general "brake model number" so I can find some online, and then take it to a local brake shop and have them installed. I'm also thinking of getting steel-braided hoses for the brake lines--I heard they help a LOT in the pedal feel and general performance.

[cinnabar]

If you shop online for them most retailers have methods of filtering and searching for aftermarket parts, including break components, specific for your vehicle.

As for the 'mushyness' there usually is some 'break-in period' for new pads as it takes time for them to fit the contours of the rotors. If it continues to be a problem a few months down the road then it might be something technical like brake fluid levels or something else.

[epyon22]

if you want oem like replacement places like autozone and advanced auto should be able to get them

[cinnabar]

shoo. if ur going to drop money on new components I would just spend a little more green and get aftermarket. You can get ceramic rotors at a reasonable price compared to steel OEM's now and the performance difference is dramatic.

[Raddman]

$300 for new rear drums + labor. Unfortunately, I didn't know that it doesn't include new brake shoes (wtf).

So they charged you $300 to just to slide your old drums off and slide new drums on (15 minutes work)with no new brake pads ...I think you got ripped off unless they did more then what your saying you could have gotten a complete 4 wheel brake service (including pads for under $400 at a NTB or a similar national places or did it yourself for under $100 ... ...JMHO...Radd..

[Raddman]

Originally Posted by cinnabar

shoo. if ur going to drop money on new components I would just spend a little more green and get aftermarket. You can get ceramic rotors at a reasonable price compared to steel OEM's now and the performance difference is dramatic.

Thanks for that info, never heard/seen ceramic rotors are they available at your local rice store?...I put some top of the line ceramic brake pads on in my last brake job...What a difference no more rainy morning squealing and the wheel dust is almost none existent compared to semi- metallic...Radd

[Flashmn]

I doubt the rotors are ceramic, the pads might have some ceramic in them, but I bet you they arent full ceramic pads.
Plus you DON'T want race brakes on a street car, why you ask, because the heat range is very much different than the one on street cars. Not very nice when you think you have brakes coming to a traffic stop only to notice that the pads dont work when cold.

I'm using semi metallic brakepads and steel rotors, works just fine, although some non-effectiveness is noticeable in very cold weather, nothing too bad tho. Worked very well on track too.

[snigma]

I think i'll just go with OEM style replacements--as it does get very cold here. Do you guys recommend any online place that sells the right parts for the selected car?

Also, anyone know about steel-braided hoses?