Hey everyone.

I visited the dealer today to get a quote on installing front pads + labor and it came out to be $370~. Unfortunately, my dealer does not allow aftermarket parts anywhere near their shop so unless I want to be charged excessively for OE pads, I must go elsewhere.

I am thinking of getting the EBC Redstuff pads but, according to my service adviser, aftermarket pads might generate an excessive amount of noise on the stock rotors. Has anybody fitted aftermarket pads (EBC or otherwise) on their car on the stock rotors and had a problem with noise?

Also, the dealer did not even mention turning the rotors and said that I "just need front pads". What is your take on this? Should I get my rotors turned anyways?

Thanks for the help!

- Pat

 

Anybody? Techs?

Your input would be greatly appreciated.

 

check the rotors out on your own. all you need is a straight edge and a 1mm gauge.

for the pads just do a google search and a whole bunch of reviews will come up.

hope the helps.

-Vic

 

I put akebono ceramics on my rear, OEM rotors. Fronts are aftermarket. I tried EBC reds at first, they squealed a tiny bit and left lots of dust. Switcheroo to Akebono Euros and happy ever since. That's my story, and i'm stickin to it.

You can do your own brakes if you have only a small amount of mechanical aptitude. Ask a friend, ask a relative, ask one of those panhandlers that 'will work for food.' You'll find someone who can do it.

Oh yah, and I did turn the rears.

 

I just replaced the pads and rotors on my 04 XJ8 (28,000mi). They were squealing like a banshee and both Jag dealers plus an independent mechanic said they could not stop the noise and a complete replacement was the only way. I bought the Akebono pads from RockAuto for $160.07 and the rotors from R1 Concepts for $296.72. Had a friend/mechanic install them for $150 and all is well now. $606.79 total. Dealer wanted $1700 !!!

 

Looking for an excuse to buy some new rotors from R1...guess i'll have to wait

pics of the new rotors Lew? I assume smooth type, nothing fancy like slotted?

 

I replaced rear rotors 2days ago with R1's and lucas/trw pads. Both 'OEM'. Im still getting a slight squeek from the rear, the rotors still havent gotten smooth in the rear so im assuming thats the reason.

George, did your brakes stop squeeling immediately ?

cost for rear rotors and pads was $130 shipped, installation I did on my own with my father.

 

I went with the solid rotors. I don't do any racing or mountain driving. Since the rotors and pads were installed the noise completely disappeared and has not returned. I used the Akebono pads from recommendations on this forum and so far I am very pleased with them. So nice to press the brake pedal and not scare every car within a mile of me!! LOL

p.s. Rear rotors were $75+/-, but the front rotors were $175.

 

I'm thinking the rears will take longer to set than the fronts. Do some highway driving and then report back Strate.

 

The day I installed I went to a stretch of road and did a series of stops starting at 15mph, 30mph, then 50mph with a cooldown period in between. Ever since then they have around 30miles and still arent set. Maybe ill take the Jaguar on a 30mile highway stretch to my insurance broker (was planning on taking the civic)

Once they bed ill be sure to post mileage for future reference.

 

I have OEM Rotors and Akebono pads and not a noise ever from the brakes. I don't think the Jaguar pads are really much if any more expensive than the other brands; the same for the rotors. There was not much of a price difference.

The independent Jag garage I brought my car to was really into using just OEM, but they were impressed with how the Akebono combo worked. Next time I would do the same as I did or go all OEM.

 

Nice contribution moses, one characteristic to point out is the Akebono's produce significantly less brake dust over the OEM pads.

 

You got that right h20boy! I could have my wheels cleaned and one trip around the block and they were dirty again. The Ake's stay clean from wash to wash.

 

Yes, the Akebono's are impressive in with low brake dust; just like the difference in OEM pads on Jap cars vs. Euro cars. Never understood why the Euro brands put pads on that make the wheels look like crap after one trip around the block...

 

Thank you for all the replies.

So the Akebonos are getting a lot of love...I think I just might try those out. On Tire Rack, they are listed as the "Euro Ceramic Pads". Are these the pads that you are referring to?

Also, how does the stopping power compare with these pads versus the OEM pads?

 

Those sound like them. The stopping power initially is not as good but on full brake is fine. I think they need more warming up than OEM's. Overall you'll be happy. Just having decent looking wheels is worth slightly less braking power. It's not like I am Mark Weber trying to late brake the hairpin at Montreal...