JayArras

I'm in the market for new brake pads and also need front rotors. Been doing some research on this board and opinions seem to vary as to the best brake pads to use. The three names I hear most often are Akebono, Axxis and Hawk. I assume there is no such thing as an OEM ceramic pad? My main criteria (besides stopping performance, of course) is LESS BRAKE DUST! I kinda gleaned that Akebono is best in this area, but I wanted to get some updated opinions on this.

I also heard mention that use of ceramic pads require rotors that can withstand the higher temperatures that they throw out. Can anyone verify this? If that's the case, what brand of rotors do you recommend?

I love to hear your opinions on this.

panda1

I installed the Akebono pads a few months ago with less dust and I don't have any stopping issues.As far as rotors, I installed Zimmerman. No problems noted. I listen to members on this forum and this combination was well noted. It works for me.

atlninerfan

I went with akebono and r1 concepts spotted and drilled motors. I have way less brake dust but less bite.

JayArras

I'm looking at the Zimmerman rotors as well. Thanks.



That's what I had heard the trade-off is. Thanks.

JayArras

Well, I went with the Akebonos and now notice a reduction in stopping power. I hope the promise of less brake dust is worth the trade off.

atlninerfan

My car stops just fine. Like I said before, you will notice less stopping power but that's what you get with ceramic pads.

Now I can go 3-4 weeks without having to clean my wheels. It used to be every 3 days. Worth it for me.

Karolko

I went with Zimmerman rotors and Hawk ceramic brake pads on my old car, and I will do the same on the car I have today once it's time to change the brakes. It was a lot less brake dust better stopping power and a longer lifetime(more miles) so I only have positive feedbak.

Good luck

Luxurytax

Who all sells the Hawks? I need some rear pads

socale39

I find it hard to believe the Hawk ceramic pads would outperform the OEM pads. I have always found the OEM pads provide a lot more bite than any other pad I have used in the past. Even with that being said, I still used the Axxis Deluxe pads for my 545 but I'm going back to OEM for the M5.

If you prefer the OEM pads just pickup some Sonax Full Effect wheel cleaner and plan to spray every once in a while to keep your wheels looking like new.

JayArras

I don't think that's what he was saying. You're right, ceramic pads are never going to ever outperform OEM pads.

If only it were that simple...