Good brakepads at chain stores?!?

1228 Views 17 Replies 12 Participants Last post by skyfox, Jul 20, 2004

98b5_619

Discussion Starter · Jul 13, 2004

I have done some searching here and have found a lot of good info about upgrading brake pads/rotors from OEM.... but my question is more along the lines of stock/mild improvment.

I need new pads and rotors on my 98 Passat 1.8t and would like something quiet that stops well cold and doesnt fade when heated up.. ya.ya.. I know.. I want it all.. plus I dont want to spend $100 on pads! (unless I REALLY have to)

Since I am not looking for high performance racing stuff and am on a budget.. I am "assuming" that rotors are rotors since I cant afford slotted/drilled/etc... please correct me if I am wrong.

So... if any of you can recommend pads/rotors from Napa type places (or internet vendors) please let me know!! Thanks!

1 - 18 of 18 Posts

DaddyMatt

· #2 · Jul 13, 2004

I can't give you much advice on chain store pads, but before you say you can't afford drilled or slotted rotors, check
>>HERE<< first. I bought a set; they are quite nice and a bargain.

98b5_619

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jul 13, 2004

Yeah.. thanks!
But I already saw that... and I have a 98 and dont really want to go thru figuring out which carrier brackets I have and finding them to replace etc etc.... I was hoping for direct bolt on...

Besides, does the slotted/drilled really make a difference in normal driving? I would assume the heat dissipation qualities are more for high speed / frequent hard braking type of applications... mine inst that

ShrinerMonkey

· #4 · Jul 13, 2004

You won't gain much in terms of performace by getting drilled or slotted rotors if you don't track race. The disadvantages of these rotors outweighs the gains in my opinion. So if you want stock/mild improvement like I wanted, stick with OEM rotors, either plain or cadmium plated (for looks) and get some better organic pads.

The Axxis Deluxe Plus pads are a great improvement over the stock pads (much lower dust) and are inexpensive. ECS tuning has great prices on OEM rotors and I got my Axxis pads from Zeckhausen racing.

K-aotic

· #5 · Jul 13, 2004

ShrinerMonkey said:
Axxis pads from Zeckhausen racing.

Any Links?

98b5_619

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jul 14, 2004

I always thought that the lower dust pads faded pretty bad and also 'felt' different than standard OEM style pads... is that true of these Axxis pads? or are they the best fo both worlds? (if that is ever possible)
TIA!

kuntakintay

· #7 · Jul 14, 2004

Dont forget Mitex Red Box pads, they cut down on the brake dust...

ShrinerMonkey

· #8 · Jul 14, 2004

http://www.zeckhausen.com/

The Swami

· #9 · Jul 14, 2004

Whatever you do, please stay away from Mintex Redbox pads. Their quality has gone downhill for the past few years and many tuners have stopped selling them.

Remember, the PBR/Axxis Deluxe Plus pads cost less and perform much better than Pagid/Jurid brand OEM's used by VW/Audi. I'm not a big fan of cross-drilled rotors on street cars. Racers address braking issues at every event, so most untempered CRC-Drilled rotors have a tendency to crack at drill points which can lead to irregular/premature pad wear and warping. The combo I've found to work best on our Passats is Ate Powerdisc rotors up front and plain-faced rotors in the rear using a quality pad like the PBR/Axxis Deluxe Plus. Remember the Deluxe Plus pads are virtually dustless after they are bedded, so this may be the setup for you!

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Rusty

· #10 · Jul 14, 2004

I don't know about the rotors, but the "Application Engineered" pads from NAPA are acceptable. Problem is, they are expensive. I have used those NAPA pads in an emergency when I didn't have time to order what I wanted, and they were good enough to leave on the car. But if you have the time to order, I'd go with The Swami's recommendation.

Also, IIRC Pep Boys is now selling Hawk pads. There you go!

98b5_619

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jul 15, 2004

Awesome ... I think I will go with the Axxis Deluxe pads.. still sorting out the rotor situation.. cant seem to find JUST the Ate PDisc rotors for a passat.. tons out there for BMW..

The Swami

· #12 · Jul 15, 2004

98b5_619 said:
Awesome ... I think I will go with the Axxis Deluxe pads.. still sorting out the rotor situation.. cant seem to find JUST the Ate PDisc rotors for a passat.. tons out there for BMW..

Brother, I got your back.. You can buy the Ate Powerdisc rotors from ECSTuning and Virtual Parts World aka Parts4VWs.com.

They don't make Powerdiscs for the rear brakes, so just do some quality plain-faced rotors. This is an awesome setup with the right pads. Be sure to bed in those brakes once installed and you should be good to go!!

Guidoracer

· #13 · Jul 15, 2004

Don't forget to check out BMA Auto Parts as well. They have good prices, good service, and free shipping.

stealthx32

· #14 · Jul 15, 2004

Autozone sells Performance Friction products.

SilverFlash

· #15 · Jul 16, 2004

The Swami said:
Whatever you do, please stay away from Mintex Redbox pads. Their quality has gone downhill for the past few years and many tuners have stopped selling them.

Remember, the PBR/Axxis Deluxe Plus pads cost less and perform much better than Pagid/Jurid brand OEM's used by VW/Audi. I'm not a big fan of cross-drilled rotors on street cars. Racers address braking issues at every event, so most untempered CRC-Drilled rotors have a tendency to crack at drill points which can lead to irregular/premature pad wear and warping. The combo I've found to work best on our Passats is Ate Powerdisc rotors up front and plain-faced rotors in the rear using a quality pad like the PBR/Axxis Deluxe Plus. Remember the Deluxe Plus pads are virtually dustless after they are bedded, so this may be the setup for you!

Hmmm...

Maybe things have changed however I've got 60,000 miles on my Redbox with the ATE oem rotors. Have to admit not sure how many miles are left :suspicio:

98b5_619

Discussion Starter · #16 · Jul 19, 2004

Anyone have measurements for min thickness of rotors?? also, how thin should I let my pads get before replacing them?
(sorry for the noob questions.. this is the first VW I have owned since learning how to work on cars... but if any of you need assistance with an old 60's ford.. let me know!!

)

soundfxinc

· #17 · Jul 19, 2004

Carquest Global Solutions Brake Pads...Made by raybestos...Made with the foreign car in mind..Exceeds OE specs...I work for CQ and sell the hell out of these..Putting a set on mine shortly..I will keep u posted

skyfox

· #18 · Jul 20, 2004

Local Pepboys starts to carry EBC Green Stuff Performance Brake Pads recently. They are started at $49.99

1 - 18 of 18 Posts

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