I need to replace the brakes on my '96 convertible - any recommendations for the pads? I've been considering the Cool Carbons (about $230 for a full set) the Hawk Ceramics (about $150 for a full set) and the Akebono Euro Ceramics (about $100 for a full set). I would like to minimize the dust (hence the ceramics) while retaining the OEM (or better) stopping power. I haven't been able to find any sites that test and compare the different pads. I'm open to other options as well. Thanks in advance.
I've got the Cool Carbon's on my E46 and the Akebono's on my E36. The Akebono's are truly low dust, while the Cool Carbon's are a bit better than OEM but still generate quite a bit of dust.
The Cool Carbon's have a bit more agressive initial grip (less pedal pressure) and don't seem to show any fade under aggressive stopping. The Akebono's take a bit more initial pedal pressure, but don't show any fade either.
To sum up, when the Cool Carbon's wear out, they're getting replaced with the Akebono's.
One last plus, the Akebono's have an isolator pad on the back of the pads to help hold lubricant and prevent brake squeal, while the Cool Carbon's don't.
The E46 has some brake squeal after a couple thousand miles on the pads, and the E36 is still quiet.
Don't have any experience with the Hawk pads so I can't give you a comparison with those.
Thanks for the info on the pads. I've read that the Hawks don't have the slot for inserting the wear sensor but some of the vendors have them rated well.
They're all good pads. Even OEM pads are good. It comes down to a question of what you're going to do with the car. For a daily driver I'd go with the Akebono's just from the low dust standpoint. I'm only having to clean my wheels about once a month with the Akebono's. With the Cool Carbon's the wheels on my E46 are filthy in two weeks.
I've been using Akebono's on my E46 coupe for the last couple of years and there's a HUGE difference in brake dust, with very little performance hit. I just picked up another E36 vert, and as soon as I get a chance to pressure wash the (horrendously dirty) wheels I'll be fitting it with Akebono Euro's.
We try to make shopping and purchasing brakes for your vehicle a simple and affordable with our 'RPS' kits. (Rotors Pads and Sensors)
Our RPS kits include everything you'll need to do the job at home on a Saturday afternoon. These are all OEM parts. The RPS kit is a perfect brake replacement kit for your German vehicle.
Includes the following Parts:
* Brake Rotors
* Brake Pads
* Brake Wear Sensor
Please let us know if you have any questions! Feel free to shoot me a PM or email.
Best,
Joe
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