The dealer just replaced my from pads and rotors under warranty (20,000 miles FYI). Now that I have new rotors (and white wheels), it's time to replace the front pads with something less dusty.

My priority is (1) low dust (2) no squeal (3) cost. I keep thinking I'll track it or AutoX but frankly it hasn't happened yet so I'm not planning on it. Consider this a daily driver (but if there are pads that aren't dangerous on the track and meet my other needs...).

Also note that I'm only planning on changing the front pads as the back still have a lot of life in them and will therefore still be covered (at least for another 10 months)

Recommendations?

Thanks!

 

I recommend for a street application, Bobcat pads by Carbotech check
out their website www.ctbrakes.com

 

Thanks. What about some cheaper alternatives? We're in the middle of (1) unexpected bath remodel and (2) an anniversary cruise ($$) so bucks are little tight at the moment.

 

doubt you'll get the performance and low dust of bobcats for cheeper

you could just stay stock if price is your primary concern...they're good pads anyway.

 

I've use both CarboTech Bobcats and Hawk Ceramics - both work well and have very low dust that was very easy to wipe off. The Hawks are less expensive but wear your rotors faster - and did wear out my rotors pretty quickly. The Bobcats cost more but are easier on the rotors, and perhaps have a little better modulation. Both will stop your car, and both will feel VERY different from stock... they don't have the initial "throw you into the dash" bite of the OEM pads, but instead they bite a little with light pedal pressure and harder with firm pedal pressure. Panic stops will still kick in the ABS. This provides for better control over stopping, but takes a little getting used to once you're accustomed to the OEM pads.

 

Thanks Paul

 

Check out your URL there. It took me to a very friendly veteran owned CO2 equipment manufacturer. I enjoyed my visit to his website, but it didn't enlighten me as to the pricing and availability of the recommended brake pads.

 

this one might help. http://www.autoxcooper.com/carbotech_brake_pads.html

 

I've used OEM, Hawk Ceramics, and CarboTech AX6 pads. The Ceramics scared me the first time I hit the brakes because the car didn't want to stop - the pads feel mooshy (best way to describe it). I understand linear pad feel (AX6's are good for this) but the ceramics didn't bite hard enough (IMO). Doing a test on my car after normal driving (not spirited driving that would overheat them) going both feet in at 40 mph my ABS did not kick in. I'm running Falken 912 tires, for information. Dynolicious on my iPhone recorded about 0.95g braking, but it was the pads that kept it from going higher. If you think your tires can handle 0.95 braking or higher then ABS won't kick in. I didn't like the ceramics. Sure they're quiet (much quieter than the AX6's), but I feel safer with even OEM than the ceramics.

Edit: If you think you might do track duty on whatever pads you get, I can't recommend the ceramics - I still remember the smoke coming from the front brakes when I was bedding them in. I can't imagine they'd last long on track.

 

just to clarify, track duty on bobcats (ceramic) = fade, glazing, smoke, badness....not appropriate pad for the track! track duty on xp8 or xp10 (ceramic) = goodness no fade, no glazing, no smoke, no worries!

just like non ceramic pads, there really isn't one pad out there that does it all....ferodo is probably the closest thing....but the op is worried about $

 

How about the Hawk HPS? I have heard good things!

 

I use EBC Green stuff?

 

sorry about the wrong web address for carbotech,just fixed that mistake
www.ctbrakes.com

 

HPS offers decent initial bite, and lower dust than OEM.

I sugest using HP+ as a drop in front pad for HPDE.

Alex