Ok i have a little over $400 to get new pads and rotors...i need them super bad....rotors are rusted and rear pads are non existent....everything is decent for everyday commute but i really want to make it back to the Mtns and positive this needs to be addressed first....saw some interesting deals on Ebay for Hawk pads and some random company's rotors but not sure i want to take a risk like that :ugh: any input would be great, not looking to do a brembo upgrade or nothing crazy obviously with a $4-$500 budget....oh and it's for an 03 wrx sedan....
I drive an 03 as well, I upgraded to Carbotech Bobcats...$110 front, 90 rear... Made a huge difference in stopping power(still crappy though IMO).. The only problem is that they squeek pretty bad, which I heard is normal for that brand. Haven't upgraded rotors yet...
did you run into any problems fitting the fronts on....the only place i found ones that would fit were from SOG....the other ones that were supposed to fit didn't...the little ears on the sides were too big......j/w
No problems, you just have to make sure you get the right model...the 02's are different than 03's...Tried to put my stock pads on my buddys 02 and they didn't fit...I would say just make sure you specify year/model when ordering...I also recomend Stainless Steel brake lines while your doing brake stuff..
You should look at Carbotech and Hawk, both make great pads. You cant lose with either. Alex had the carbotech's on his and he really enjoyed them. As for rotors, I cant say I know too much in that field.
Speaking of the pads. How is the brake dust from the Carbotechs and the Hawks. Also with the stainless brake lines, what does help in regards to? Just giving you more of a solid braking control when under pressure.
Bobcats here and I also think they are a nice upgrade! Dusting seems just a little more than stock and the squeaking/squealing can be mitigated by proper break in and lube during install (at least with mine....). I only squeak the first couple of times I hit the break in the morning, after that, for the rest of the day, no squeaking....
I got the bobcats and I really like them. They only squeak going backwards lol. I think carbotech also makes some rotors for the wrx as well. The break lines are a nice upgrade. The make the petal feel firmer.
I've got EBC reds on my 03' along with powerslot front rotors and they work great. No brake dust whatsoever
in my case at least, the bobcats need a little heat before they really bite... 2 firm brakes is all they need to warm up
Get the Hawk HPS pads for street use. The HP+ need more heat to stop and they tend to squeal when you are light on the pedal. I've used the hawk line for a couple of years now and LOVE them! I'd stay away from the EBC line as I've used both the green and reds. Greens lasted about two months, reds lasted one weekend. Also, PowerSlot rotrs are slotted to the edge of the rotor which can cause them to crack under extreme use. BEWARE! Can't go wrong with Brembo blanks. Oh and SS lines just take away the issue of the rubber lines expanding when the pedal is depressed. First the line expands then the pads are pused against the rotor. SS lines are much less prone to expanding so all the force is sent to the pad pressing into the rotor. Change your fluid as well if you do any sprited driving. Motul and ATE make great stuff.
I have an 03 but is it possible that i have 02 brakes? I'm thinking i might because no one had pads that would fit except SOG :ugh: but i think they gave me 03 pads too?
the earlier 03's had 02' front and rear brakes and then some had 03' front and 02' rear. mine has 03' front- small wings and 02' rear- large wings. It was a pain getting companies to send me the right fitment.
Trey you always hate on my EBC's. They got product of the year for cryin' out loud. :wtc: I think you own stock in Hawk. Here's a review by a driver that wins races frequently, and the reason I purchased the pads in the first place. http://www.subiegalracing.com/sgracing/news/rally reports/ebc_redstuff_ceramic_review.htm
well i know my fronts have the small wings but not sure about the rear?....never looked at them...maybe i need someone to check them out that knows what's up before i order the wrong stuff
I just comment on what I know. The Greens and Reds sucked when I ran them. Of course, I drive like a crazy person. Maybe for the average driver they are fine. :naughty: Also, I ran EBC Red Stuff, not the EBC Red Stuff CERAMIC. They lasted one weekend and I had to ride back from Talladega using the e-brake to stop. The fronts were completely worn to the backng plates. hnoes: Have you tried the Hawks yet?
Trey, I do have the ceramic reds; so they may be a little different than the ones you tried. Then again I've never tried the Hawks and would probably like them too. You know a hell of a lot more than I do, that's for sure :bowdown: . I'm just an average driver (sometimes stupid); so they work well for my needs IMO. I need some rear pads; so maybe I'll put the Hawks on the rear and see how it goes since you rate so highly of them -Cheers, hope to see all you guys at Topspeed
Here's another vote for Hawk. I've got the HP+ all the way around. They stop GREAT..... once they're warmed up. Until then you better drag the brakes to warm them up. Go with what Trey says and get the HPS. Oh yeah, the HP+ squeal like a pig. It was a little annoying at first, but now it's fun to get them squealing next to people driving and talking on their cell phone. :naughty:
I have Stoptechs on my wagon. What's the best pad to go with them? Also, where's the best place to buy em? -drums