Need Good Replacement Rotors

[ruger1]

Hi, any ideas on good aftermarket rotors and pad (kits preferred) for a 2011 Altima SR--non hybrid.

Looking into cross-drilled brakes from brakeperformance.com looking for improved braking performance--this is four rotors and sets of pads...for about $300. Concerned about fit and functionality from aftermarket parts--my other car is a '68 Olds 442 so I know aftermarket parts can improve performance at the same or better price than OEM--any recommendations are appreciated.

Cross-Drilled Brake Kits
Position: Front & Rear (4 Wheel Brake Kit) (Black)
Options: Semi Metallic Premium Pads
Vehicle: 2011 Nissan Altima
Submodel: All Except Hybrid Model
Part#: DBFR-42096;DBFR-42073

[centralcoaster33]

Hi and welcome to the forums. Is your car stock or could you list some performance modifications? Do you have a four or six cylinder? Do you have a stick or automatic? How often does your car go to the race track? And finally, how much for the Oldsmobile?

[ruger1]

Stock six cylinder...stick...strictly street driving, no track but I'm thinking the rotors wore faster than normal? No upgrades yet because I don't want to void my extended warranty--or so I hear?

Ha ha ha...thanks but the Olds is not for sale.

[centralcoaster33]

Well, I don't hear you complaining about brake fade or warped rotors or dust. You're also not on the track, autocross parking lot and it doesn't sound like you're racing the back roads.

I do not recommend drilled or slotted rotors in your situation. There's lots of discussion on the topic online. I think you could steer away from opinions (there are too many!), read the facts and make your own decision. Stress cracks, tapered holes, pad materials don't gas like they used to, heat sink, surface contact, scrubbing, etc. It's interesting information. I made my decision to go with solid style on my 240sx.

I have tried lots of different pad materials, ceramic is my favorite, organic is my least favorite. I'm a huge fan of Axxis ceramic brake pads (Ultimates) but they no longer make those for me. I'm not sure they make them at all anymore. So I've had to experiment again. I'm using some Stoptech pads on Brembo blank rotors. I'm not ready to review them just yet. Mine aren't ceramic. But, yours can be! I found a nice kit online. If I had your car, I'd buy this kit: http://www.partstrain.com/store/details ... fgodfAANxg

If the link get's old, it's at Parts Train - Powerstop OE Replacement Brake Disc and Pad Kit - Front And Rear and lists for $170. Get some fresh dot 4 fluid and some caliper lube and install them yourself. Features I like are it's affordable, new rotors, ceramic pads, reputable manufacturer, all four corners.

[seldomseen]

How many miles did you get out of the OEM rotors and pads? Truth be told, if you're only going to be an average or spirited driver. Then the OEMs will more than suffice in terms of performance and reliability. I got more that 75k miles off my OEMs, and replaced them with OEMs because they perform more quite excellent for average and spirited driving.

Budget aftermarket "performance" rotors and pads are typically a waste of money, and in most cases less reliable the Nissan's OEMs. But can offer the performance "look" by offering a slotted and/or cross drilled rotor for cosmetic effect, along with "high-tech" brake pad options, with minimal performance gains, and reliability improvements.

If you want real performance rotors and pads, expect to spend some serious coin to get a setup that will yield significant performance results --- if you have money to waste.

[Robs 08 Altima]

Well, I don't hear you complaining about brake fade or warped rotors or dust. You're also not on the track, autocross parking lot and it doesn't sound like you're racing the back roads.

I do not recommend drilled or slotted rotors in your situation. There's lots of discussion on the topic online. I think you could steer away from opinions (there are too many!), read the facts and make your own decision. Stress cracks, tapered holes, pad materials don't gas like they used to, heat sink, surface contact, scrubbing, etc. It's interesting information. I made my decision to go with solid style on my 240sx.

I have tried lots of different pad materials, ceramic is my favorite, organic is my least favorite. I'm a huge fan of Axxis ceramic brake pads (Ultimates) but they no longer make those for me. I'm not sure they make them at all anymore. So I've had to experiment again. I'm using some Stoptech pads on Brembo blank rotors. I'm not ready to review them just yet. Mine aren't ceramic. But, yours can be! I found a nice kit online. If I had your car, I'd buy this kit: http://www.partstrain.com/store/details ... fgodfAANxg

If the link get's old, it's at Parts Train - Powerstop OE Replacement Brake Disc and Pad Kit - Front And Rear and lists for $170. Get some fresh dot 4 fluid and some caliper lube and install them yourself. Features I like are it's affordable, new rotors, ceramic pads, reputable manufacturer, all four corners.

I have to agree with you. I did a brake/rotor job on my 08 2.5S Sedan and have regretted what I choose from about the second week after installing. I went with cheap OEM rotors and "Performance" Powerstop pads. Big mistake. I have had to put up with grinding and groaning from about the second week .

Fast forward to last week and I had the car in for an oil change at the dealer and asked them to look at the brakes and they told me that my front rotors are shot from heat damage. I also had them adjust the E brake and they tightened it too much which caused another issue but that is Soooooo........... today I ordered the very Powerstop kit mentioned above (From a different retailer at a slightly lower price). I am hoping that their brakes combined with their rotors will produce better results. I'll just be happy if I don't have to listen to groaning and feel shuddering every time I hit the brake pedal. BTW, took the car to Pep Boys for a second opinion today and they told me the same thing. Rotors shot. Had the brake system flushed while I was there. Now considering replacing all of the calipers while I have the tires off. I have 120,2?? miles on the car and I am wondering if this is something I should bother with or not. Any opinions would be appreciated.

[centralcoaster33]

It can be tough finding the right brake combo, especially when you have very specific tastes and care about the cost of things. It sucks about that oil change ebrake tightening job. I've had Jiffy Lube nightmares as well, so they wouldn't get to touch things like my brakes. Anyway, calipers are pretty tough, but have parts that can wear out. What is common is to replace the guide pins if they have uneven wear and maybe the shims if they're all bent up and the grommets. Some people pop out the piston and replace the rubber on there, but I haven't gone that far with mine. They are called things like "brake hardware kit" and "brake guide pins". I recommend the guide pins the most because a straight pin makes an even grab of the rotor with the brake pads. Here's a link for the front stuff and I assume there's rear bits for you also.
http://www.autozone.com/brakes-and-trac ... ckfit=true
http://www.autozone.com/brakes-and-trac ... tid=484944

[Robs 08 Altima]

Thanks for the info Centralcoaster33.

I always replace the clips and rubber bits but have never thought to replace the guide pins. I am going to hazard a guess and say that the pins that are in the car are probably original equipment. Probably wouldn't be a bad idea to pony up the extra cash to replace them as well.

[SailingAltima]

I was really happy with my EBC pads and rotors on my previous car. I had the Greenstuff pads and the USR slotted rotors which were better than stock but not really extreme, but take a look at what they have and make your own choice.