1995 SE Front Brake recommendations
 

On another thread we determined that I had warped rotors. Previously I had purcheased new rotors at Kragen or Napa rather than turn old, warped rotros.

The recommendations was to use quality, non-generic rotors. In the past RSM rotors had been preferred, but they appear to be history now. Locally I can get to Kragen, Pep Boys, Autozone and Napa, but from past posts they don't seem to carry the better rotors. While I would like to go and pick them up tomorrow, I can live with waiting for Internet order shipping.

Our car has 170,000 miles. Looking for recommendations for front rotors, pads and possibly calipers. I flushed the brake lines in 2006, but will probably do them again when I replace the rotors.

-sp4149

Has anyone tried these Brembo rotors from AutoBarn.com?

Product Details For:# 27038
Main Category: Brake/Wheel Bearing
Sub Category: Brake Pads/Shoes/Rotors/Drums - Front
Qualifier: PONTIAC
Description: Front Brake Rotor
Manufacturer: BREMBO BRAKES
Additional Description: Front ; Min thick (mm) 30.7; Years:1995-1996; Per Car Qty:2;
Your Price: $ 43.95


Auto parts Warehouse has the Brembo 27038s and also
- Brembo Brake Disc
Part Number: W0133-1621523
Your Price: $50.95


I can't see a difference between the two Brembo rotors other than the part numbers.

-sp4149

Try Powerslot. Slotted, not drilled. They use Brembo blanks.

Brake Pads - Metalmaster or Hawk?
 

Since the 95 sE is nearing 200k, my wife doesn't want to spend big bucks. I see keeping the car another 2-3 years at most and don't want a repeat of the rotor problems with the NAPA rotors currently on the front. It seems like the Brembo rotors represent the best value, especially if Powerslot uses the Brembo blanks for their slotted rotors.

Looking at possible brake pad choices i see PBR Metal Masters reasonably priced and they have a good reputation on other cars. A better option would be to go up to HAWK HPS SERIES BRAKE PADS for twice the price. Given the recent posts about some ceramic pads and warping rotors, I wasn't considering them.

Any experiences with the Metal masters or HAWK HPS pad on the Bonneville?

certainly not an expert, but..
 

...I've never had the pulsating in my brakes. ever. at least not after I do a brake job. Every used car I have ever bought pulsates, but here's what I do, and it never fails me.. New rotors, generally Bendix, they're not horribly expensive. Standard semi-metallic pads. Clean everything, make sure the hubs are clean, slides work smooth, and where the pads slide against the calipers, clean of all rust, with a little dab of never-seize. Rotors must be cleaned well with brake clean, nofingerprints. Then, I break the pads into the rotors by accelerating up to about 50, braking hard down to a near stop, and repeating this cycle. Old time mechanics have said what ruins fresh pads and rotors is a panic stop then holding the brake pedal down after you stop. If you've ever done this, then you get the pulsating, look closely at the fresh shiny rotor and you'll see a ghost image of the pad stained into the rotor. That's bad. I'll get the fresh pads hot enough to stink, then drive along until they air cool, then drive normally. Brakes are smooth as glass for the life of them. Just my 2 cents worth Mike