Brake Pads and Rotors at the Tire Rack, Customize Your Brake System

Thursday, February 18, 2010 by Chad Hocker
Ever thought to buy brake pads and rotors online? With Tire Rack you can buy brake pads and brake rotors of your choice shipped to you, or your installer. Tire Rack has brake components to fit your vehicle broken down into four performance categories to help with the selection process. About a year ago, I noticed my Chevy Impala's brake system was not performing like I remembered. The Impala is used to get me back and forth to work in an efficient manor. All I needed was an Original Equipment replacement level brake product. I selected the Akebono ProACT Ceramic Brake Pads from the Premium Brake Pad category. I always like to use the products  Tire Rack carries to see for myself how they work in the field, so I made the purchase and got to work updating the Impala with my new Akebono ProACT Ceramic Pads.

The Akebono ProAct Ceramic Pads have met my expectations. They work well in rain and dry conditions and do not make a lot of dust. One thing I did notice during winter driving is the Akebono ProAct Ceramic Pads do have a little more initial bite as the front wheels have locked up a few more times than last winter with my O.E. brake pads (no ABS on the Impala). No worries; a small change to my braking style and I'm happy with the overall performance of the brake system on Centric Premium Brake Rotormy car.

Not to forget the brake rotors, as its always a great time to replace brake rotors and brake pads at the same time. The Centric Premium Rotor is a great Original Equipment replacement rotor. One thing I really like about the Centric Premium Rotor is the Electrocoating (E-coating) black finish. The finish really makes the rotors look sharp especially if you have a wheel that shows the rotors or, have a winter wheel that shows the rotor more than the summer wheels.

Check to see which rotors or brake pads work best for your car at Tire Rack. Tire Rack has many brake system options to chose from. I just wanted something like the Original Equipment brake system.  You may want to step it up for some additional performance. Tire Rack can offer you the custom brake pad and rotor package to meet your needs.
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Hawk Brake Options at the Tire Rack

Tuesday, February 16, 2010 by Chad Hocker
Hawk Performance BrakesLike the many tire options available at the Tire Rack.  There are quite a few brake pads available.  Tire Rack carries Hawk brake pads.  Hawk brakes do a good job offering brake pads in each performance category to enhance your brake system.
  • Hawk HPS Brake Pads
    • For high-speed driving, or repetitive heavy braking.  Offering 20-40% more stopping power and higher resistance to brake fade than most Original Equipment brake pads.
Check the Hawk Brake products by clicking the links above.  Tire Rack also has brake survey reviews if you would like to view them as well as a red colored dot system showing the Stopping Power rating, Low Noise Rating, and Low Dust Rating of each brake pad we carry.

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Brembo Big Brake KITS!!!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010 by Mac McNabb
Product PhotoAre you looking for some serious stopping power for your late model sports car? Do your rotors and calipers show through your wheels and you need a much bigger and better look?

Brembo Big Brake KITS are for you!

Magazine cover looks with road racing stopping power. What could be better?

Gran Turismo Kits are the complete caliper, line and rotor kit for your vehicle. 

The Turismo Brake Systems are big brakes on a budget, utilizing your calipers in the assembly. This kit matched with some caliper paint could be the perfect "budget big brake kit" solution.
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We've got ATE brake pads online.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010 by Tire Rack Team
ATE ("Ah-Tay") brake pads come from one of the world's leading brake system manufacturers, Continental Automotive Systems—and we've put these brake pads online just for you.

Combining innovative technology with quality materials and expert engineering, ATE brake pads meet and exceed O.E. performance and safety standards across the board. And across the pond. ATE has been a trusted brake pad brand in Europe for over 100 years, and that proven expertise is something we at Tire Rack are very excited to share with our customers.

Our list of ATE products includes the PremiumOne™ brake pads. Advanced friction formulations enhance pad performance, reduce wheel dusting and extend pad life while shims, chamfers and slots minimize excess noise. These are excellent O.E. replacement options for both domestic and Asian vehicles alike.

Search our entire inventory of brake system products to find ATE brake components for your vehicle.




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The "more than just tires online" store, that's us.

Friday, January 29, 2010 by Tire Rack Team
At Tire Rack, we strive to be more than just a tires online store. We post products like everyone else, but we take it a few steps further by offering multiple resources that guide you throughout the purchasing process. From the Upgrade Garage to thousands of Tire Rack Consumer Reviews, even test results we achieved on our own test track—we're all about educating you on the tire as it pertains to your specific vehicle.

But we also know a thing or two about performance wheels, car and truck suspension systems, brake systems...even high performance wiper blades and car batteries. And we've got the information (and the reputation) to prove it.

Keep up with us as we keep up with the high performance tire and wheel industry. Join our email list for product news, manufacturers' special offers and more.



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Brembo Brake Rotors

Monday, January 11, 2010 by Tire Rack Team
Brakes can only withstand so much slamming. As with all good things, they must come to an end. But what many drivers don't realize: As brake pads wear out, the brake rotors do, too.

Brembo is known throughout the industry for their racing and race-inspired high performance braking systems. Over 26 million Brembo brake rotors are manufactured every year. While some of those brake rotors become Original Equipment, many of them are purchased as replacement options on vehicles just like yours.

Brembo OE Replacement Brake Rotors are designed to meet or exceed any standards previously set by your vehicle's O.E. rotors. 

In addition, Brembo features a number of brake rotors that upgrade performance levels, too. Choose from one- or two-piece cast rotors that are machined to exact tolerances, electronically balanced, and highly inspected to meet strict Brembo (and industry) standards.

A simple search produces a compatible list.

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"Can I use my Brembo rotors on the track?"

Tuesday, January 5, 2010 by Tire Rack Team
In a track setting, high speeds produce even higher temperatures that push brake components to the limit. If you have High Performance Sport Drilled or Slotted Brembo rotors then you should probably exit to pit row. For good. Although they considerably enhance your vehicle's appearance and performance, these Brembo rotors won't withstand those higher temperatures. However, if you DO use them on the track (though we don't recommend it), it is extremely important that they are carefully inspected. Any sign of deterioration would make them unsafe to drive on. (And, unfortunately, using them on the track depletes your warranty.)

If you're in need of some track-worthy Brembo rotors, we recommend the Brembo Grand Turismo Brake System. It's an Ultra High Performance package that offers race-inspired braking components (including rotors) that improve performance both on and off the track.

To see if this product is right for your vehicle, search our inventory of brake components.

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Brembo Brake Pads

Monday, January 4, 2010 by Tire Rack Team


In 1961, Brembo took the brake market with their knack for design, development and production. To this day, they lead the industry with racing and aftermarket brake components and systems—which is why Brembo brakes appear as Original Equipment components on some of the world's finest passenger cars from the likes of BMW, Porsche, Ferrari and more.

In addition, Brembo brake pads have helped a variety of racing teams (from Formula 1 to CART, NASCAR, FIA World Rally and Superbike organizations) take home the coveted checkered flag.

This level of performance satisfaction is available to you as well. Whether you want to improve your current braking system, or possibly upgrade to an enhanced aftermarket package, Brembo can help. Just search Tire Rack's inventory of brake components by vehicle to see which Brembo products are right for you.

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Performance Brake Pads: Which Category Does Your Vehicle Fall Under?

Tuesday, December 29, 2009 by Tire Rack Team
Performance brake pads aren't just performance brake pads—and that's because brakes aren't as simple as they seem. Different vehicles require different braking systems, and that's why we've grouped our performance brake pads into subsequent categories. Take a look:

Premium: Excellent stopping power for the everyday driver. Premium brake pads lower braking noise levels, and they reduce dust accumulation. Most Original Equipment brake pads fall within this category.

Performance Street: A step up from the Premium category, Performance Street brake pads provide the ultimate in stopping power while resisting fading. If you upgrade to performance tires, you'll want these brake pads, too.

Autocross/Track: Frequent high-speed stopping needs high stopping power, which is the objective of these performance brake pads. They are uniquely formulated to withstand high heat and to resist brake fade.

Truck & SUV: These brake pads are built to withstand stop and go traffic on a bigger vehicle. In addition, they adapt to towing and larger-sized wheels and tires.

See which products fit into these categories:
• Passenger Cars
• Light Trucks/SUVs

Shop for performance brake pads.
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An Intro to Brake Components

Monday, December 14, 2009 by Tire Rack Team
Ok, they stop your vehicle (you hope). 

That's a given. 

But that's not all. Brakes are a critical component of your vehicle, and as such, are comprised of various other, well...critical components. Let's start at the front: As the weight of the vehicle pushes forward during braking, front brakes step up to the plate and do most of the work to stop your vehicle. In other words, disc brakes on the front axle clamp down to create the necessary amount of friction needed to slow things down. And what creates that friction? Brake calipers against pads against rotors. Moving to the rear axle, you'll most likely find drum brakes. Advantages? Low cost and the ability to integrate the emergency parking brake. (Read more.)

While this is the basic gist of a braking system, many drivers choose to upgrade their brake components for a sporty performance effect. Whether you choose to do this or not, it's important to remember that brakes should always be installed by a competent mechanic. Incorrectly installed breaks can lead to major problems on the road, and we're positive you know what we mean, so don't risk it. (Find a Recommended Installer.)

Shop for brake components by vehicle.
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Need to replace brake rotors?

Tuesday, September 29, 2009 by Tire Rack Team









At Tire Rack, we make it really easy to replace brake rotors. All you have to do is search for break components by vehicle. When you do, you'll only see the brake rotors, pads or complete brake systems with that are right for your vehicle—we want you to get the right fit.

Or, you can search by brand. Just a few of our top sellers include:

• ATE
• DBA
• Power Slot

And once you purchase new brake rotors, we'll recommend an installer.

Confused? We've got a library full of brake tech articles. Start at the beginning and learn the science of breaking. We'll dissect all the basics for you, then outline some info on brake components and fit. 


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Disc Brake Challenge Part V: Bleeding The Brakes And Bedding-In The Pads

Friday, August 21, 2009 by David Horvath
With the new brake pads and rotors installed, it's time for Samuel to bleed any air out of the brake lines. The first step is to check the condition of the brake fluid currently in the lines.

Step 1: Checking the fluid

Brake fluid is an interesting substance. It's actually a specialized type of hydraulic fluid and it does require inspection and or replacement over time.

You can't just top it off and forget about it. It should be checked regularly and flushed/replaced at least every 18-24 months depending on the condition of the fluid.

The brake fluid used in most automotive applications is hygroscopic. This simply means that over time, it will absorb moisture from its surroundings. It literally soaks up moisture from the atmosphere like a sponge.  The rubber brake lines on most cars and trucks can allow small amounts of moisture from the surrounding atmosphere to penetrate through their walls and into your brake fluid.

That can be extremely dangerous because of the high heat generated by the braking process. The fluid inside your calipers and wheel cylinders will be exposed to intense heat and any moisture trapped in the fluid can boil off forming gas bubbles inside your brake lines.

Any air or gas bubbles in your brake lines can compress and cause your brakes to fade or even fail to stop the vehicle under hard braking conditions.  

Checking your fluid is a simple matter of looking at it. Most normal brake fluid starts out as a clear liquid. As it absorbs moisture it will start to turn dark over time.

If your fluid looks like strong tea or coffee, it's time to change it ASAP.

Start by finding the brake master cylinder. It's typically located somewhere on the vehicle's firewall just behind the engine. 

The engineer that designed the location of the brake master cylinder on the 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan should be run out of town coated in tar and feathers. This has to be the worst location I have ever seen on a modern vehicle.  It's way up under the windshield cowl and you can barely access the filler cap.

master cylinder

The brake fluid reservoir sits on top of your master cylinder and it's translucent. That's so you can see the color of the fluid without actually opening the cap. If it looks like it's full of coffee or strong tea, it's time for a fluid change.

I sucked out some fluid using a clean syringe and hose to check the color. 

I did this part because brake fluid is a very caustic substance. You want to wear eye protection and you need to be careful not to let it drip. It will damage your car's paint and it will eat a hole in your clothes too! 

Our fluid didn't look all that bad. This is about what you would expect if the brakes haven't been looked at for a couple of years. This had ATE SL-6 fluid in it to begin with and it had a very light amber color to it. This is only a shade darker.

The fluid Samuel later drained from the lines was a different story.


STEP 2: Draining The Master Cylinder Reservoir



The next step was to suck out as much of the old fluid as possible from the master cylinder reservoir using the syringe and tube. Samuel dumped the old fluid into a clean gallon container that formally contained washer fluid.

All of the old fluid was taken to the local hazardous waste recycling facility and he clearly marked the bottle USED BRAKE FLUID.  

Then he topped off the reservoir with brand new ATE SL.6 brake fluid.

We have used this fluid before and it works well with the ABS brake system on the van. Even with the sticking caliper it held up very well to the excessive heat and abuse.

Samuel had to use a spare section of PVC drain pipe I had in my plumbing spares box to reach the filler neck.

Once again, my sincere thanks to whoever engineered the location of this reservoir! You can get a good idea of where it sits in this photo.  Jeesh! Obviously, ease of maintenance was the last thing on their mind when they decided to place this up under the windshield apron!!

filler neck


STEP 3: Bleeding The Brake Lines


Samuel then took our brake fluid bottle and a section of polyethylene hose and started to bleed the brakes while his sister sat in the van, pumping the brakes when prompted.

This led to some wonderful big brother, little sister banter as they attempted to synchronize their activities.

You want to use a clear or translucent hose and container so you can see the fluid as it is forced out of the brake bleeders. This is critical.

Following the instructions in the shop manual, he started with the rear passenger's side brake drum.

He worked his way from the bleeder furthest away from the master cylinder up to the driver's front caliper as he bled all four lines.

bleeding

You can see here how much darker the fluid was in the actual brake lines. It looked just like coffee!


The bleeding procedure is pretty much the same on all vehicles.

  • The first step is to remove the rubber covers from all four brake bleeders. These just pull off the nipple.


  • Clean down the bleeder valve and surrounding area with brake cleaner spray. This will help keep dirt or other contaminants out of your calipers and wheel cylinders.


  • You want to attach your hose to the brake bleeder nipple after you place a small wrench on the bleeder.


  • Next, have the person in the vehicle pump up the brakes until the pedal is firm and then hold the pedal down. This keeps the fluid pressurized in the lines.


  • Then, as they are holding the pedal down, the person bleeding the brakes gently turns the wrench to open the bleeder valve.  This forces the old fluid out  into the line and into your recycling container.


  • At first you will see very dark fluid and perhaps some air bubbles in the fluid. Some of the bubbles are from air moving through the threads of the loosened bleeder valve.  A drop of clean brake fluid on the threads will stop that and you may need to do that a few times during the bleeding process.


  • Once the pressure forces out the fluid and the flow stops, the person bleeding the brakes turns the bleeder valve shut and instructs the person in the vehicle to pump it up again.


  • The cycle repeats until you no longer see bubbles or dark fluid coming through the translucent tube.


  • You then move on to the next brake line until they are all flushed and filled with clean fluid.

Once the fluid was changed out, Samuel put the wheels back on and torqued the lug nuts to the recommended spec in the owner's manual.

Step 4: Burnishing/Bedding-in The New Pads:

We then took the van out for a test drive (with me driving of course) and we bedded in the Hawk HPS pads following the burnishing/bed-in instructions printed on the box.

The bedding-in process is extremely important with new brake pads. It allows the pad compound to properly mate with the rotor surface and when done properly, it creates a nice, even, transfer film of pad compound on the rotor surface. Here's a handy link explaining the importance of properly bedding in your brake pads:

Bedding-in Brake Pads and Rotors

Step 5: Letting The Brakes Rest


After performing the in ital bed-in procedure, it's important to let the brakes completely cool down. We parked the van and let it sit for a few hours before driving it again. Samuel was very happy and proud of himself. He was a bit uneasy when he started, but it went off with only a few hitches and the van's brakes work great now! Great job son! Now you can help me tackle the body work on my car!












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