NEED ADVISE ON WHAT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS TO REPLACE
 

SO IM SURE THIS HAD BEEN BROUGHT UP MANY TIMES AND EVERYONE IS GONNA HAVE THEIR OWN DIFFERENT TWO CENTS BUT ITS TIME TO REPLACE MY ROTORS AND PADS, I WISH I COULD AFFORD SOME BREMBO GT, THE RED WOULD LOOK AMAZING ON MY CAR BUT UNFORTUATLY I CANT LOL.

I HAVE A STOCK 4.6IS, FELLOW 4.6IS OWNERS ARE YOU GUYS GOING WITH THE SAME FACTORY WHICH I HAVE READ IS JURID IN THE FRONT AND TEXTAR IN THE BACK. OR IS THEIR A BETTER REPLACEMENT?

AND HOW ABOUT ROTORS?

You can get the red look with caliper paint. Not as impressive as aftermarket brakes but looks good. Buy the high temp paint that you brush on and you won't even have to remover the calipers.

I am sure there will be a herd of opinions of choice of pads and rotors. My tech expert says 4.6 stops well enough unless you are doing extended hard braking as you would Watkins Glen or a fast autocross. I went with upgraded pads, to get as much out of the factory rotors and less brake dust. I am very happy with stopping distance.

First step to improve brakes should be to go to stainless lines--dissipates heat better and won't expand under hard braking. You will notice the improvement and a lot less $$$ than after market brakes.

what pads did you go with and did you replace the rotors too?

EBC RedStuffs are one of my most popular pad for the 4.6is. They are also what I ran when I had an X5. They are an upgraded performance pad from stock which is also low dusting. HERE is a link to my pad selection for you to peruse.

While doing your brake job instead of going with stock rotors you could also go ahead an grab a set of slotted rotors such as our ECS GEOMET rotors for your X. These would provided not only a performance rotor designed to aid in brake cooling but a GEOMET coated rotor. The GEOMET coating helps protect against rust. HERE is a link to my rotor selection for you to check out!

Also keep in mind when doing pads most of the time you'll also need new sensors. One for the front and one for the rear. HERE is a link to the sensors for your 4.6is

James

http://c1552172.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/258723_x300.jpghttp://c1552172.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/167473_x300.jpg

wow I like... im feeling the RED... are you able to offer me a special pkg deal? feel free to reply or PM im very interested if you can offer a special pricing for all

The pad you're not going to see toooo much of as they'll be tucked inside the caliper but the rotors on the other hand, yep you'll see them and they look great! I'll shoot you a PM.

I did go to ECS rotors in the front, drilled and slotted and will in the back as soon as they are needed.

and EBC red pads--am very happy.

I would be interested in doing my brakes - anyone know if this is an easy DIY project or not recommended for Novices??

i am no mechanic - i have done work on my other cars - nothing like what I've seen here but i have heard that brakes arent that hard to do??

HERE is a link to a great DIY on the E53 brakes for you to check out. To me brakes are one of the easier DIY jobs.

you know as informative and helpful as I've seen you on this thread - you are convincing me that if i need anything for my SAV you will be vendor of choice

thanks for the info - i will look into it

Ehhh, no problem. You can do this job without a hitch. From your posts, you seem mechanically inclined and can follow direction. All you need, hardware wise is a socket set, 8" c Clamp, 3/8" X 12" tubing to fit over the bleed nipple, a pair of pliers and flat head screwdriver. Software: Brake fluid.

It is helpful if you had a helper towards the end of the job to help bleed the brakes, but doable yourself.

Hell if you want, I don't think you are that far away, I can come help you if we can figure out a time, lol. I need wrench time! lol

That's very nice of you brotha!!

i used to be my Dad's little helper when i was young - and dad was mechanically inclined - he did alot of his own work on his cars so i learned alot from him - although i am NOT mechanically inclined as he was - i can do an Oil change etc

but these newer vehicles today are something else - so I'll read up on it and might give it a try -we'll see

I have an 11 yr old son so i guess I'll break him into the helper mode

luckily my fronts were done right before purchase - the rears may need pads and Rotors - no squeaking yet tho - so i may hold out until fall or spring we'll see

Put your son to work!!! lol. But in all seriousness, if you can do an oil change, you can change your brakes. The brakes on our E53's are a pretty simple design. There are no tiny pins, clamps, etc. Pretty much remove the wheel, compress the piston in the caliper, unbolt caliper and suspend it off of something, remove pads, unbolt caliper carrier, Unbolt 6mm hex bolt front rotor and remove rotor, clean and bolt the new one, insert new pads, bolt carrier and lube the caliper pins, crack open the bleed valve and have your helper pump and bleed while you sit back and open and close the valve. Bolt the wheel back on, torque it to 101ft/lbs and voila, done!

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!