Front brake pad replacement- no track involved

[flopsweat]

I have a question that's been discussed in various ways, but wanted to see if anyone has advice on my particular job. I need to replace my front brake pads (2004 Mazda 3), and I'm buying them myself and having someone I know install them (who of course knows how). I don't have really any experience working on cars, and am trying to find a *decent* set of brake pads. I don't drive other than drive to work on the highway (alot- about 300 miles per week), so I don't need anything too spectacular or high performance- Just a good set for my kind driving that will last as long as possible.

I've heard all kinds of Hawk recommendations and whatnot, but I'm looking for something cheaper without going to the unfathomable $25-per-set range, obviously that would be asking for disaster. Simply put, no aggressive driving, just to and fro where's I needs to get.

Also, at the risk of sounding dumb...
Do I need new calipers as well? The rotors look alright, as best as I could tell from all the rotor thread posts I've read. As I said, I dunno nuttin about this...

 

[njaremka]

do yourself a favour, and replace the rotors along with the pads. used rotors will destroy your new pads much quicker, especially if the rotors are not 100% perfect.

best compromise between cost, noise, dust, and power for daily driving will be mazda oem pads.

 

[flopsweat]

I've been debating new rotors too, I assume OEM as well? It IS over 7 years old and hella-lotta miles on it, and they've never been replaced so I do suppose it may be wise. As for the calipers- I can't remember which, should I replace them as well? I don't feel any mechanical issues, just extremely thin brake pads (last mechanic visit said 98% worn= lots of downshifting since then).

 

[njaremka]

for rotors you can get the least expensive that are readily available. they are all pretty much the same anyway (regardless what some people will tell you), with the exception of some fancy machining patterns or "rust proof" coatings.

 

[flash75]

If you don't have pulsating brakes or groves you can feel with fingernails the rotors don't need
replacing. New brakes pads perform best against a smooth surface, a good used rotor is
often smoother than a new rotor. Read this link for more information.

http://www.aa1car.com/library/2003/bf110322.htm

Don't use metallic pads. Get a good set of organic pads for driving conditions you mentioned.
There is nothing wrong with OE pads. You mentioned you are having a friend with experience
do your brakes, ask him/her about the condition of the rotors and what type pads to buy.

Clifton

 

[flopsweat]

No grooves deep enough to catch a fingernail. Is there a big difference between organic and ceramic pads? I also found something I've never heard of before on here, someone has a this whole process listed out to break in the pads, where he said it's three quick 45mph-10 slows in succession to get em heated up, then three slower 60mph-30 drops in a row, then cool on the highway, as it (supposedly) deposits some of the pad material on the rotor, which improves the contact because it's more like pad against pad (instead of pad against bare metal). I suppose, in theory, that concept makes sense... never been advised to do high speed braking with brand new pads though...

Any alternate viewpoints to that?

 

[njaremka]

No grooves deep enough to catch a fingernail. Is there a big difference between organic and ceramic pads? I also found something I've never heard of before on here, someone has a this whole process listed out to break in the pads, where he said it's three quick 45mph-10 slows in succession to get em heated up, then three slower 60mph-30 drops in a row, then cool on the highway, as it (supposedly) deposits some of the pad material on the rotor, which improves the contact because it's more like pad against pad (instead of pad against bare metal). I suppose, in theory, that concept makes sense... never been advised to do high speed braking with brand new pads though...

Any alternate viewpoints to that?

cheap or OEM pads do not really need to follow that procedure. if you are using aggressive pads, then yes, follow that procedure.

 

[flopsweat]

That's what I figured. Well thank you guys, you helped me out, and I think that's alls I got to ask!

 

[MazdaBro]

do yourself a favour, and replace the rotors along with the pads. used rotors will destroy your new pads much quicker, especially if the rotors are not 100% perfect.

best compromise between cost, noise, dust, and power for daily driving will be mazda oem pads.

I don't think that's necessary. If your rotors are in decent shape, there's no need to lay down 150 bucks to replace your rotors.

 

[njaremka]

I don't think that's necessary. If your rotors are in decent shape, there's no need to lay down 150 bucks to replace your rotors.

if you are spending $150 for only front rotors, you're doing it wrong.