philly.c

My left rear pads are worn and I'll need to replace them soon. I had a few questions I was hoping you guys could help me w/ before I do the install. First, I'd like to use some aftermarket pads as opposed to regular OEM replacements to reduce dust and squeal. What are the best replacement pads? I'd like to get them locally at an Auto Parts store (to avoid waiting for them to ship), but will order them online or by phone if that's the only (or the best) option.

Also, because the pad's worn quite a bit, the rotor is a bit uneven (worn more in at least one spot). I'm assuming I'll need to get it turned and checked for possible need for replacement. Should I get all 4 checked/turned, or only any that look to be unevenly worn?

Thirdly, I like the look of the painted red caliper. Is this something I can do to a OEM brake system (paint the calipers that is)? Or would it look cheap and wear off eventually? If I can, what are some guidelines to follow (i.e. do I need to sand, how much of it needs to be taken apart, and what's the best kind of paint to use? If it's going to look cheap, then I'll be happy w/ black calipers, but I figure since I will already have them off, I might as well.

I appreciate any insight, personal experiences, and recommendations. I'm a little weary of doing this myself as I'm not very experienced w/ working on cars, but w/ my Dad to help, I think I'll be okay and really want to avoid getting ripped off by the dearlership or a shop for something that I can do fairly easliy.

Thanks!
Phil

BLKPERL

They go good with stock rotors - less dust and squeal
Get your stock rotors resurfaced
Get Foliatec Caliper paint or use a high temp engine paint and a clear coat
U must clean calipers of brake dust before adding paint

I got my mintex from awe-tuning

The Red October

The hardest thing about replacing the rear brakes is that you have to screw the brake piston in while applying pressure... And if you do one side you should always do the other...

brrman

I also painted my calipers red this past weekend with the Foliatec kit and it looks real sweet. Get a spray can of Brakleen (sp?) and a wire brush to clean the calipers before you paint them.

brrman

Reggie3

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/793/brake_masking.jpg"></center><p>If you have never done this before - try and get someone to help or just guide you.

The rears are terrible pain in the Andreas to do. The Foliatec paint is a two part epoxy paint. You will need to replace pads and rotors at the same time - One does not just turn rotors without changing pads.

I painted my stock calipers before I did the rotors and pads (Mintex Red Box) so that I did not have to mask off as much.

philly.c

Compared to the cheapies they sell at my local auto parts store, the price is not too much more. I'm going to get at least the one rotor turned (the most worn one, left rear). Do I need to get the other one turned as well, even if it's not worn (right rear)? Or do I need to get all 4 turned? I'm hoping that I won't have to replace them as I'm trying to keep this cheap. How do I tell when I need to replace my rotors? Is there a particular thickness, or can the local parts store tell me when I take them in to be turned?

Sorry for so many questions, I just want to make sure I do this right. Thanks for all the help!

phil

Reggie3

A good brake shop will know.

Reggie3

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/793/brakejob1.jpg"></center><p>

philly.c

Where can I find the kit? Local shop or online?

Reggie3

I got mine from Gary@Ronal