Brake pad and rotor ordering

[Ksumida]

Aloha everyone. I have few questions. I am mostly a MB guy was at the dealer for 15 years and now opened my own shop recently. From doing side jobs before I know for MB what pads and rotors don't squeek. And for MB I usually order from world pac. But since I am on my own now and taking in all makes and models and all the way in Hawaii I was wondering for other makes what brand pads and rotors do you guys use that don't squeek. To me it's embarrassing when a client comes back in 2 months with brake Squeek. I don't have a lathe so I would replace rotors if necessary. In Hawaii we have O Rielly and Napa who I can source from if I need it that day. But what brands of pads and rotors do you guys use that don't Squeek? Mahalo

[HarrytheCarGeek]

Do you have an AC Delco jobber out there? If you do, ask them to connect you to the AC Delco brakes guy. I have my techs do their course, it explains metallic, ceramic, composites, etc. And how they are matched to the rotors. They even explain how Europeans prefer metallic pads to cut into the rotors for heat dissipation... performance. Been a while for me, but the latest my newest tech told me they are teaching to clean the rotors with soap and water....

 

 

P.S. this link may be helpful

http://www.acdelcotechconnect.com/training/overview/

Edited July 31, 2015 by HarrytheCarGeek

[xrac]

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[phynny]

What is MB?

[carolinahigear]

We use NAPA Safety-Stop about 90% and have good success. The other 10% is when they don't have them in stock and we use AAP Platinum.

[JimO]

I appreciate this post. I have been in buisiness for 43 years and in the beginning I used aftermarket pads and rotors without problems. In the early to mid 80's we started getting noise complaints that the aftermarket blamed on our workmanship. We changed to OEM friction and all noise problems went away. Since then I would get aftermarket reps come in explaining they did have noise issues (but blamed the installer) and now they are new and improved and will not make noise. Too late, too many jobs redone for free under warranty. Aftermarket would be easier for me and possibly more profitable so I am interested in the responses. I have another issue - there are too many aftermarket brake pad choices. Very easy to order one and only one, correct OEM pad that will fit and be quiet. I am amazed at the endless choices of aftermarket pads within one manufacturer.

[ATSAutomotive]

I use AC Delco Professional pads and advantage rotors. Don't have any issues in my area.

[alfredauto]

I've used every pad on earth, if they don't fit nicely in the caliper bracket they will squeak. If slapped on an old rotor they squeak. Nicely means they move easily with finger pressure, but not loose. Clean the pistons, clean the slide pins, clean everywhere the pad contacts the caliper and apply a thin layer of synthetic grease. Basic brake lesson aside Beck Arnley reboxes OE pads which really are the best for long life. $90+ for a set of pads isn't for everybody. I've used store brand mid grade pads with no problems on clean new rotors. They last a couple years. Cleanliness is the best thing to quiet brakes. Napa true stop pads squeal no matter what.

[Jonathan Ganther]

We use Weaver Platinum Professional pads sold by Carquest which is now Advance Auto. They come with hardware and we have very few comebacks on them. If we do another axle on a repeat customers car we always check to see how the pads life is. I can't be 100% here but it looks like the pads last anywhere from 60-70k miles. Often we have clients who call complaining of squeaking after getting their brakes serviced at BMW, we replace the stock pad with the PMD or PXD whichever is the stock material and have satisfied customers!