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I’m in need of some recommendations based on personal experience please. I will be getting carbon ceramic pads + rotors for my 2017 Z51 A8. I’m not getting Powerstop under any circumstances and in fact I’m returning the ones on the front axle. The hub/hat has turned a brass color. The tech specialist from PS said it’s surface rust because the protective Zinc spray is applied only to the rotor. He told me to sand it off and apply clear coat. My mechanic said their website states both rotor and hat are sprayed so either he lied or he’s ignorant. I surmise the latter. Also my mechanic said the clear coat will not hold up to the high heat generated.
I’ve heard good things about Hawk and Carbotech. I do not track nor race. Some spirited driving with our monthly club runs and that’s about it. What say you please. Here’s a pic of the Powerstops. Thank you.
I have Carbotech 1521 pads on my OEM Z51 steel rotors. I have used them for nearly 4 years and about 8K miles. I do not track my Vette (not recommended for 1521s). I love love love these pads—they are quiet and free of visible brake dust. They DO leave a slight brassy residue on the rotors which is only an appearance issue and does not bother me. I consider it better than the surface rust that I get with all OEM semi-metallic pads.
As I understand it, the clear lacquer on rotors is only intended to be a temporary manufacturer thing to prevent surface rust during transport and storage. The clear lacquer will quickly wear away with normal braking. Thus, surface rust is completely normal on rotors after being driven in rain or after washing.
Whatever brakes you purchase, make sure that copper grease is used on the back of the pads to prevent squeaks and rattles. Also, you should follow the recommended bed-in procedure as well.
Why are you getting new rotors? Is that all that's wrong with the rotors? If it's just a bit of rust, not a big deal. Clean them, mask them, Paint them with a good high temp paint. Stock OEM pads will be good. Most of the fancy,,, super, duper pads won't work as well.
I have used Hawk Ceramic pads on my C5, C6, and C7 with no issues. The Hawk pads significantly reduce the brake dust and stop as good as the OEM pads on my 19 GS in my opinion. If you do not want OEM rotors, suggest you contact Paragon, or other Forum supporter, for aftermarket rotors. Good luck.
I have Carbotech 1521 pads on my OEM Z51 steel rotors. I have used them for nearly 4 years and about 8K miles. I do not track my Vette (not recommended for 1521s). I love love love these pads—they are quiet and free of visible brake dust. They DO leave a slight brassy residue on the rotors which is only an appearance issue and does not bother me. I consider it better than the surface rust that I get with all OEM semi-metallic pads.
As I understand it, the clear lacquer on rotors is only intended to be a temporary manufacturer thing to prevent surface rust during transport and storage. The clear lacquer will quickly wear away with normal braking. Thus, surface rust is completely normal on rotors after being driven in rain or after washing.
Whatever brakes you purchase, make sure that copper grease is used on the back of the pads to prevent squeaks and rattles. Also, you should follow the recommended bed-in procedure as well.
Hope this helps.
Save the wave, don’t text and drive,
I also have the Carbotech 1521 pads and are very happy with their performance and lack of brake dust.
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Originally Posted by kodpkd
Why are you getting new rotors? Is that all that's wrong with the rotors? If it's just a bit of rust, not a big deal. Clean them, mask them, Paint them with a good high temp paint. Stock OEM pads will be good. Most of the fancy,,, super, duper pads won't work as well.
I’m not getting Powerstop under any circumstances and in fact I’m returning the ones on the front axle. The hub/hat has turned a brass color.
Question
Is your distaste for Powerstop based strictly on the discoloring of the center?? I have used them on damn near everything from Jeep to classic GM with C5 brakes with GREAT performance, hence why I am asking
If aesthetics is your only issue, I would try some oil based high zinc high temp paint on the discolored hub area
“Thus, surface rust is completely normal on rotors after being driven in rain or after washing.”
Tho I thank you for the info re the copper brake grease I disagree with your above statement. Both the rotors I replaced and the ones still on the rear axle are the OEM Brembo rotors and neither had/have the surface rust the Powerstop rotors are exhibiting. Our car has been washed numerous times and driven in the rain a few times in the 2.5 years we’ve had our Corvette.
Biggest thing for me was less brake dust. Oem pads dust like hell.
That’s exactly why I went away from the Brembos. I have black wheels and the dust dirtied the wheels even after a short drive. I had no desire nor the physical ability to be cleaning the wheels after every drive. Plus if I wanted the wheels to constantly look clean I’d have to take towels with me to clean them whenever I stopped to run errands if I wanted them to look nice. Wasn’t going to happen.
i do have one correction. I’d said the Power Stop were carbon ceramic pads. Technically they are carbon fiber ceramic which is what the OEM’s are as was pointed out. Since I still have the OEM rears I’m able to compare the dust between the two and the difference is night and day.
Hawk Ceramic pads for me. Have used them for years with favorable results.
*Update: Decided to give the Power Stop Z26 pads a try. I am rather impressed so far. The dusting has been eliminated compared to the OEM Brembo pads. Performance is on par with OEM (very close) pads. Thank to all that recommended!
Brake recommendations
