Hello everyone,

I have a quick question about brakes. My brakes have recently started to squeal on my 3.8 2001 mustang. From looking at the brakes on each wheel, it looks like I will have to go ahead and replace the pads on all four wheels. I thought about just having my mechanic replace them with standard OEM Ford ones, however I was wondering if I could maybe use that same money to buy some better ones off of the internet. My question was, can I really significantly improve my stopping ability on my car simply by putting better pads on (without changing the calipers, rotors, etc) and if so, what are the best kind to buy. I really don't know much about them and couldn't seem to find much on google, so if someone could enlighten me on this subject I would really appreciate it.

Thanks for the help guys.

 

Hawk brake pads are about the best you can get. Improves stopping ability slightly and I believe will never squeak and last longer. Pricey, but worth it

 

What about brembos? Aren't they supposed to be the some of the best brakes around? Also, I was wondering what material I should be looking to have my brakes made out of. If I get say, carbon fibre ones, would they really stop better and last that much longer than whatever Ford decided to throw on there?

Thanks again

 

Where did you read about this carbon fiber for brakes?

Brembo brakes are the complete kit of calipers, rotors with pads running you $1100...

 

Brembo's are great..if you're made of money. What AutoBadges said is correct. Hawks are some of the best for the money. I was a Bendix man til they went downhill. Stay away from Raybestos..they'll chew up your rotors. Make DAMN sure you turn the rotors. Otherwise you can end up with brake pulsation.

 

You sure you didn't mean ceramics? Ceramics are great too. But expensive.

 

Alright, sounds good. Looks like I will be going with the Hawks. Now, does anyone know of a site that shows me a step by step on how to replace the pads myself? I am fairly mechanically able, and have heard that this really isn't a big deal at all to do yourself. Also, is there anything that can seriously go wrong if I screw this up? (i.e. brakes suddenly not working one day, pads prematurely wearing, etc...) and how easy is it to have one of those things go wrong? And one more thing - I just noticed that the rotor on the front left tire is grooved. What would happen if I just left this alone and didn't turn it? Would my brakes not work as well, or just make a noise in the future?

Hey thanks again for all of the help guys, I really appreciate it.

 

rotors will warp..meaning not flat, meaning bad for pads and brakes all together

 

i would think the books you can get form autozone have instructions on how to do so... i dont know why i havent bought one yet axtually. i think they are worht the 15 bux. if you ever have a q about your ride just look in the book!

 

yes it has it in detail