GOOD MORNIN' NAM!!

..and YES I've read all the Forums..did that all day yesterday!!!

My head is just spinning...semi-metallics...ceramics..CarbonTech, Hawk, Wagner, Posi Quiet, Axxis,...all these makers say they have the best of all features with their pads...naturally!!

BUR-LEE is my daily driver...very little track time...I don't want to 'break the bank' on pads/rotors; so I'm looking for straight forward answers for her needs.

Front pads have 1/8th left and I'm considering having a local shop turn my rotors...advice on that, too??

Whilst doing my research..some NAM members said Hawk pads squeaked; others said no...and of course Hawk claims they're virtually noise free!!
My local Advance Auto sells Wagners..considered their upper grade semi- metallics..hmmm....Posi Quiet brand (found on EBAY) claim quiet and gentle on rotors...YIKES!!!...So MANY choices...so LITTLE time....

See what I mean....

I am seeking pads that are...virtually dust-free, quiet, gentle on rotors and won't 'break my pocketbook'...

Soooooo..am I asking for the unattainable??

MY MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO REPLY!!

 

Other than the cost factor the Carbotech Bobcats are exactly what you describe, other than those probably would be the Greenstuff's.

Turning the rotors is only an option if you have enough rotor left anyway. You have to have enough rotor that after turning will exceed the minimum thickness's (wear limit) which are 19mm front and 7mm back. If they are close to that just get a set of rotors at Autozone, etc. if you are on a tight budget. 2 cents.

 

For a good street pad, I would suggest Hawk HPS; no squeaking, much less brake dust than stock pads, and easy on rotors. I went through many different pads trying to find some that would not squeak on my BBK. I now use the Hawk HPS on my Mini and 83 GTI. The Hawk HPS will also survive a track day if you think that might be in the future, as long as you are not too tough on them at the track. The Hawk HPS are a little more expensive at $79 Front and $69 rear.

Here is a link to a great NAM vendor's brake pad page:
http://www.toeoutperformance.com/aft...x?prodLine=958

If you are not going to do a track day and want to spend less, I would suggest the Mintex Red Box at $35 Front and $39 Rear.

I personnally do not like ceramic pads on the Mini. The ceramics I tried on the Mini do not stop as well and still squeaked a little. I have cerramics on my Suburban and they stop OK but still squeak from time to time.

 

My opinion on turning rotors is, in a nutshell, don't. When you put rotors on a lathe, you remove metal, making them thinner. When you make them thinner, they become more prone to warping when they get hot.
There are so many manufacturers and distributers out there, that the price of replacing them is not much more that turning them, and you have the peace of mind of having new brakes. The OEM rotors are more than adequate for street use.
As far as pads go, Autozone and Advance both offer ceramic pads with lifetime warranties, so except for the time and effort involved in swapping them, you can't lose.
Find a local performance shop in your area (I'm sure Savannah has a few), and get their input,
You're gonna do this yourself, right?
Good luck in your search, and let us know how you make out.

 

THANKS ALL....I would LOVE to do my own pad/rotor work...BUT..a MINI Owner/another MINI Club member will do the 4 corners for 100bucks!!

 

I installed the HAWK HPS pads on our R53 about a year ago (12k miles) and have been nothing but happy. Ours is a daily driver as well with no track time (just the occasional spirited drive). They are virtually dust free and have never made ANY noise.

We also installed new Brembo OEM style rotors at the same time for what its' worth.

 

THANKS fentos....It's worth that much!!...Was interested in Brembos' too!!