Looks like I need to replace the front pads on my 2016 MCS. What brand do you all recommend or do you just stick to OEM? Rotors look fine, but should I just replace them at the same time?

 

I replaced all my pads & rotors before they were due. I used EBC Red Stuff pads and Centric Rotors. Rotors are cheap enough that I don't need or want the slight chance that pads won't mate up with the old rotors. If I was sticking with OEM pads I'd consider reusing rotors based on a proper inspection.

I also like Akebono Pads but they were not out at that time, although they are now. For whatever reasons, most brake companies suggest not mixing materials, so Ceramic on front end vs. non ceramic on rear isn't recommended.

Short answer is I don't recommend OEM pads.

 

+1 on EBC Red Stuff.

 

Ebc red stuff and for the Ebc Reds its always recommended to get new rotors with em as well. I got a package from Way for 4 rotors and 4 ebc reds for a great price.

 

Any reason why Centric rotors and not EBC for the rotors as well? If I'm only doing the fronts, I guess I should stick to Organic pads to avoid mixing and matching.

 

Previously used Centric and they worked well, added bonus of being a lot less money at the time.

 

I wouldn't change from OEM semi-metallic pads to ceramic on the same rotors. If I'm changing pads to ceramic I would change rotors at the same time.

 

I just swapped out my pads/rotors and flushed the brake fluid. I went with Hawk HPS 5.0 pads and StopTech slotted rotors. I went with Motul RBF600 fluid as well. I've had good results with the Hawk/StopTech combo before on other cars. I always recommend changing rotors with pads. Just my thoughts though.

 

Wow that's funny, I just did Hawk HPS 5.0 as well. Hard to find anyone else who's into Hawk on here. Hawk HPS was a favorite among us Honda guys 15-20 years ago. I believe it's pretty recent that they are available for F56 MCS fitment- I couldn't find them when I looked earlier this year. Although they're now on the Hawk and other sites, ECS didn't have them on their site, but was able to find the part # and get the order in.

I didn't change rotors. I don't even think my mechanic turned the rotors, although the pulsing I was getting is now gone. Maybe he found one that was a little off and turned it, dunno. But they have enough meat left, and I didn't want the extra expense of new rotors.

Anyway. Less than thrilled with the pads. They feel pretty much exactly like the stock pads. I was hoping for a firmer pedal, and more bite. @coopercobra , what do you think of them? I did bed them in via Hawk's instructions. To be fair, my suspension is fairly soft- I think a lot of the initial feel is lost in that motion.

Anyone recommend a pad that gives that- firmer pedal, more bite?

 

If you want to stick with Hawk pads and want better bite, go with the HP+ series. They are still street friendly. I've run HPS and HP+ when I had my Mustang.

I like the pads so far. I have to do a bit of tweaking to the bleed process to get the pedal to feel the way I want it. I swapped out pads, rotors, bled the fluid, and installed s/s lines. I have a connection with one of the retailers and got some really good prices.

FWIW, I tried to get EBC Red Stuff pads and EBC rotors. I ordered the parts based on their website and they sent me 4-lug parts. I even called their tech support prior to ordering and still got the wrong parts.

 

Yeah, will try HP+ next time. Or Red Stuff... guess people love those! Makes me a little nervous to run pads that operate at higher temps- what happens when I've been cruising on the highway on a chilly night and a deer appears? What's going to stop better then?

Hah yeah I think I replied to your situation in another thread. My car is a 2014, but I always look up parts for 2017. A lot of systems show 2014 as the old model. And a lot won't be up to date what fits 2018 or 19. 2017 seems to be most accurate at the moment!