Rob, no offense was meant, but with brakes I like to be very careful about giving advice over the Web, because nothing affects the safety of someone more than their brakes. Hope you understand.

And there is a wide gap between an ignorant person (car wise) and a pro - it is filled by people like us, called DIY's, shadetrees, etc. The savvy and willingness of which jobs to undertake varies considerably - you sound like you are probably 3 on a scale of 5, which is really good. 5's to me are guys 3who could be pros, but decided to be nuclear physicists or IT guys.

Yes, you have honing and turning (machining) right - I have this gizmo that I attach to my power drill which allows me to resurface properly a rotor that has been turned or a new one that has not been roughed in by the mfr. You sound like you have the experience and savvy to do shadetree work.

I think you answered your question, that following in a bedding in procedure has helped - even with deposits on the rotors, getting them good and hot can often cycle the stuff off.

Those powerslots that were posted look great, and seem to be high quality - might be an excellent way to go.

Johnny2K - are you getting any weird noises - squeals, etc.?

Many people just cannot stand squeals, and sometimes do not realize that aftermarket and racing parts often do not care about noise, and I have seen people spend thousands only to revert back to OEM.

 

RR, no problems whatsoever. I have gotten very minimal rust, but that was my mistake, and i accidentaly sprayed wheel cleaner on the brakes, and then left it on to long, so it corroded the cadmium plating on the rotors. The pads hold up great to heavy heavy street use, and 2 auto crosses. They still feel awesome. I am experiencing some vibration, but it has been like that since before i replaced the front pads and rotors, so its either coming from the rear pads/rotors (which will be replaced with powerslots and stock pads in spring) or the wheels need balancing (which i doubt).

I got the front pads and rotors for $289 shipped, and a buddy of mine has a shop, so he put them on for me for $30! I do have to agree with RR, I am mechanically inclined (to a certain extent) and even if i knew how to do my brakes, i still wouldnt just because i would never forgive my self if god forbid something happened because of an error i made, causing harm to me, my passenger, or another person! Brakes are a major safety issue, and i would only trust someone certified to work on them!

 

Johnny-2k,

I agree with you and RR that the brakes are the most important saftey device on the car... I just don't agree that it requires a "qualified" mechanic to install them.

I've read all the posts on installing pads, flushing fluid... I've helped another friend change his pads and fluid. Plus, I have a friend whos a race mechanic.... I've talked to all of them and they all agree that it is very simple and hard to do wrong. The only real concern is having the proper tools... All of which are very simple and don't require any training.

I'd actually trust a mechanic less! Why, becuase they are often rushed or do things so automatically that if they missed a step they wouldn't even notice...

I have tons of stories of "qualified" mechanics screwing things up.... I've only had my oil changed once by a "qualified" mechanic (at a honda dealership) and the dumbass put in over 6 quarts! and spilled it all over my engine cover... I really don't want to think what they could screw up with more complicated stuff.

I inspect my work more then once... I use proper torque settings... I replace the crush washers with new ones... etc... Do you really think a dealer does that? I know from my mechanic friend that almost no mechanics break out their torque wrench for such simple tasks...

Basically, I only take my car in when I can't do it myself.... I'm willing to put in as much time as it needs to get it right...

BTW, I really like those slotted rotors... Can't wait to get a set on my car

-- Rob

 

Rob, Im not saying that you cant or shouldnt do it, but i personally dont trust myself with things like that yet.

If you feel confident, thats wonderful, do the brakes, your saving money, and if something is not right, you will know why, because you did the work yourself. I wish i could do my brakes my self, i just dont have the time, working 25 hours a week, and being a full time college student.