I'm about to replace the brake pads on my 03 HO, in preparation for a long trip to Alaska this summer. I'm looking for some recommendations on what type of heavy duty pads to use. I'll be descending some very steep grades with a 10.5k
fifth wheel. My 94 has an e-brake, but this 03 doesn't as it's an auto. I'd appreciate hearing from some experiences, good or bad.
Thanks

 

I just learned about these guys. I have had the RED fronts on for about 5 days now. Too early to tell I guess. They have a special coating to like 're-generate' your rotors.

www.ebcbrakes.com

 

Porterfield or EBC Yellow.

 

Reds are race grade and will pollish the rotors.

 

I guy I know swears by the carbon-metallic (I think that is what they are called). It has VERY LONG life but expect to pay 2-3 time the price of normal brake pads. I drove a 01 GMC 1 ton diesel with a heavy dump bed (1500#'s) towing a case skid-steer with a diesel owned by a landscaper. That thing would stop on a dime almost. They have lasted 2 years already and will be used again this year. They tow heavy alot so I expect they are good.

dieseljon

PS I used to work for this guy, but he didnt have the truck at the time. My friend still works for him, so I know the driving of this guy. All diesel, All brake.

 

Thanks for all the good information, it'll give me a place to start and something to think about. Definitely learned about some new material.
Thanks again

 

EBC RED is just 'ceramic'

 

I just installed the Performance Friction Carbon Metallic brake pads from Auto Zone on my truck this past weekend. I had good luck with them on my old 01.5 and my wife's truck. I put 80k miles on them on the 01.5.

 

Hey, I am nearing 100k, and the shop says I will need brakes @ anout 105k... Do I have to replace the rotors, if they are not causing a problem, and just replace the pads ?

I am thinking of the yello EBC pads...

 

why not stay with oem, 100000 miles with no problems ...... do it again, i am

 

For 45 years (NO, not on the same truck) I have been replacing only pads on a rotor which is not warped, even if the rotor is scored. After the new pads wear into the scored rotor (quickly), they work as well as if the rotor had been turned or replaced. In my opinion, it is usually a waste of money to turn or replace a rotor. I usually grind off the raised edge if the rotor is worn.

Secondly, I always use the softest, standard pads available. They don't damage or score the rotor as much as high performance pads. Pads are easy to replace, you can do it often for much less effort and expense than replacing rotors. Such pads are cheap at AutoZone and carry a lifetime warranty, so the next set is always free.

 

I never understood that? Why make a consumable item with lifetime warrently. Thats like using a roll of toilet paper and bringing it back to walmart and getting a new one. (which I wouldn't put pass walmart that they would take it back)

 

I used the life time pads fron Autozone on my gasser. It took front pads every 20,000 miles and has 330,000 miles on it. I replaced my Ram pads with the same(front). They were the only pads I could find locally.

 

I put some Wagner ThermoQuiet on Dad's 04, they seem to be working just fine. It was a toss-up between those and OEM, as the OEM lasted 80K but didn't wear the rotors at all. If you've got the extra $60 or so over aftermarket pads, I would recommend sticking with what works.

 

Thanks for all the replys... I will probably just install new pads, and leave the rotors. My local mechanic has suggested an upgrade to Hawk performance rotors and pads, but the proce is like $850 ?

Any comments on these things ? I was told that provide for even better stopping power, and way less fade than the factory stuff....