Rep Power: 309

I read here all the horror stories about everyone's brakes being shot after only 15,000 miles, so with 27,000 I figured it must be time for mine! (I do drive fast, but mostly highway, I guess.) I followed Grey's D.I.Y. (nice job, BTW, Grey... perfect instructions and pics.) When I got everything apart and compared the old pads to the new ones I was shocked to see about 80% of the old pads remaining, and the rotors were near perfect. Even though it didn't even really need the new pads, I put them on anyway, since the car was up and all apart, and I was already dirty from changing the oil. Still, though I am surprised at how little wear there has been after this long, compared to what everyone else was reporting. And like I said, I do drive pretty agressive, definitely not a granny behind the wheel.

 
Rep Power: 420

I know, same here. I changed my pads and rotors at like 2,500 miles. I checked the AEM/Nissin pads and the brembo rotors at 15,000 miles and they're virtually untouched. I can't notice a difference at least. I don't know how the hell people drive that they kill their pads so fast? I drive pretty aggresively, but I guess I'm not a stop and go driver... Maybe people use up their pads by tailgating as well? They speed up and get on someone's *** and then they have to slow down. Then they do it all over again? Hell if I know? I engine brake as well, but I brake aggresively sometimes, 80mph to 30mph in like a hundred feet or so...

Anyway, thanks for the compliments! Did you use the updated DIY or the old one? The new one is here: DIY: Brake Pads and Rotor Install *UPDATED*

 
Rep Power: 309

Yeah, I used the Updated DIY. And I guess that we have the same driving style, fast, but no tailgating, using lots of engine braking and not much stop and go. Also like you, I find myself doing 80 routinely and then slowing quickly to take an exit off the highway. All these other people must be riding their brakes way too much.

 
Rep Power: 0

i'm not sure...but that DIY link isn't working...i guess i'll just try the DIY posts like normal...sorry for being dumb

 
Rep Power: 420

The DIY section has a link to the old thread. Where in the hell is the new thread?

 
Rep Power: 0

has anybody done a AEM big brake kit conversion for the rear wheels??how do drum brakes work anyways?

 
Rep Power: 0

I tired doing the DIY but my bolts are on really tight. I couldnt get the calipers off, and the 2 phillps screw on the face of the rotor wouldn't budge eighter. I sprayed them down with wd40 real good to. I gave it everything I had. Maybe I need an impact wrench...

 
Rep Power: 0

an extension made it easier for me.. extra leverage..

 
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you need to go buy a impact screw driver to get the screws out of the rotor. got mine at sears. works wonders.

 
Rep Power: 420

Yep. Impact screwdriver kit for $15. Works very very well.

 
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I just installed mine now **** man those screws on the rotors are hard to take off jeese I put like a whole can of wd-40 and it still wouldn't budge I ended up drilling the screws cuz I stripped the screw then I got the hammer to hammer the screwdriver in some more then I grabbed it with pliers and very hard, pushed down and it budged. btw which way to the rotors go in? I need a pic of the correct way to install rotors left right pics etc.

 
Rep Power: 0

I've been on my stock pads for 44k and they look GOOD. LOTS of engine braking.

 
Rep Power: 340

just because you drive aggressively doesnt mean you use the brakes...