Front Brake Job
 

It's time for new front brake components. I need to replace rotors, pads, and calipers. After searching DTR, it looks like I'll be going with Brembo rotors and Hawk LTS pads. I don't know what I should get for calipers. Local AutoZone has Fenco reman calipers for $81 each. Anybody have a better source to buy unloaded calipers or calipers loaded with Hawk LTS pads?

What's the proper procedure for seating new pads and rotors once installed?

not much of a procedure. after the install go for a test drive. give it a couple of stops. get gradually harder on the brakes and away you go.

Hawk pads have a specific seat in procedure that comes with the pads

I have always been pretty loyal to Napa. I have just some standard rotors, lke 50 bucks a piece, but next ones will be the 1oo buck vented nes. I run the Napa ceramix pads. They hold up very well. I use the calipers that NapA has as well. I have also found out that you can buy NAPA calipers with Severe duty pads in them, cheaper than you can buy the Severe duty pads alone. Go figure. I highly recommend you replace your front brake lines, if you are going to do the whole brake job.I have had brake lines cause havoc on my vehicle through the years.

Best price I found was Brembo at brakeparts.com (I think). Napa is good stuff, but it depends where you are on what their deal is. They are THE most expensive parts shop near me, even more so since they moved into a new building 6 years ago. I drive 20 miles west for most of my big $ parts from one of the Parts America chain stores.

Do you really need calipers? I have only had to replace 1 caliper in all the driving I have done on all the vehicles my family has owned (20 years or so).

I might not need calipers. Last time I had NTB rotate my tires, I told them to check my brakes. Mechanic on duty suggested changing calipers because of the miles and age. I have 174K on the truck. I'll know more once I get into it. If I see worn dust boots, I'm changing. I already had to change a rear caliper because of a busted dust boot and stuck piston.

Anyone know of another source for Brembo rotors? Or have any suggestions for a comparable rotor?

I tried to order 27272 from tirerack and the sales person called me and said those were rotors for the rear (even though the website states "front fitment"). While on the phone with him, he tried to find Brembo front rotors and said they don't carry them anymore.

One important item on brake pad break-ins no matter what product is, during the first half-dozen stops, don't ever come to a complete stop and never hold the brake pedal on with the truck at a full stop. You're trying to avoid rotor warping...a hot pad against a rotor will cause it to warp. Most pad break-in procedures are about the same. Accelerate to 40-50 mph apply brake to slow to 15 mph. Do this six times or so, every time applying the brake a little harder but never coming to a complete stop. Do the six brake applies one after the other. Build some heat up. A long downhill straight road where you don't have to stop works best. My uncle used to run a brake shop and that was always my chore when I helped him out in the summers.