Brake replacement (OE or aftermarket)

[maximus]

Hi guys and gals,

I am looking into replacing my brakes and discs on an 01' Disco ll SE.

After reading a lot of posts here I am curious as to the overall concensus for the brand and type of pads / discs that everyone uses.

Like most of the posts, my brakes are soft at first hit and tighten up at the second pump. I have read several posts that recommend using "testbook" to cycle the ABS modulator valving to properly bleed the brake system. I have also read the Wabco modulator is prone to miniscule dirt particles destroying the unit. Quite an expensive piece of equipment to replace.

Another issue I have come across are the discs themselves. Quite a few people have switched their stock discs to drilled, slotted, dimpled, drilled / slotted along with other combinations. There are pros and cons to each type, marketing hype and actual truth and so on, but hearing from actual users would be most beneficial.

Getting to the actual stopping part, the pads. I would like to try to minimize the amount of brake dust clinging (like super glue) to my rims or flying through the air so everyone can breathe the dust and eventually stop your lungs (a design flaw I am sure wasn't intended, maybe) and at the same time not create a squeeling / howling nightmare.

Being an engineer I am naturally going to research the project and gather enough information to make a decision so all input from everyone is welcome.

 

[flyfisher11]

The double pump phenomena is pretty much standard issue with the DII unfortunately. I read on here somewhere months ago that the '03 doesn't have this problem and that the seals in the calipers were the major contributor to the problem we have with our DII brakes made prior to the '03. Hopefully someone with more knowledge in this area will chime in. From what I remember one can rebuild their older calipers with the newer style seals et al and fix the problem. I haven't bothered as I am so used to it and don't have the time currently to mess with it. As far as brakes, I use LR OEM pads, DBA slotted and drilled rotors, and RTE braided steel lines and ABS extensions. Many will flame on about cross drilled on an off road truck, but I use is on road too so there you have it. Good luck on your data gathering and do look into those calipers. Hopefully someone will jump in with more info.

Cheers,

Mike

 

[Loydster]

I believe the calipers were changed with the changes in 03. My 03 does not have the double pump phenomenom. I recently did my brakes. I went with the factory rotors that came on the truck and the thermo quiet brake pads from wagner (available at o reilly's auto) I used a extra fine foam sanding block and just scuffed the glaze off the rotors. (by report they are too thin to turn) Installed the new rotors. Bled the system the old fashioned way( ie dad in truck pumping while i turn the bleed valve) and voila they are great. no noticeable brake dust. no problems with abs tc hd lights and better stopping than factory pads.

 

[GroupW]

Having just done the brakes on my '96 D1, my advice would be to go to aftermarket. I researched DBA, EBC, and Powerslot rotors, and a multitude of pads. There are plenty of "personal experience" rants and raves out there, but I could find no independent test data on any of the rotor/pad combo's. Just manufacturer and distributer crap claiming vast improvements in all conditions. I like the idea of the slotted rotors for de-gassing at high speed/heavy load/high heat applications, but after reading report after report of cracked cross-drilled rotors due to rapid cooling encountered in water crossings, it just didn't seem worth it for my application. My truck ends up in some very remote places.
So...after hours of attempted research, and gnashing of teeth, I ended up with the Powerslots combined with Axxis Metalmaster pads for 3 reasons... comparable quality, price, and local availability of replacements. Not that these are parts prone to failure, but there are few places that sell EBC, and fewer that sell DBA. For me, all are out of state, and e-buisnesses. I actually made phone calls to auto parts shops in BF Utah, Colorado and Arizona that could replace the Axxis pads.
Experience so far? The new brakes are just getting broken in, and there is a remarkable improvement in stopping. Also, the Axxis pads are (so far) 100% quiet and virtually dust-free.
Good luck.

 

[flyfisher11]

So...after hours of attempted research, and gnashing of teeth, I ended up with the Powerslots combined with Axxis Metalmaster pads ........remarkable improvement in stopping. Also, the Axxis pads are (so far) 100% quiet and virtually dust-free.
Good luck.

Did you notice longer stopping distances with the Metalmasters when they are cold? I put them a Saab I used to own and when you first started out and the brakes were cold you had to really get on them to stop. Once warmed up they were great. I was living in the mountains and tire of eating up brakes. I will attest in that particular application that those Metalmaster pads were great.

 

[frickjp]

(soon to be 19" wheel happy)

Need a spare for that? Probably have a previously enjoyed wheel at the shop.

 

[GroupW]

Most of my driving since install has been in (semi) cold weather...Denver really hasn't had a winter this year. From the very start, they were better than stock. I percieve very little difference between initial cold stops and with them warmed up.