Need to change brake pads. Dealer or outside shop?
JK Freak
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 592
Likes: 6
From: Auburn, Alabama
I highly recommend against the ceramic pads. They are meant for high performance applications, specifically where a lot of heat is involved. If the pads are not at operating temperature, they will not bite/grab as hard as an OEM pad and will lead to longer braking distances. Plus, ceramic pads tend to squeal when they're cold.
Two more things about ceramic pads:
1. They require a careful break-in procedure to function at full capacity (it involves "bedding" them, but I won't get into details here).
2. It is highly recommended to get new rotors if you are installing ceramic pads.
I know all of this because my BF recently put ceramic pads (and slotted rotors) on his 545i. He did a lot of research ...
As for the brake job itself, it's very easy, and I am pretty sure WOL posted a DIY on project-jk.com. Don't forget that the anti-squeal goes on the BACK of the pads (where they come into contact with the caliper, piston, etc.) and not the part that touches the rotor. If you can, clean it all out with brake clean and apply grease to the points where the pads slide within the metal clips.
Two more things about ceramic pads:
1. They require a careful break-in procedure to function at full capacity (it involves "bedding" them, but I won't get into details here).
2. It is highly recommended to get new rotors if you are installing ceramic pads.
I know all of this because my BF recently put ceramic pads (and slotted rotors) on his 545i. He did a lot of research ...
As for the brake job itself, it's very easy, and I am pretty sure WOL posted a DIY on project-jk.com. Don't forget that the anti-squeal goes on the BACK of the pads (where they come into contact with the caliper, piston, etc.) and not the part that touches the rotor. If you can, clean it all out with brake clean and apply grease to the points where the pads slide within the metal clips.
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: PA
I highly recommend against the ceramic pads. They are meant for high performance applications, specifically where a lot of heat is involved. If the pads are not at operating temperature, they will not bite/grab as hard as an OEM pad and will lead to longer braking distances. Plus, ceramic pads tend to squeal when they're cold.
Two more things about ceramic pads:
1. They require a careful break-in procedure to function at full capacity (it involves "bedding" them, but I won't get into details here).
2. It is highly recommended to get new rotors if you are installing ceramic pads.
I know all of this because my BF recently put ceramic pads (and slotted rotors) on his 545i. He did a lot of research ...
As for the brake job itself, it's very easy, and I am pretty sure WOL posted a DIY on project-jk.com. Don't forget that the anti-squeal goes on the BACK of the pads (where they come into contact with the caliper, piston, etc.) and not the part that touches the rotor. If you can, clean it all out with brake clean and apply grease to the points where the pads slide within the metal clips.
Two more things about ceramic pads:
1. They require a careful break-in procedure to function at full capacity (it involves "bedding" them, but I won't get into details here).
2. It is highly recommended to get new rotors if you are installing ceramic pads.
I know all of this because my BF recently put ceramic pads (and slotted rotors) on his 545i. He did a lot of research ...
As for the brake job itself, it's very easy, and I am pretty sure WOL posted a DIY on project-jk.com. Don't forget that the anti-squeal goes on the BACK of the pads (where they come into contact with the caliper, piston, etc.) and not the part that touches the rotor. If you can, clean it all out with brake clean and apply grease to the points where the pads slide within the metal clips.
