Need advice on selecting rotors & pads, for DD.
 

First, I've spent half a day using the search box, but still have some questions.

SITUATION: 2009 Z Base (Non-sport), 115k miles. At 75k miles I replaced original stock pads (front and back) with OEM pads. The outside pads still had plenty of life but the inside were very much worn out. They checked the rotors and they did not appear warped. The rotors were not turned.

Now at 115k and really for a good 5k now, I have horrific shaking/pulsating when braking from 35/40mph and above. I mean REALLY BAD!

QUESTION 1: I am going to get new front pads. Should I replace the front rotors as well? Or should I try just resurfacing them?

QUESTION 2: I am probably right that the issue does not lie with the rear pads or rotors?

QUESTION 3: The car is a daily driver. I am sufficiently satisfied with the stock brakes performance and longevity, as I said, new I got 75k miles out of the pads.

A. Should I just buy stock rotors and stock pads? Or should I get the Z1 370Z (Non Sport) Performance Rotors? Or something else? Recoomendations? More concerned with longevity than looks.

B. Should I get stock pads or something different? Z1 guys are recommending 370Z (Non Sport) Centric Posi-Quiet Brake Pads? Are these any better, worse, same?

Thanks!

If you're not going to buy a BBK, go with the Z1 kit (https://www.z1motorsports.com/brakes...ge-p-4671.html). I've got it and it's well worth the money. Slotted, Posi-Quiets and Motul 600.

The uneven pad wear may be caused by one side of the rotor being scratched/grooved - turning should fix that. Or it could be caused by a caliper that is not "floating" properly.

Personally, I think the Posi-Quiets have better braking. But I also think they dust more than stock pads :twocents:

The Z1 rotors will be fine. Of course, cheap-o blanks from local auto parts store will work fine, too.

Agreed regarding the Posi-Quiets. They've got extremely good bite and, although they dust more than stock pads, it's nothing crazy. Good choice in my opinion.

I'll find out how much better, overall, the Z1 package is in three weeks.


Sent by smoke signals.

Appreciate the responses everyone. Like I said, I'm only looking to replace the fronts, I doubt the rears are causing the extreme vibration/shaking. As such, I wonder if the slotted front rotors will look stupid with the stock solid rears. I also don't particularly want dustier pads. As such, I may just go with the stock stuff. It did a fine job for the street, and when new lasted for a very long time. I have no interest in buying the cheap stuff from the local shop; until recently I was very satisfied with the stock brakes.

Does everyone agree that given the extreme, and it is extreme vibration when braking at high-er speeds, that I should replace the stock rotors that have 115k miles on them? Or does anyone think that just having them resurfaced will suffice?

After 115k, I'd go ahead and replace them ... unless a qualified brake mechanic says resurfacing is feasible. I don't know of many mechanics in my area that I would trust to make that decision. Stock rotors aren't that expensive - even fancy slotted ones are cheaper than a wreck.

SouthArk's First Rule of Working on Cars: NEVER scrimp, cut corners, use a part that is the least bit questionable, &c on braking systems.

You got 115k on the rotors and used 2 sets of pads on them. Chances are there is not enough meat on the rotors to true them up. I would replace them. I would also make sure that your calipers move freely in their bracket.