Ouch! Please suggest something less painful!

[nfpgasmask]

OK, so, I just got off the phone with Merlin about getting some OEM brakes and rotors:

FRONT BRAKES (SET): $97.69
REAR BRAKES (SET): $75.02

I'm cool with that.

FRONT ROTORS (EACH): $124.93 (x2 = $249.86)
REAR ROTORS (EACH): $197.81 (x2 = $395.62)

***BLOOD SQUIRTS OUT OF MY WALLET***

We are talking probably over $1000 for new brakes, rotors and then the service to swap 'em out!

So, can someone suggest an good alternative to the OEM rotors? I am going to stop by my mech and see if they can be turned/re-used, and I want the best for my baby, but DAMN that is exspensive!!!

Bart

[Mark B]

How many miles? Usually your rotors can be turned and new brake pads installed. It should run good as new.

[nfpgasmask]

I'm at 38,500. I am going to stop by the shop this week and ask them to take a look and see if my rotors can still be used.

I am only concerned cause my left rear drum started making a slight scraping noise so I am worried I might be digging a grove into the rotor. I'm gonna get this check soon and hopefully, if I need a new rotor it will only be one or two.

Bart

How many miles? Usually your rotors can be turned and new brake pads installed. It should run good as new.

[orion]

Go aftermarket!! I got all four rotors off ebay for under $200. even my local parts store had them cheaper than what you have listed, and they were in stock.

[etlsport]

at 38k i would think your rotors would be fine.. i still have the stock rotors at 50k and havent had them turned yet.... i did read that some of the 01's that didnt sell for awhile had issues with rotors

[nfpgasmask]

Did you get those R1Concepts rotors??? If so, did you use their pads also?

Thanks,
Bart

Go aftermarket!! I got all four rotors off ebay for under $200. even my local parts store had them cheaper than what you have listed, and they were in stock.

[Ruflyf]

Bart, Why would you want oem rotors when they are prone to disintegrating?

[nfpgasmask]

Well, from reading this forum it seemed to be the consensus that OEM was the way to go with brakes and rotors. But, after getting the price quote from Merlin, I am just about ready to try something different.

Ruf, what are you using?

And has anyone tried these:

R1Concepts

They have these on eBay for A LOT less than OEM, but I don't want a crap product on my VX.

Thanks - Bart

Bart, Why would you want oem rotors when they are prone to disintegrating?

[Hotsauce]

Avoid chinese made rotors, they are very soft.

I like the stock pads very much, and after trying many different other pads will only use the stock brake components.

John C.

[Ruflyf]

I am using the oems, but I havent had any problems from mine. I just remember peeps talking about having issues with them.

[VCrossfan]

For Rotors I went with the Duralast from autozone $30.00 per rotor no exchange of course and a 24 month Warranty. My rear rotors were coming apart on the inside (I replaced), and the fronts looked fine. OEM pads aren't cheap but they last.. All four corners for $172.71 from Merlin at ST Charles to my door, Free Shipping also..good luck..

[Ldub]

Another option...SP performance rotors, slotted & drilled, slotted only, drilled only or daimond slot.
Last time I got a price quote from these guys was 10/06 & they wanted $226.79 for front pair, $226.84 for the rears.

www.raceshopper.com

Check em' out & see what you think.

[WormGod]

Yep, for that price, just go with some better performance brakes.

[Clyde]

I've recently had my back rotors w/pads and front pads replaced. This being done after approximately 130,000 miles on the original pads and rotors.

I went with a set of rear rotors from O'Reilly's (around $29 each) and just had the original front rotors turned (was told they were fine).

As for the pads, I used Warner brake pads front and rear. I believe they are the ceramic type that originally came on the VehiCross. I was told when I bought these a long time ago (I like to have stuff like that handy when I need it) that Warner is the original brake pads for many manufacturers. Plus if you buy them at a local autoparts store instead of at a dealership you save some cash. I purchased these at O'Reilly's also if I remember correctly. I don't remember what I paid for them, but it don't believe they were as expensive as what you were going to pay at a dealership nfpgasmask.

So far, mine are working fine with no problems.

[Tobert]

And has anyone tried these:

R1Concepts

I put them on both my VX and my wife's Impreza. They're working out just fine, but I only have about 2k miles on each car since the purchase. They do fit well. I also bought the ceramic pads from R1concepts. They're a really tight fit into my calipers, but they work just fine.

edit: I actually went with the OEM style and not drilled/slotted. I have any need for extra venting and would prefer the extended pad life.