Upgrade Brakes On 99 Es300?

[Pete Zaria]

I have a '99 ES300 (premium package) with about 65k miles. I'm it's second owner, it's been well taken care of.

The guys at my local shop told me today, after an oil change, that I *really* need new front brakes (He said 3,000 more miles on em and I'll be doing rotor damage). They want around $400 to replace the rotors and pads (since the rotors are kind of warped anyway).

I'm thinking, if I have to put money into the brakes anyway, why not upgrade?

Can anyone recommend a Brembo or Wilwood (or other big-name brake brand) kit for this car, or give me your experience with upgrading the brake system?

Thanks a bunch.

Peace,

Pete Zaria.

[The Tall Guy]

I don't think you *need* upgraded brakes. Unless you've already done suspension and other performance-minded upgrades a big-brake kit I think would be silly. I just spent $200 and did the fronts by myself. When you've got the original spec equipment at top form you don't need much more. IMO

[Pete Zaria]

@TheTallGuy,

Thanks for your input, and you might be right - with new rotors and pads, it may stop in a distance I can deal with.

I was reading the shop manual for my car last night and realized that switching the rotors and pads really isn't that huge a job, and one that I could probably undertake myself in an afternoon (I don't have a lift but i have four, 2-ton floor jacks and jack stands).

What do you guys think of these parts?

Rotors:

I'd like these ones: http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail....037&PTSet=A

But can afford these: http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail....221&PTSet=A

These pads: http://www.partsamerica.com/productdetail....219&PTSet=A

I'll be keeping the stock calipers and lines (though I might get some red caliper paint... :) )

Think those parts will work?

See any reason I can't do this job myself? I'm no mechanic but I'm pretty technically competent and I have the service manual, so...

Peace,

Pete Zaria.

[lenore]

I liked the Brembo rotors and akebono pads that I put on my RX300. Ordered them from the Tirerack.com great setup and cheap.... by the way you would have under $200 for rotors and pads for the front. easy job and nice combination

[IlyaIlya]

sometimes you can just resurface the rotors.

I gotten some aftermarket brakes (not 100% on the brand) but this guy (at shop) talked me into it, claiming how they last long and don't have brake dust. ANd I havent been happier - I never see dust on my front wheels, they stop fine, and I just checked them after about 1.5 -2 yrs and it looks like they still look fresh.

[Pete Zaria]

Hey, check out what I just got on eBay for $130 with shipping :D

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...em=130033816756 The seller has 4 more of them, too... :)

Thanks for your input guys.

Any suggestions on brake pads to go with them? I've heard good things about Hawk Performance pads...

Peace,

Pete Zaria.

[smooth1]

EBC Greens. Very low brake dust, great grabbing power, and longer life. Not to mention I have never had a squeal problem with em. 70 bucks should do it.