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Brake replacement/upgrade advice

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Best brake replacement bang for my buck?

  • Powerstop z23

    Votes: 1 4.5%

  • Powerstop z36

    Votes: 6 27%

  • StopTech Street

    Votes: 2 9.1%

  • OEM

    Votes: 6 27%

  • Cut a hole in the floor and Flintstone it

    Votes: 7 32%
  • Total voters
    22
1 - 20 of 25 Posts

scottshu13

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
2017 RTL-E, 58k miles, and among it's many issues is a need for brake pads and likely rotors. I've had the grabbing/pulsing brake issue for awhile, dealership suggested turning rotors but I'd rather just replace. I've searched the other threads in both G1 and G2 and haven't seen a ton of review. OEM pads and rotors are somewhere around $475 after shipping (bernardi). I was never very impressed with the OEM brakes in the first place, so i've narrowed other options down to:

Powerstop z23 -$300

Powerstop z36 - $335

Stoptech street pads/rotors - $411/$455 depending on rotor (slotted vs drilled/slotted)

I've read a lot of good things on other truck forums about both sets of powerstops. I don't do any towing, but have been known to load the truck down with mountain bikes, camping gear, and multiple people for long trips. I'm leaning towards the z23's, but would I notice a big performance boost from the z36?

I've also seen people say good things about the stoptech pads as well. EBC are north of $700 for all for corners, more than I want to spend.
 
#2 · (Edited)
If I was in your position and still had brake material left, I would try the brake re-bedding process to see if that would correct your pulsing. If the pads and/or rotors are in need of replacement and you are dissatisfied with OEM, I would consider the Goodwin Racing Ridgeline Brake Upgrade when available.

www.ridgelineownersclub.com

Good-Win Racing Brake Upgrade

Don't yet know if this project will yield a product, but stock front calipers lack good modulation, particularly once hot. Chief Brake Engineer Ryan Passey does test fit of the new 6 pistons calipers! Only one caliper showed up, the other is on backorder so test fitting was the most we...
www.ridgelineownersclub.com www.ridgelineownersclub.com
 
#3 ·
You can resurface rotors many times before they need replacing. The longer you let the vibration while braking go, the worse it will get. Pads and a rotor resurface, and a proper bedding technique will be the fastest and easiest, and least expensive option. Other brake pads, with different material compositions can lead to other issues. Excessive brake dust buildup and noise being the two main concerns.
 
#6 · (Edited)
I don't know what's going on but if I check the local auto parts stores the prices for rotors are similar to OEM. Often, OEM pads are cheaper. I think OEM rotors rust the least. However, RockAuto seems to have the best prices. From what I read, spend you money on the pads, not the rotors and get new hardware.
 
#7 ·
Just went with the stop-tech cryo slotted rotors with hawk LTS pads. It bites notably harder on a pedal stomp.

I had good luck with these as a towing combo on my Titan.

The factory combo is pretty lame bad mix of materials and heat ranges cause pad imprinting under moderate use.

Par for the course - Only truck I never needed aftermarket brakes on was my lightning.
 
#8 ·
Davegvg said:
Just went with the stop-tech cryo slotted rotors with hawk LTS pads. It bites notably harder on a pedal stomp.
Click to expand...
I second the Hawk LTS with StopTech rotors. The Z36 pads are no joke either and they were the front pads I had for many years.
 
#10 · (Edited)
I have used the Powerstop kits on several cars including my 2003 Pilot that kept warping OEM rotors. The z36 pads are better for heavy vehicles like the Ridgeline.
However on this forum over half the members are dyed in the wool true Honda believers, and no product can match Honda OEM products. You've maybe already figured that out. It was very similar almost 15 years ago when I was discussing my old Pilots issues and recurring problems with OEM parts.
 
#12 ·
BDS369 said:
just ordered the stoptech kit (drilled and slotted). We will see how she goes. Gonna take about a month to get here.
Click to expand...
The rotors are amazing and barely rust. The cooling fins and hats are probably painted black (like mine was) and they resist that ugly rust very well.
What type of pad did you go with?
 
#14 ·
scottshu13 said:
2017 RTL-E, 58k miles, and among it's many issues is a need for brake pads and likely rotors. I've had the grabbing/pulsing brake issue for awhile, dealership suggested turning rotors but I'd rather just replace. I've searched the other threads in both G1 and G2 and haven't seen a ton of review. OEM pads and rotors are somewhere around $475 after shipping (bernardi). I was never very impressed with the OEM brakes in the first place, so i've narrowed other options down to:

Powerstop z23 -$300

Powerstop z36 - $335

Stoptech street pads/rotors - $411/$455 depending on rotor (slotted vs drilled/slotted)

I've read a lot of good things on other truck forums about both sets of powerstops. I don't do any towing, but have been known to load the truck down with mountain bikes, camping gear, and multiple people for long trips. I'm leaning towards the z23's, but would I notice a big performance boost from the z36?

I've also seen people say good things about the stoptech pads as well. EBC are north of $700 for all for corners, more than I want to spend.
Click to expand...
I did not see anyone answer this post and give any information about what to use. It sure would be nice. I have been looking at the Power Stop Z36 but would like to find SS rotors if I could but not been successful. Have you installed either kit. Are you satisfied with the product as it is. Please let me know before I go off and spend hundreds of dollars and get a lousy made in china product. Thanks
 
#15 ·
Ridgeline2017RTL-T said:
I did not see anyone answer this post and give any information about what to use. It sure would be nice. I have been looking at the Power Stop Z36 but would like to find SS rotors if I could but not been successful. Have you installed either kit. Are you satisfied with the product as it is. Please let me know before I go off and spend hundreds of dollars and get a lousy made in china product. Thanks
Click to expand...
I did, so did a couple of others. Just read the responses.
 
#16 ·
ElJefe1968 said:
I have used the Powerstop kits on several cars including my 2003 Pilot that kept warping OEM rotors. The z36 pads are better for heavy vehicles like the Ridgeline.
However on this forum over half the members are dyed in the wool true Honda believers, and no product can match Honda OEM products. You've maybe already figured that out. It was very similar almost 15 years ago when I was discussing my old Pilots issues and recurring problems with OEM parts.
Click to expand...
Is any else having a problem finding parts on the shelf. I am told be several vendors I can't get these until mid August. Power Stop K7576-36 Front and Rear Z36 Truck & Tow Brake Kit, Carbon Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads and Drilled/Slotted Brake Rotors

Are the US made, China or Japan? Is this all of the COVID- 19 crap and lack of production issues?
 
#17 ·
@carid states no shipping delays on their website under the product page.
For the pads alone, there is no delays on Carparts.com either. The kit is not available on their site.
AutoZone states next day delivery for the kit and indicates no delays.

Amazon and RockAuto are out of stock with a 2 month delay.

You may want to just call around. Go to PowerStop's website and run through their vendor outlets. As far as the country of origin, it is stated that some are made here in the US.
 
Discussion starter · #19 ·
Interestingly, in calling around the various dealers in my area (columbus, OH) for OEM pads and rotors prices, the parts department told me just to "go to Napa" and get aftermarket rotors - they said that would work fine with the Honda pads. I have tried re-bedding and it hasn't worked, as soon as the brakes get hot they're pulsing again. And my brake fluid has gotten pretty dark - dealer recommended a flush.

I know I could just have the fronts resurfaced, but I don't have a good place to leave the truck up on jack stands for hours while I haul the rotors to get done. Apartment living is no fun.

Auto Anything currently running a lightning sale on Powerstop - Hard to pass up at this price.

AutoAnything Lightning Sale

AutoAnything Lightning Sale
www.autoanything.com www.autoanything.com
 
#20 ·
If the rotors have never been re-surfaced, that's the first option. Sometimes you get a better result re-surfacing after the rotors have been through several heat cycles.
Honda re-surfaces rotors with an "on the car" lathe, they don't recommend doing it off car. I have had acceptable results off car, but it's not my first choice.
If the pads are worn at all, they can create hot spots on newly surfaced rotors. You may get away with it, though.
Improper wheel lug torque may cause rotors to warp.
My experience is sooner or later, it's going to happen.
 
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