Community Forums

Dudley do-right · 02-25-2018, 10:09 AM

I posted about 1 or 2 months ago, my experience with a complete brake overhaul. Among numerous other important things that were done at the time (re: brakes), the mechanic who was very knowledgeable, talked to some tech people at Meritor, and came up with a better, more aggressive brake pad, which had evolved from their experience with many heavy vehicle operators who drove almost exclusively in the Western mountains.
Many who read my post expressed a desire to know the name and availability of these pads. I would have posted a reply sooner, but I just got a reply from the mechanic last week.

These pads are available from O'Reillys Auto Parts,and are PERFORMANCE
FRICTION #1032.10

This brand and part no. could probably be cross-referenced to another
store, if there's not an O'Reillys nearby.

Dudley Do-Right, '06Apex40MDTS

BFlinn181 · 02-25-2018, 11:05 AM

More aggressive brake pads mean that they are harder than 'non-aggressive' brake pads. The pads won't wear down as quickly. However, the brake rotors might wear more quickly and need replacing sooner.

Many auto parts stores have a whole variety of pads or shoes available of different compositions, all because the asbestos that had been used for almost a century no longer could be used due to health reasons. No problem with the health concerns of asbestos, but it means various pad compositions have different advantages or disadvantages. Some are better for racing, general use, heavy vehicles, winter driving, wet conditions, etc. Many stores now offer free replacement of the pads or shoes, but of course, don't offer installation compensation.
Some factors to take into account:

Brake fade - the heating up of the rotor and pad can cause friction to be reduced.

Brake dust - some brake pads create more dust than others, it can be hard to clean off.
Heat build up - heat can boil brake fluid or seize pistons in calipers

Brake noise - some pads are noisier in use than others

Abrasiveness - some pads can wear down the brake rotors faster than others, causing rotor replacement more often.

Brake pad life - various pad compositions last longer than others, requiring more replacement cycles.

Just a few things to consider when choosing or changing pad composition in a brake job. I'd put more miles on your new pads before a wholesale recommendation that you have the solution.

Old Scout · 02-25-2018, 11:27 AM

Dudley-like your discussion on pad friction options ....following your earlier posts, I was surprised that you didn't see that much improvement after replacing the OEM MC--I've done several Alpines and owners felt there was significant improvement. I don't do much mountain driving but the disks and pads on my 2003 with 175k miles are nearly new in appearance. My 2003 doesn't have the adjustable pedals, so not the design issue, but there are times when I wouldn't mind a bit more stopping ability. I do change brake fluid every 2-3 years and hydraulic pump fluid every 3-4 years. Replacing the pads with a more aggressive design might be an interesting "experiment", and fairly easy as a DIY project....

Dudley do-right · 02-25-2018, 12:46 PM

After watching this mechanic change the pads, I don't think it would be a DIY project for most people.
Dudley

Old Scout · 02-25-2018, 02:22 PM

...agree, not very easy as a DIY, but if you have the tools, the facility, the time, and the beer, most anything is possible [smile].....

RVPioneer · 02-27-2018, 08:31 PM

Dudley,

Have you had a chance to test the new pads?

Dudley do-right · 03-02-2018, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVPioneer

Dudley,

Have you had a chance to test the new pads?

Yes, have had fair amount of drive time since work. There is substantial improvement, although the complete system flush, plus rotor deglazing could have had some influence.

Dudley Do-Right, '06Apex40MDTS

Sco70ttie · 04-16-2018, 08:30 AM

Bob,

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

More aggressive brake pads mean that they are harder than 'non-aggressive' brake pad....

Here is a link that explains the difference between hardness and aggressive brake pads.

Ceramic Vs. Metallic Brake Pads

FWIW aggressive brake pads tend to wear out quicker and produce less wear on the rotor while providing better brake response than Harder brake pads.