best source for rotors and pads

[Billha]

I need to replace the rotors and pads on the '02 Park Ave Ultra that I recently bought.
I don't see the need for drilled/slotted rotors, but should I get the premium rotors and ceramic pads or stick with the OEM quality replacements?
Also, is Auto Zone a good source, or is Rockauto a better choice, or are there vendors on ebay who offer better parts at lower prices? I would think shipping cost will ruin any potential cost savings of buying the parts anywhere other than a local parts store.
Thanks.

[Skippy1827]

Well, I say NO to the OEM, and go Premium. i have ceramic on front and semi-metallic pads on back on my car and have virtually NO brake dust. Brembo I think..

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

AutoZone's Duralast Gold Cmax ceramic pads are excellent, and have lifetime replacement.

For rotor,s it doesn't matter.

[00Beast]

Whatever you get, get top-shelf. There isn't a lot of difference between brands, but there is btw grades. Don't cheap out.

[dpnewfie]

I went with OE rotors and AutoZone's Duralast Gold ceramic pads.

Sry, should have mentioned gmpartsdirect.com for the rotors.

[Blown93SSEi]

I went with NAPA Premium Rotors and Ultra Premium Ceramic Pads. They work GREAT! ($170 all together)

[comatoast]

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=21906&p=227512#p227512

[Speedin Demon77]

I started using R1 brake components several years ago and have been very pleased. They were pretty much the standard at the old forum because they worked so well and lasted longer than the local store bought import garbage. The premium rotors use G3500 grade iron too. Drilled and slotted is standard with both the e series and the premiums. Your choice for both or either or none. Double ground mill balanced zinc coated ect ect. You can look on R1 for details. Anybody whos interested pm me and I'll give you a direct number so you can use my discount. Prices on the website are standard.

[Billha]

Well, I went to Kragen O'Reilly and AutoZone on Friday to checkout what they had. Kragen didn't have all of the rotors/pads in stock, so I ended up getting the 'premium' front and rear rotors at AutoZone ($51 each for the front rotors, $26 each for the rear rotors) and I also bought the premium cmax pads for front and read ($55 each set). Unless I change my mind and buy the parts elsewhere, I'll install what I bought sometime soon.

I wonder if the rear calipers on the '02 Ultra are the threaded type that have to be rotated? I have no idea, I haven't removed the wheels on this car yet, I just know that the brakes vibrate.

FWIW, the parts guy at AutoZone told me that the '02 Ultra came from the factory with ceramic front pads and semi-metallic rear pads. I wonder if that's true. He also told me that the front/rear proportioning ration is 40/40 and he couldn't tell me where the other 20% is...

[00Beast]

I would assume the 02 Ultra uses the same brake setup as an 00+ Bonneville.

[John Deere Boy]

FWIW, i remember someone here bought both Brembo and parts-store-brand rotors, and they were exactly the same thing, made in china.

[Ryno02]

i've also been getting the autozone duralast gold ceramics and their regular replacement rotors. excellent sofar.

[BonneMe]

I wonder if the rear calipers on the '02 Ultra are the threaded type that have to be rotated? I have no idea, I haven't removed the wheels on this car yet, I just know that the brakes vibrate.

Nearly all recent rear discs are like this, it's to prevent the hydraulic adjustments from affecting the cable operated parking brake. On an 06 GP I was able to do them with a great pair of Klein needlenose pliers, but on my car I had to use the tool for it.

[quicksilver]

Just bought some slotted rotors and ceramic pads for the front from ebay, 185 for the front set and no shipping, ill let you know how they are when i get/install them. As of right now, I practically have no brakes as the pedal is like a giant sponge.