Rotors and pads

[gmyeah]

So I have a 2008 z71 sierra ext cab 4wd, 50,000mi. It needs both rotors and pads at this point. I guess the rotors have about 5/32" left on them, but both the rotors and pads have a fair bit of rust. I'm curious is there generally enough metal to turn the rotors or are you better off to put new rotors on? Also, metallic vs ceramic. They seem to be the same cost....is one really better than the other. Also....this is happening at 50K miles.....is this normal? Lastly, I've heard about this FNC process that they have institued on newer vehicles (Ferritic Nitro-Carburization). High level....I guess they bake rotors at ~1000 deg F in a Nitrogen rich environment and the the N2 bonds to the metal producing a resistance to oxidation. Is this available to put on a vehicle like mine or is this just a factory option?

Thanks in advance.

[Carder09]

Check with oreillys, they can usually tell you if they can turn them if not go new. Ceramic or metallic, do you want more brake dust or possible squeals or squeaks, not sure about those rotors your talkin about but sound expenssive but its what you want to pay. Bought some powerstop rotors and pads from ebay, rotors are drilled and slotted, def a diff in brake performance and I paid about 175 with shipping for them. But they also went on an 06 model.

[jaredlucky16]

I'd go with ceramic pads as for the rotors with only 50K on them they should be turnable

[markw8]

I think you will find the rotors to be junk. If they are rusted, don't waste your time. I would go with high quality ceramics.

 

Mark

[gmyeah]

I did some inpspection and the rotors really do look bad and the pads look about shot too. I'm concerned if I do mess with turning the rotors they may just eat up the new pads quick. Either way, I'm replacing both after looking at them. That leads me to my next question. I'm shopping around and it's hard to compare how good my factory stock equipment is...to what's being offered at a dealer, shop, etc. I got a fairly good quote on some Wagner ceramics. Are Wagner's a good quality pad. A dealer wants to put on AC Delco of course, but they are the Duralast or Dura...something type. Any idea what type of quality there is vs. what's on my truck? (stock metallics, Wagner ceramics, AC Delco Dura...ceramics, white box, etc).

[Gone Again]

OE pad is ceramic. Why use anything else?

[ChevyTech77]

If heavily rust pitted, replace the brake rotors with quality replacements.

 

Quality ceramic pads is all I'll use, for most applications, these days.

 

FNC isn't something that I'd worry too much about with your application.

 

50k isn't far off for this type of maintenenance.

[jaredlucky16]

AC Delco Durastop

[ChevyTech77]

AC Delco Durastop

 

I thought we were talking about quality? I'm a GM guy thru and thru but AC-Delco Durastop pads are the biggest pile of poo you can buy for your money, period.

[markw8]

I carry a 3500# truck camper. When my 2000,2500 needed brakes, I went with Hawk ceramics and Power slot rotors. While not cheap they worked very well.

 

Mark