Changing Brakes

[ViralVonDoom007]

I've got a 2016 Chevy Sonic RS hatchback with over 58k miles on it and is in need of new brake rotors on the front. They're grooved pretty good from light gravel road driving. No aggressive driving, just gravel getting in between the rotors and pads over time.

Nonetheless I've been getting what sounds like occasional metal on metal sound from the brakes. mostly noticeable when backing up, not when braking from forward momentum. I've had them looked at already by the dealership and from tire centers and they've all recommended getting them replaced.

I've been shopping around for brake kits for the front and thinking about upgrading from OE. Since I figured if I'm going to replace the rotors, I might as well replace the pads as well.

The brand I've been seeing plenty of has been the Power Stop line of kits. I'm looking specifically at the Z17 kit, instead of the stock replacement kit. The Z23 seem a bit aggressive for my needs with concerns of dirt and gravel having an effect with the slots and drilled holes. Let alone as to whether they'd wear the pads quicker and the general idea of durability of rotors with drilled holes, as they're prone to crack.

I've also been getting some price quotes with what's available locally as well from Autozone, O'Reilly's, and CarQuest.

Your thoughts and opinions would be much appreciated.

 

[skurtov]

I mean you're buying brakes on a economy car. Not much can really go wrong. I would pass on drilled and/or slotted rotors. No real purpose for them. If you really want to step into something more performance oriented consider the Camaro brake swap.

Make sure to lube up all your parts and give the calipers a good clean.

The metal on metal could be your pads are worn down to the indicators.

 

[sonic daddy]

I would go with ceramic brake pads from your local parts store Napa etc.

 

[palpullero]

If you haven't modded your car heavily I would go with standard brakes. Go to Centric brakes website and get the model number for rotors and pads and then got Amazon and get the best price from there. I agree that if you want more aggressive, a Camaro brake swap is what you need.

 

[gnonne]

I did front rotors and pads on my wife's sedan at about 70k - no gravel issues here. Did not upgrade - if OEM can last 70k, they are pretty good... Rockauto has good prices on whatever brand you want.

Yours may not be too bad, but when I did them at 70k on a 2012, getting the old rotors off required a lot of penetrating oil and a small sledge hammer. Never had that much trouble before, but I was just throwing them away.

 

[tk6214]

If you haven't modded your car heavily I would go with standard brakes. Go to Centric brakes website and get the model number for rotors and pads and then got Amazon and get the best price from there. I agree that if you want more aggressive, a Camaro brake swap is what you need.

Stupid question but are these better than the Gold Duralast pads?