Another set of Axxis Ultimates bites the dust

[RedBaron86325]

I have a pretty narrow view on brake components. They are expendable parts of basic maint. I've tried most of the major aftermarket brands and haven't been too happy with most (I've had good luck with Hawk). I like these Axxis Ultimates but, 5 months of street driving? My first set of these lasted about 8-9 months. I know I'm hard on brake pads, always have been, but just under 5 months? on the street? I've never tried EBC, so I ordered a set of Greens today. I know a lot of autoX guys like them, but I don't know how well they'll do on the track and daily abuse. Since I needed pads today, I purchased a set of Raybestos....LOL I have almost had an accident today already. Raybestos don't stop worth a shit. I guess I'll have to take it easy until the Green Stuff arrive. I'll try the Greens. If they aren't up to snuff, I'll try the Reds. If EBC doesn't work for me, I'll go back to Hawk. I think I need a big brake kit.

For rotors, I've had very good luck with the Ate Powerslots. Against popular rumor, I've run many sets of these rotors on my BMWs and my 928 without any warping. I'll stick with the Powerslots.

My question is: What pads have worked best for you guys? Let me know street, autoX, or track.

[gmh1234]

I currently have 4 track days with my Axxis Ultimates, plus all the street driving, and I still have about 4mm's of meat on them. I've heard of a couple guys that use OE pads on their track cars and have no complaints. I like the Ultimates, but they sure do dust a bunch. Clean the wheels, drive to McDonalds down the street, come back and they are dusty again! I think I'm getting Hawk Blues next for track pad and just gonna run OE on the street. I've heard some good things about the Hawk Blues. Don't run on the street though because they cannot get up to temperature. I also heard that they are really hard on rotors too.

My current setup is ATE Powerstops, Super Blue, Axxis Ultimates (F&R) and steel braided lines.

[RedBaron86325]

I think I'm getting Hawk Blues next for track pad and just gonna run OE on the street. I've heard some good things about the Hawk Blues. Don't run on the street though because they cannot get up to temperature. I also heard that they are really hard on rotors too.

Hawk Blue is what I'll be going back to. They can be used on the street if you warm them up by driving a block or two with your foot touching the brake. I never really had much for problems with them on the street. Once you warm them up initally in the morning, they'll stay warm for quite a while. I can attest to Hawks being hard on powerslot rotors; but I guess, that is the price you pay for stopping RIGHT NOW.

My current setup is ATE Powerstops, Super Blue, Axxis Ultimates (F&R) and steel braided lines.

That was my exact set up. Hawk Blue pads lasted about twice as long with that setup.

[Jordan]

dun dun dun dun Another set bites the dust! .. and another sets gone, another sets gone another set bites the dust!

[gmh1234]

Sweet, definitely gonna run Hawk Blues then. :D Looking forward to going to Laguna Seca at the end of this month! :D

[MattE30]

What about metelmasters?

[mspiegle]

i tried to order metalmasters from a shop once and they made fun of me. Aparently, when repco made the metalmasters, they were pretty good pads.

Now that PBR owns them, they're shitty as hell. The shop i goto supplies all the mechanics in my area with good/cheap parts. When they sold the PBR metalmasters, all the mechanics complained and said their customers would bring cars back and say the brakes suck.

I don't have a personal experience with them, but this little ordeal makes me never want to have a personal experience with them.

[UNHCLL]

Metalmasters will destroy rotors and wheels if used under "low heat" conditions.

Had a set(repco) on our M3 for track use... Driving on the highway at night, step on the brakes... hear a HORRIBLE SCREECHING and see LOTS of sparks. I'm like WTF, I'm about to have a heart attack as I think I just broke my dads car.

On an S curve off ramp i hold my foot on the brakes and stick my head out the window.

Rotors are lit up like LeMans cars... and sparks are flying off the pads like crazy.
Needless to say, they DO NOT like to be run cold. But when run hot, they stick well, but prepare to ruin wheels with their "spitting" habbit and the brake dust.

[ydubbs4]

I am suprised you ripped through the Axxis's so quickly. I have put about 30k on mine (alot of highway though), and probably 4 track days, and I have a lot of pad left to go through. The setup I am running is Brembo vented rotors, Axxis F&R, Stainless Steel Brake Lines and Super Blue. Sure, my pads squeek alot, and they are dusty, but I could care less about that kind of thing. I've probably run them over a year now.

Will

[diegom6]

I have a complete set of EBC green stuff waiting to be puted in my bimmer, also new front ATE Cross Rotos...., need mew disc rear too...by now I have a set of front pads , brand ATE, ATE PADS= Crash for sure!!! they suck under heavy loads or heavy uses.....never buy them guys!!!!!!!!

[Erick]

My Axxis Ultimates went in like a year ago.... a bit less actually, but still 2002, I gotta check how they're doing.... I guess it's brake pad change soon

[Jon325i]

At one time I was running PBR MetalMaster pads in conjunction with ATE PowerDisc rotors and stainless steel lines. This set up offered a nice firm pedal feel and was up to the task of occasional abusive driving. My only gripe is that they threw quite a bit of dust. It wouldn't be long after washing my car before the wheels were looking shabby again. Other than that I thought they were fine.

I would be interested in hearing the feedback about the EBC Greens. I don't know a lot about them other than some articles I found on-line.

Jon

[DBurke]

Try the hawk HPS for street. The Blue is NOT at all in any way shape or form a street pad or intended for street use. Try some Pagid Sports for multi purpose. They read like they'd be ideal for you. Green not so good from what I've heard. I cannot comment from personal experience as I like Hawk street pads and won't ever have reason to try EBC.

[Ryan Stewart]

Im only moderately happy with the EBC pads. They dont seem to eat rotors and are pretty sticky. They do prefer to be warmer than just regular street pads.

The only problem is I had one delaminate, causing a rattling sound. I just told EBC and they sent me a new set.

I really like the lack of dust on the street, and I drive hard. They last well on the street but I find myself wishing for the reds on the track. The greens burn a bit fast.