I am looking to replace the front brakes (pads and rotors) on my '97 Camry, and I would like some recommendations as to brands, type, etc.

Suggestions?

3/9/2012 2:12:46 PM

I have a pretty good method for picking brakes on my commuter cars.
First I go to Advance Auto Parts and have them look up the options for my car.
Then I buy a set that is neither the cheapest nor the most expensive option available.

3/9/2012 2:21:11 PM

http://www.rockauto.com

if you have time for shipping

3/9/2012 2:24:13 PM

Thanks guys. In response to ^ I'm likely going to do this tomorrow, so no time for shipping. Oh well.

I have the factory service manual and I've read up on a few "how to" articles online and this doesn't look particularly difficult. There were a few recommendations spray some brake cleaner on the new rotors after everything is done -- any truth to that?

This will be the first time I've replaced some brakes so I'm open for any and all suggestions to make it easier and make sure I do it correctly.

[Edited on March 9, 2012 at 2:43 PM. Reason : ]

3/9/2012 2:41:29 PM

The new rotors will come coated in a light oil to prevent rust. You should spray a rag with brake clean and wipe off the oil from both sides of the rotor before you install it in the car. If you get any dirt or grease on the rotor as you install the pads and caliper, wipe it off with the rag for good measure.

Make sure you bed the pads in gently as well. Dont just go driving around normal or drag the brakes when they are new.

Also, do not overtorque the caliper bolts. They are easy to strip on most cars with sliding calipers.

3/9/2012 3:05:54 PM

I got a bunch of Duralast equipment from Autozone -- ceramic pads and their higher quality rotors. I'm also planning to do a brake fluid flush so I got some stuff for that too.

Thanks for the advice.

3/9/2012 9:19:05 PM

Ugg...

My right front brake -- the outside pad is basically worn down to nothing, and the guide pins were almost stuck in position.

Unfortunately I managed to break one of the slide pin bushings putting everything back together, and everything has gone downhill from there.

The local Autozone has a guide pin rebuild kit (thankfully) so I'm going to get that. How easily should the guide pins slide? A bit of decent resistance? Almost none at all?

3/10/2012 6:24:07 PM

If it's the slide mechanism it should have decent resistance but be smooth throughout the stroke. They should have some heavy grease on them but if not you need to add some general or all purose greaase that comes in the cans or cartridges. They might even have some in those single use packets near the cashier.

3/11/2012 12:54:34 AM