Low Dust Brake Pad Options

[mikeyymonster]

I never had a chance to install my z16 pads since my oem pads were still good, but now that it's finally time to swap, there are z23 pads now. Is it worth it for me to ditch the z16 and upgrade to the z23 or just use the z16 pads since I already have them?

[TheBreeze]

I've had plenty of experience with power stop pads, for the money, they are ok, but far inferior to akebono euros. Akebonos are well worth the extra $$ over the power stops. They are quiet, VERY little dust, and the little dust they produce is super easy to clean. I've also found they feel and stop better, just installed a set on my f80 and couldn't be happier for a street pad.

[m4deyoulook]

I just bought the z23 pads and I get the loudest most horrendous screeching noise when pressing the brakes for the 1st time in the morning. After that it goes away, I know brakes will squeal after sitting for a while but not THAT loud. You can hear that noise from 2 blocks away, Anyone else experience this?

[TheBreeze]

Originally Posted by RealForeignnn

I just bought the z23 pads and I get the loudest most horrendous screeching noise when pressing the brakes for the 1st time in the morning. After that is goes away, I know brakes will squeal after sitting for a while but not THAT loud. You can hear that noise from 2 blocks away, Anyone else experience this?

It's why I threw away a barely used set on my F30. Every time I backed up, they'd screech, which is exactly what happened on our old F25 with power stops. If you have no other options for low dust pads, then I guess you live with it, but my goto low-dust street pads are Akebonos Euros. They've never let me down, and I did not hesitate to put them on my F80. GREAT street pad, though I wouldn't use them (or any low-dust pad for that matter) on the track.

[m4deyoulook]

Originally Posted by TheBreeze

It's why I threw away a barely used set on my F30. Every time I backed up, they'd screech, which is exactly what happened on our old F25 with power stops. If you have no other options for low dust pads, then I guess you live with it, but my goto low-dust street pads are Akebonos Euros. They've never let me down, and I did not hesitate to put them on my F80. GREAT street pad, though I wouldn't use them (or any low-dust pad for that matter) on the track.

How's the stopping power on the Akebonos? The z23's stopping power is noticeably different from OEM. I'm looking to have something similar to OEM maybe a little less sharp.

[TheBreeze]

Originally Posted by RealForeignnn

How's the stopping power on the Akebonos? The z23's stopping power is noticeably different from OEM. I'm looking to have something similar to OEM maybe a little less sharp.

These things are pretty subjective and generally you get used to pad performance for the pad you are using. I find the AE's stopping power to be pretty good for street driving, fairly smooth too. Low-dust pads don't generally feel the same as stockers, but I've found the Akebonos to be pretty easy to adjust to, and they perform very well. I run them on my F80, my E92 M3, and my F15 X5. Very happy with it on all 3 vehicles. On the F30 Akebono doesn't make a front pad for the 335, so I used Centric ceramics in the front and AEs on the back.

Generally, I've found the powerstops stopped ok, just took more pedal pressure to yield the same stopping force. Note that any of these pads are powerful enough to trigger ABS.

[m4deyoulook]

Originally Posted by TheBreeze

These things are pretty subjective and generally you get used to pad performance for the pad you are using. I find the AE's stopping power to be pretty good for street driving, fairly smooth too. Low-dust pads don't generally feel the same as stockers, but I've found the Akebonos to be pretty easy to adjust to, and they perform very well. I run them on my F80, my E92 M3, and my F15 X5. Very happy with it on all 3 vehicles. On the F30 Akebono doesn't make a front pad for the 335, so I used Centric ceramics in the front and AEs on the back.

Generally, I've found the powerstops stopped ok, just took more pedal pressure to yield the same stopping force. Note that any of these pads are powerful enough to trigger ABS.

Thanks so much. What's the part # or link to the front & rears for the f80? I'll give them a try.

[TheBreeze]

Originally Posted by RealForeignnn

Thanks so much. What's the part # or link to the front & rears for the f80? I'll give them a try.

AKE-EUR1880 (front)
AKE-EUR1656 (rear)

I purchased mine from FCP Euro - free lifetime replacements :-).

Good luck!

[erik_m3g80]

Do they have also a low dust setup for the "big brake kit" the 6 Pot Caliper?
If yes, is it possible to get a set to germany?

[mikeyymonster]

I'm on my 2nd week of the Z23 pads and holly molly that squeal is horrendous!

[x.shell]

Originally Posted by TheBreeze

AKE-EUR1880 (front)
AKE-EUR1656 (rear)

I purchased mine from FCP Euro - free lifetime replacements :-).

Good luck!

Thanks for the info on the AKEBONOs. I am revising this thread to include these in the original post. I just ordered a set from Rock Auto as they are by far the cheapest. Here are the links to them.

Front is $74.79:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...31284&jsn=2691

Rear is $58.79:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...31280&jsn=2693

[FreeDarko]

Originally Posted by x.shell

Thanks for the info on the AKEBONOs. I am revising this thread to include these in the original post. I just ordered a set from Rock Auto as they are by far the cheapest. Here are the links to them.

Front is $74.79:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...4&jsn=2691

Rear is $58.79:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...0&jsn=2693

Anyone using these in winter?

[mikeyymonster]

I'm replacing my powerstops with akebonos, will report back after a week of driving in the cold.

[mikeyymonster]

I'm giving away my 2 week old set of Z23 if anyone is interested. You cover shipping costs. https://www.2addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1672493

[louielouie]

Originally Posted by mikeyymonster

I'm giving away my 2 week old set of Z23 if anyone is interested. You cover shipping costs. https://www.2addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1672493

I'm local to 626. I'll take em.

[x.shell]

Originally Posted by x.shell

Thanks for the info on the AKEBONOs. I am revising this thread to include these in the original post. I just ordered a set from Rock Auto as they are by far the cheapest. Here are the links to them.

Front is $74.79:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...31284&jsn=2691

Rear is $58.79:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...31280&jsn=2693

Sorry people, the Akebonos at Rock Auto has gone up in price a little bit since I posted. I believe it's still cheaper than other places though.

Originally Posted by TheBreeze

AKE-EUR1880 (front)
AKE-EUR1656 (rear)

I purchased mine from FCP Euro - free lifetime replacements :-).

Good luck!

How have the Akebonos been so far? I will be installing mine along with a brake fluid flush and stainless steel lines on my next "car day". I'm pretty excited.

[x.shell]

Just installed the Akebonos this weekend. They are completely silent -- not a peep. In terms of braking bite and performance, they seem practically the same as my Powerstop Z16 pads. If I didn't know it was swapped, I would not have noticed. This was kind of odd to me as I also did a brake fluid flush, so I thought I would notice a bigger change than I did. I'll let you guys know on the dust collection in a few weeks.

[r0wr]

Originally Posted by x.shell

Just installed the Akebonos this weekend. They are completely silent -- not a peep. In terms of braking bite and performance, they seem practically the same as my Powerstop Z16 pads. If I didn't know it was swapped, I would not have noticed. This was kind of odd to me as I also did a brake fluid flush, so I thought I would notice a bigger change than I did. I'll let you guys know on the dust collection in a few weeks.

Any update on this? I'll be swapping pads soon and am trying to get OEM performance for a lesser price.

Also, did you change your pads and fluids yourself? What fluid did you end up using and what else did you purchase/replace to flush the lines and install the new pads?

[x.shell]

Originally Posted by r0wr

Any update on this? I'll be swapping pads soon and am trying to get OEM performance for a lesser price.

Also, did you change your pads and fluids yourself? What fluid did you end up using and what else did you purchase/replace to flush the lines and install the new pads?

It's already a known that these ceramic pads aren't going to give you the same initial bite as OEM. That might be a good thing or bad thing depending on your driving style. So if that's what you're looking for, then Stick with OEM. To me, the OEM annoyed me for daily driving due to the bite and dust. I do swap them in for auto-crossing but immediately go back to the ceramic pads after; I just hate the dust.

In terms of the Akenbonos, I am happy with them. Almost zero dust and performance is great for daily driving.

For the flush, it's the same generic procedure as any other modern car. Only difference might be the front calipers — each caliper has two nipples to flush. I use Motul RBF 600. Motive makes a power bleeder that fits the F80 fluid reservoir. Fatal Garage has a pretty good youtube video going through the steps along with what you need.

[r0wr]

Originally Posted by x.shell

It's already a known that these ceramic pads aren't going to give you the same initial bite as OEM. That might be a good thing or bad thing depending on your driving style. So if that's what you're looking for, then Stick with OEM. To me, the OEM annoyed me for daily driving due to the bite and dust. I do swap them in for auto-crossing but immediately go back to the ceramic pads after; I just hate the dust.

In terms of the Akenbonos, I am happy with them. Almost zero dust and performance is great for daily driving.

For the flush, it's the same generic procedure as any other modern car. Only difference might be the front calipers — each caliper has two nipples to flush. I use Motul RBF 600. Motive makes a power bleeder that fits the F80 fluid reservoir. Fatal Garage has a pretty good youtube video going through the steps along with what you need.

Thanks for responding. Did you replace your brake pad sensors?

[x.shell]

Yes. The Akebonos come with replacement senors (see original post). They are easy to replace. The rear is a bit trickier because you have to unclip a few clips and undo one screw but if you can change your own pads, it shouldn't be difficult at all.

[MR_M2]

Originally Posted by x.shell

Yes. The Akebonos come with replacement senors (see original post). They are easy to replace. The rear is a bit trickier because you have to unclip a few clips and undo one screw but if you can change your own pads, it shouldn't be difficult at all.

How does the akebonos compare to the powerstops?