Advance Auto Part Carquest Rotors and Pads Suck

[CarlitoGR]

So, I thought I would try to save some money and get my front/rear pads and rotors from AutoZone vs the dealer.

Aftermarket front/rear rotors and pads and parking brake shoes: $420

That was a mistake. I installed the front rotors and pads, torqued everything down to spec and went for a test drive. It wasn't bad, at least that's what I thought. The next day I was driving the kids to school and the was a definite shudder/wobble at highway speed and my stopping distance seemed like it was slightly increased, very annoying. At first, I thought maybe the pad needed to break-in. but after a week it got worse. So I took the car into the dealer to make sure that I did the brake job right. They said everything was installed correctly but the aftermarket rotors have too smooth of a surface that is preventing the pads from gripping. I looked at the guy like he had three heads and said thank you. But Then I said to myself, self, get the OEM parts and see what's up.

OEM front rotors and pads: $450

So, this past Saturday I put on the OEM fronts and when I tell you the result was ABSOLUTE NIGHT AND DAY. I torqued everything down the same way, removed and installed the same way and the braking was butter smooth and no wobble. I couldn't believe it.

In years past I have always gotten my brake parts from Advance Auto, Autozone Pep Boys, etc.. For this car, however, don't be like me, go straight to OEM and do not pass go from Carquest, you'll save time and frustration. You won't save money but hey, it is a Genesis.


Carquest Rotors

After two weeks this is the Carquest rotor. Rusty and you can see the wear pattern for the pad break in.

OEM Rotors

A circular finish from the factory and painted hub to prevent that rusty look

 

[Suburbazine]

There are good aftermarket rotors that outperform OEM for the same price, assuming you can tolerate the hum slotting is known for.

Premium Dimpled & Slotted Brake Kit

 

[CarlitoGR]

Thos definitely look good, but I'm not looking for performance brakes, you know? Back in the day, I would have, but I want a smooth quiet ride. If I change something that is going to affect that, I won't do it. Are they actually cross drilled? They don't look like they are.

But those rotors do look really good.

 

[Suburbazine]

Thos definitely look good, but I'm not looking for performance brakes, you know? Back in the day, I would have, but I want a smooth quiet ride. If I change something that is going to affect that, I won't do it. Are they actually cross drilled? They don't look like they are.

But those rotors do look really good.

Under light braking they're silent, but under moderate to heavy braking the hum comes out. Main performance increase is in rainy weather, after a few puddles the brakes bite almost instantly whereas the OE rotors took a second or two of stuttering. They made some clicking noise (slot lip meeting pad) during initial bedding and break in, but that's gone after the first hundred miles.

They aren't cross drilled, only edge slotted and dimpled. I am not fond of most crossdrilled rotors since they have issues with cracking around the holes after getting heated.

 

[Mr. Incredible]

Thos definitely look good, but I'm not looking for performance brakes, you know? Back in the day, I would have, but I want a smooth quiet ride. If I change something that is going to affect that, I won't do it. Are they actually cross drilled? They don't look like they are.

But those rotors do look really good.

those aren't performance rotors. while the slots will help keep the pads from glazing and provide some outgassing, the overall design of those is for looks, not function.

 

[Suburbazine]

those aren't performance rotors. while the slots will help keep the pads from glazing and provide some outgassing, the overall design of those is for looks, not function.

If only RacingBrake made Genesis rotors...

 

[carguy75]

So, I thought I would try to save some money and get my front/rear pads and rotors from AutoZone vs the dealer.

Aftermarket front/rear rotors and pads and parking brake shoes: $420

That was a mistake. I installed the front rotors and pads, torqued everything down to spec and went for a test drive. It wasn't bad, at least that's what I thought. The next day I was driving the kids to school and the was a definite shudder/wobble at highway speed and my stopping distance seemed like it was slightly increased, very annoying. At first, I thought maybe the pad needed to break-in. but after a week it got worse. So I took the car into the dealer to make sure that I did the brake job right. They said everything was installed correctly but the aftermarket rotors have too smooth of a surface that is preventing the pads from gripping. I looked at the guy like he had three heads and said thank you. But Then I said to myself, self, get the OEM parts and see what's up.

OEM front rotors and pads: $450

So, this past Saturday I put on the OEM fronts and when I tell you the result was ABSOLUTE NIGHT AND DAY. I torqued everything down the same way, removed and installed the same way and the braking was butter smooth and no wobble. I couldn't believe it.

In years past I have always gotten my brake parts from Advance Auto, Autozone Pep Boys, etc.. For this car, however, don't be like me, go straight to OEM and do not pass go from Carquest, you'll save time and frustration. You won't save money but hey, it is a Genesis.


Carquest Rotors
View attachment 19482
After two weeks this is the Carquest rotor. Rusty and you can see the wear pattern for the pad break in.

OEM Rotors
View attachment 19481
A circular finish from the factory and painted hub to prevent that rusty look

Did you wipe the Carquest rotors down with brake cleaner to remove the oil used to preserve the new rotors until sold. The oil is very light and many forget to clean it off which messes up the pads.

Note: Those Carquest rotors look older than 2 weeks, however they are iron and unpainted so maybe rust can build-up that quickly. You cannot go wrong by going with OEM brake parts.

 

[2for1]

Rock Auto is the way to go.

 

[Mr. Incredible]

Rock Auto is the way to go.

and their commericals have a that cool tune..

 

[2for1]

Bought the Akebono pads @ RA. My rotors just needed a light turning. Thrilled with the new pads.

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[CarlitoGR]

Did you wipe the Carquest rotors down with brake cleaner to remove the oil used to preserve the new rotors until sold. The oil is very light and many forget to clean it off which messes up the pads.

Note: Those Carquest rotors look older than 2 weeks, however they are iron and unpainted so maybe rust can build-up that quickly. You cannot go wrong by going with OEM brake parts.

Naw man, 2 weeks. I know right, they look horrible. My Order came in on the 4th of April and I had them sitting for a week before I installed them.

But I did spray both sides and wiped with brake cleaner. Either way, that's my experience with these crappy rotors and pads

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying aftermarket is crap, just THESE particular parts.