I would like to change my brakes on my 2003 X/PSD, to high perfomance brake system. Does anyone have any ideas. Thanks in advance.:-X12

 

ORU recently came out with a brake upgrade which includes slotted rotors and different pads. I'm looking into them for my SD but I think they would fit an X

 

I just ordered the new rotors from ART. ART also sends new Performance Friction carbon metallic brake pads. People rave about these rotors/pads. I will have my on by Xmas.

The ART rotors are basicly OEM TRW/Kelsey-Hayes rotors that have been slotted and cryo-treated.

You can also go to ART's website for more info.

www.appliedrotortechnology.com

If you buy, ask for the group discout. All 4 wheels $590 +shipping.

 

I wear ARTs and absolutley LOVE them!

The discount can be had - just tell Dean when you are ordering you're from FTE.

 

jschira and monsta thanks for the info! Looks like they are the same as the ones from oru and with the discount about $300 cheaper. I'll have to get these for my SD.

 

Do the ART do what they say they do. And does it give you better stopping power.

 

Good brakes won't do squat if you have crappy tires. The brakes keep the wheels from rotating, but if the tire is slipping on the pavement, you've wasted that effort.

There are dramatic differences in braking ability between tires. I was considering the Michelin LTX M/S for is smooth, quiet ride, but it tests out a little poor in dry and wet braking, so I will skip them.

If you really want to improve your braking, you need to consider the whole package, not just the brakes.

 

I have these ART brakes too, and I'm sure everyone will say they love them, but keep in mind... No one (at least none that I've heard of) in this group has had a set long enough to know if they are really as good as we say. Only time will tell.

Does anyone have 50,000 miles on their ART rotors yet?

John

 

>Only time
>will tell.
>
>Does anyone have 50,000 miles on their ART rotors yet?
>
>John

Well, this might be blasphemy but here goes...

I also own a 95 suburban (drive the X daily) and while I do not have ART rotors, I am in contact with another board where these have been used for quite some time (more than 2 years, I think) and other Burb owners have nothing but praise for them.

There have been examples given of much improved stopping even after 15K on them (to be truthful, anything is better than new stock brakes). They seem to wear well and evenly (no pulsing). They do mention the need to scuff (???) the new rotors for better break in.

I was happy with Midas and the life time replacement of pads and rotors (just paid for labor) every 20k miles (roughly). Keep in mind, I do not tow.

On this X I now have 22K on the orginal rotors on all seems fine, no pulling, pulsing or noise. When it come time, I am thinking of using ART rotors with Praise pads.

If you have any more questions, I would be happy to act as a go-between and try to find the answers for you. Or if you want to brave the elements, here is the URL:

http://forums.vmag.com/

and then just go to the Suburban board (there is also a registered board but most if the activity is on the open/public board).

HarryO

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 11-Dec-02 AT 10:22 PM (EST)]I heard of Bear brakes being one of the best. Has anyone heard of them? They are very expensive ($3000.00), for set of two rotors and pads and lines ect.

 

>If you really want to improve your braking, you need to consider the whole package, not just the brakes.


Very, very true!

But I run stock Firestones and ART rotors and the improvement was night and day!! I find myself late-braking just so I can feel their power!

If the stock rotors are in need of replacement, the ARTs are cheaper than the dealer's turn and hang job and more than likely better quality than Midas and other brake specific "stores".

 

Monsta -

Do you like the stock Firestones? I was planning on replacing mine.

 

I got no beef with the Firestones.

Some complain about the wet weather performance but I'm not sure what they are referring to. Mine work very well when it is wet out. I do not hydroplane, slip and and slide or have braking challenges.

Some complain about the snow performance but the R4SII that I use are not really snow biased tires. Plus that is what 4WD is for.

They are long wearing tires and suit my style of driving very well. I see many highway miles. (I now have 73K) They have Outlined White Letters so they look nice (to me) when clean.

The biggest reason for me using them was the price. I got 3 for $100 each or so (mounted) and got the 4th free.