Akebono rotors - Where to buy them?

[Jorge-789995]

Last time I did a brake job I swear I replaced everything with Akebono Euro Ceramic pads (EUR794 and 795) and Akebono Euro Ultra premium rotors.

I am in need of another brake job and I can't swing a dead cat without hitting someone selling the pads, but I cannot find anyone that sells the Akebono rotors.

Anyone have a lead on the rotors??


Did they stop making rotors?

If these rotors are a no-go, then what rotors should I get now? I don't want cheap junk and performance this or that is not necessary. I would be looking to get something that is quality and will go the distance like the last set.

Thanks,

K

[Astro14]

I’ve used Mercedes, Brembo, and R1 rotors with Akebono pads. They all seem to work pretty well. Tire Rack usually has good prices on Brembo.

If you’re doing the fronts, it’s a great time to buy new caliper brackets (buy the T5 model brackets) and upgrade from the XCs 280mm rotors to the T5 305mm rotors. Better braking and they just fit under 16” Volvo wheels.

[Jorge-789995]

Thanks Astro,

I have plans to upgrade to 305mm rotors.

I will look into the rotor brands you suggest. Have you heard much about the Bosch Quietcast? I see them for $77 for fronts on IPD, but I have not shopped around. I was holding out hope of the Akebonos.


Regarding the upgrade to 305mm rotors. That seems straight forward an upgrade as can be in theory, but getting the right bracket seems less straight forward. I've seen the bracket referenced by these #s 8251316 and 36000727. Then Rock auto has something that looks and sounds similar with a different # 141607. So while I will pull this off eventually, I still have a lot of digging to do to get the right part. Nothing worse than ordering the wrong part and not having it when you need it.

Let me know if you have thoughts on the Bosch rotors.

I'm doing a refresh with many new parts - suspension, brakes, odds and ends that need attention. All part of the plan to get another 100k out of my 02.

thanks again,

KL

[Astro14]

The Bosch rotors look good to me. Nearly all rotors are made in China now, but if a company like a Bosch, or Brembo, is selling them, then the quality control is good.

If you search Rock Auto for the caliper brackets, search under the T5, which is “2.3 L turbo”, not under the XC or 2.4 L turbo.

Then pick the brackets for “16 inch wheels” which were the base wheels for the T5. The brackets are about $21 each, including a core, which is silly… I checked last night. Still in stock.

Same deal with rotors - search under the T5 and verify that they’re 305mm.

It won’t be a profound change in braking, but it will be noticeably better. For $40 in brackets when you’re doing brakes anyway, it’s an incredibly cheap and effective upgrade.