Can't find Akebono brake pads

nvrlate · #1 08-03-10

It seems that these are getting favorable reviews from many of the forum members and I would like to get them for my 2007 93 Aero Sedan. I'm looking for fronts and rears. Tirerack does not have them. Any other ideas?

Thanks.

Marcin · #2 08-03-10

they have rears
www.eeuroparts.com

Cosmicflash · #3 09-03-10

Try www.genuinesaab.com. You're going to need rotors too. Make sure and measure your fronts to determine 314mm or 302? I think.

onerareviper · #4 09-03-10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cosmicflash

Try www.genuinesaab.com. You're going to need rotors too. Make sure and measure your fronts to determine 314mm or 302? I think.

Why would he need new rotors? You don't always need them when changing pads.

BTW - I believe your OEM stock brakes ARE Akebono on the front. At least they are on the 2.0T. Can someone confirm the Aero model? The back pads are not ceramic, at least on the 2.0T. You'll need the Akebono EUR1095. The fronts are Akebono EUR972 (Again, get confirmation since you have the Aero model). You can also try Rock Auto - www.rockauto.com in addition to the links above. Do a part search for the EUR972. For some reason they don't show under 2007 Saab Aero in the parts catalog, but do show it is the right pad in the buyer's guide.

Also refer to this post on the subject (rear pads):

http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/sh...hlight=akebono

BTW #2 - Tirerack does seem to have the fronts:

http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/resul...er+Valve+Stems

nvrlate · #5 09-03-10

I should have mentioned this earlier. This issue is that I have 314mm front rotors. Tirerack only has the 302mm Akebono's.

Thanks for all your help so far.

JonV · #6 09-03-10

Hawk is another excellent Pad, I'n running Akebono's all around but Hawk seems to be overtaking them in popularity....

Ferms_93_2.8T · #7 09-03-10

Hawk nor Akebono make pads for the 314mm fronts. The only real after market brand would be EBC. I am running the redstuffs and they are great pads. They are ceramic, have great stopping power, and are virtually dustless. I hated having to clean my wheels everyday. Now, they stay clean between washes. My sig has my current brake setup.

Fmr12B · #8 09-03-10

www.rockauto.com - Cheapest prices I could find shipped when I bought my rear pads a year ago. You can also find a 10% off coupon by using google.

Search by part number not by application.

Cosmicflash · #9 09-03-10

Quote:

Originally Posted by onerareviper

Why would he need new rotors? You don't always need them when changing pads.

BTW - I believe your OEM stock brakes ARE Akebono on the front. At least they are on the 2.0T. Can someone confirm the Aero model? The back pads are not ceramic, at least on the 2.0T. You'll need the Akebono EUR1095. The fronts are Akebono EUR972 (Again, get confirmation since you have the Aero model). You can also try Rock Auto - www.rockauto.com in addition to the links above. Do a part search for the EUR972. For some reason they don't show under 2007 Saab Aero in the parts catalog, but do show it is the right pad in the buyer's guide.

Also refer to this post on the subject (rear pads):

http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/sh...hlight=akebono

BTW #2 - Tirerack does seem to have the fronts:

http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/resul...er+Valve+Stems

Well you can try without new rotors but it's a gamble. For the $40-50 to turn and cut the rotors just spend a few more $$ and get new rotors and KNOW you won't have any problems. I went thru this fiasco this summer with a Saab only shop that said "we rarely replaced rotors on Saabs" and I told them to replace them and they said no let's just turn them. Well they just turned them and the brakes were all screwed up. Ended up wasting half a day and more money for new rotors.
Now they did just cut and turn the rears but those are much less sensitive I believe.

onerareviper · #10 09-03-10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cosmicflash

Well you can try without new rotors but it's a gamble. For the $40-50 to turn and cut the rotors just spend a few more $$ and get new rotors and KNOW you won't have any problems. I went thru this fiasco this summer with a Saab only shop that said "we rarely replaced rotors on Saabs" and I told them to replace them and they said no let's just turn them. Well they just turned them and the brakes were all screwed up. Ended up wasting half a day and more money for new rotors.
Now they did just cut and turn the rears but those are much less sensitive I believe.

Why turn/cut them? Unless they are too thin or 'out-of-round'/'warped' there is no reason to do anything. And this can be easily determined by any brake shop or someone with the proper tools. No need to waste money on new rotors or turn/cut unless it's required.

JonV · #11 10-03-10

Odds are if you turn Saab rotors they will warp, if they're worn, just get new OEM's and if you want upgrade the pads to Ak's, hawks or EBC,you can't go wrong.

toxicavenger · #12 10-03-10

When you put new pads on rotors they need to have a good contact surface. Rotors tend to glaze over time from heat so if they are within specs you can get them lightly turned. Rotors don't warp because they were turned, they will warp if they are turned under spec. My local machine shop turns rotors for 15 a piece (if they are within spec) and they also turn slotted rotors. Also some people say you can't turn vented rotors which isn't true either. If you don't turn your rotors or put new ones on and just install new brakes pads then you are wasting your money.

onerareviper · #13 10-03-10

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonV

Odds are if you turn Saab rotors they will warp, if they're worn, just get new OEM's and if you want upgrade the pads to Ak's, hawks or EBC,you can't go wrong.

IMHO just because your changing pads does not mean you need new rotors. That's what I was trying to portray to the OP... A waste of money unless it is required..... And the only way to tell is thru measurements or knowing what a bad rotor feels like during braking (vibrations). It's not uncommon to get 2-3 pad changes before the rotors need changed, at least for some. Driving style determines the length of rotor life more than anything. My Father (who drives like a Grandma) gets 100,000 miles before needing new rotors. Usually 50,000 miles between brake changes. The way I drive, I usually need new rotors around 30K. Maybe 50K with the Akebono's, since from my experience they increase rotor life. But to automatically change rotors every time you change pads seems foolish IMHO (I'm not saying that's what you're suggesting, but some here are....).

As for turning rotors, again, I think a lot depends on driving style. Turned rotors do warp quicker due to less heat dissipation (less material), but only if you're putting lots of heat into the rotor (i.e. - high speed braking/aggressive driving) or if you have them turned under spec (which no machine shop 'should' do). If you drive at lower speeds (speed limit it US) many have no problems. To turn/true a rotor where I live only cost $10, so there is a pretty big saving if you drive speed limit or under. But yes, high speed braking on cut rotors usually doesn't last too long....

onerareviper · #14 10-03-10

Quote:

Originally Posted by toxicavenger

When you put new pads on rotors they need to have a good contact surface. Rotors tend to glaze over time from heat so if they are within specs you can get them lightly turned. Rotors don't warp because they were turned, they will warp if they are turned under spec. My local machine shop turns rotors for 15 a piece (if they are within spec) and they also turn slotted rotors. Also some people say you can't turn vented rotors which isn't true either. If you don't turn your rotors or put new ones on and just install new brakes pads then you are wasting your money.

Here's a cheaper way to remove that glaze:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4421355_clea...ke-rotors.html

toxicavenger · #15 10-03-10

I have used this myself before but because I don't have a way to check to see if my rotors are warped that is why I will take them to get a light cut on them at the machine shop. Usually with just a light cut on rotors I can get at least 2 brake pads changes on the front rotors and maybe 3-4 on the rears. Good info too onerareviper.

semiferger · #16 10-03-10

I currently work at Akebono in Farmington, MI. and Akebono brake pads are put on from the factory. There is very little or no brake dust at all from our brake pads. Depending on driving condictions and/or towing. but most people dont put those pads back on when they change them.

putergod · #17 10-03-10

I wouldn't ever turn rotors, and I only replace them if they NEED to be replaced. Rotors, on "most" cars that have had proper maintenance, last an extremely long time.

toxicavenger · #18 10-03-10

Akebono are great brake pads that I have used on all of my cars since I don't want to deal with brake dust. Here is some good info on brakes http://www.aa1car.com/library/2003/bf110322.htm , the issue with doing a brake job is alot of people have different opinions on what to do with their rotors. So to the OP take all this good info everyone has provided and see what works for you. Good luck, Terry.

nvrlate · #19 10-03-10

Quote:

Originally Posted by semiferger

I currently work at Akebono in Farmington, MI. and Akebono brake pads are put on from the factory. There is very little or no brake dust at all from our brake pads. Depending on driving condictions and/or towing. but most people dont put those pads back on when they change them.

Why are they so hard to find? Are the also sold under another brand?

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