Rotors & Pads. Replacement for 2002 GMC 2500HD
I need valued opinions for the brakes on my 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD Duramax (4X4). The truck has 275,000 Kms. I am going to replace the rotors & pads. After "Googling" to find the best quality parts, I am now more confused/puzzled of what to buy. I am leaning towards staying with GM Delco OE (original equipment) since I got long life out of my first set. After speaking with a GM parts person, he said their OE parts are their best. They carry the cheaper Durastop but these are not OE. Having said all this, I am reading reports on the internet that even the Delco OE rotors are made in China now!! I am not sure about the pads. So I am not sure if the OE rotors are made in China. I also read that the best Napa rotors are made in China too. From what I've read, the rotors made in China are not the high quality that we have been used to when the rotors were made in the USA or Canada.
There is a company called EBC which is an England company that makes rotors and are highly recommended. Are there any great rotors made in the USA or Canada? I don't want drilled or slotted rotors, just the standard design, but the BEST standard design.
On a final note, I need/want great breaking since I tow a 10,000 lb. 5th wheel through the Rocky Mountains. Also what is the best pad material for towing in these extreme conditions? After searching the internet, people are suggesting not to use ceramic pads.
Your opinions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Carey
Just did the rear brakes on mine.
Yeah I just changed the rear brakes on my 05 GMC 2500HD. The rear rotors were shot on the inside. Still had decent amount of material left on the pads with 115K on the truck. Not bad I suppose for 9 years in the rust <salt> belt. The front pad/rotors are still in pretty good shape.
I put on the local parts house rotors and Wagner ceramic pads. I run the Wagner's on the wife's trailblazer and liked the performance of those pads on her vehicle. We will see how they fare on the D-Max. Also replaced the brake fluid in the reservoir and let the brake lines bleed till new clear fluid showed.
Not sure why Ceramic pads are not well received on the internet. I like their performance and low dust. The carbon semi-metallic based pads leave a mess on the rims from previous experience.