Front end issues? Help wanted!!!

[Boomhower]

Let me throw another question out there. In everyone's experience, have you had to change the rear pads at the same time you changed the fronts? Aren't most cars designed to have more braking power on the front brakes and less on the rear? If so, the rear pads should last longer than the fronts, shouldn't they?

 

[SoonerLS]

The main reason LS rear pads wear as fast as (or faster than) the front is a combination of AdvanceTrac/traction control and the combination of 50/50 weight balance and anti-lift/anti-dive suspension geometry. AdvanceTrac and traction control both make extensive use of the rear brakes to prevent wheel spin, and the 50/50 weight balance and suspension geometry mean that the LS doesn't tranfer as much weight forward as most cars do while braking.

That's my theory, anyway.

 

[LS4me]

What Sooner said. The rears will need to be done as well.

 

[Boomhower]

I know I'm asking a lot of questions guys, but thank each and every one of you for you input. That's what I love about this site. My wife hates that I'm on here so much, but I've learned so much more about this car than I have any other previous vehicle. All because of LVC.

 

[Fla02LS]

I just had the front pads replaced on my '05. They said at that time the rears were getting low and need replacing "soon". My fronts were metal on metal.

 

[Boomhower]

I took the chance today. Went to my parents house, where daddyo has bookoo's of tools. 20mm 6 point was what I needed. And the lugs were rusted on the studs just like I figured they would be. None of them snapped though, thank goodness.

Anyways, the brakes need changing really bad, and as other have stated above, the back pads will be soon to follow. Might as well do all four while I have the car broke down. Moving on the finding new pads now, I guess.

A couple more questions:
1) Are Akebono brake pads factory? A few sites have them listed as OEM.
2)Can someone break down the difference between ceramic and semi metallic pads?

 

[lseguy]

I opted to give Duralast pads (autozone..or is it Advance Auto? I forget which) a shot last pad change. Thus far, no squeaking, I'd say 30% less dust than factory, and decent fade performance.

 

[eastcoastLS]

I opted to give Duralast pads (autozone..or is it Advance Auto? I forget which) a shot last pad change. Thus far, no squeaking, I'd say 30% less dust than factory, and decent fade performance.

its autozone, i went the same route, and my squeal like a pig at the happy braking pressure. brake dust is not bad definately better than stock since the rear pads are stock. stopping distance is good enough...atleast so far. i would suggest duralast if you are just looking for temporary pads. i forget how much they were for the LS, pretty sure under 50 dollars for the front pads atleast