Owner reviews for brake discs

So, I ended up going with Akebono brakes with Akebono rotors- It works great so far- just seems to have a little less grab if you brake hard. I don't know if it was the worn brakes (and rotors) or the semi-metallic material, but the brake pedal went down a little further with the old setup.

I didn't do any stop distance tests before, so I don't know if the new ceramics are any better or worse; however, it seems like it brakes less in the mid range, which I've heard is typical for ceramic brakes. At the end of the day, for normal driving, it is a much smoother and more controlled braking experience.

I ordered Zimmermann 100336770 from Eeuroparts because they looked totally different from the factory disks and seem to have good reviews. I am happy to say they have completely cured my brake judder and the car is a pleasure to drive.

I have used them on my 840 for 3 years and 20k miles and no warping.

But Centric blanks are absolutely worth a purchase. I've used them on my prior daily SVT Focus and they worked perfectly for many years.

I can tell you that Zimmermann are German made high quality rotors and make a very good deal for the price/performance. Those should be about 140 Euros max for 2 front coated discs. Throw in some reasonable pads (TRW, Brembo or ATE) and you can get away with below 200 Euros per axis and as you say you can diy. then it should not be a problem. What I know is that many rotors are nowdays made in China and are rebranded, while to keep in mind is that just a very few rotor brands are really cast, majority being machined and drilled. I have the first hand experience with Zimmermanns and I am really happy about those. If you want an "original" Saab - they will sell you Hella-Pagid disks that are also very good, but a way overpriced for what they are. I seem to remember the price of 400+ Euros for one disk, 2 years ago whenI was shopping around.

I priced out parts at $201 + S&H for premium raybestos rotors and pads at all 4 corners for a 2012 outback 2.5l on rockauto. Will be better than new for less than half the price.

Never bought Centric Calipers, but I’ve bought their “Premium” rotors for three different cars and have been very pleased with them. I have heard great things about their posi-quiet (I think that’s the name) ceramic brake pads, but I always use Akebono since the price difference is usually pretty small on rockauto and akebono is super premium. Those pads are amazing. Great performance, no dust, and no noise.

FWIW, I recently replaced my front rotors and pads at 40k and I have about 8mm on the back. At this rate, I'll probably have to replace the backs around the same time I do the fronts again. My rotors look nothing like yours though. Mine are smooth and no grooves.

Zimmerman is a good brand in my opinion. Brembo quality has gone downhill fast with lots of manufacture in China. I bought a set of Raybestos (Made in USA; new old stock I think) and they warped after about 6 months with EBC Reds (I do not recommend EBC). The ATE rotors are OK for street but racing has cause some of them to break apart at the welds on the hats.

Imperfections in either the brake rotors or pads making gouge marks in my rotors