'07 GMC Yukon XL Denali Brakes - 4 wheel kits - Opinions/Experience?

[BSarteSr]

This will be the 3rd set of pads/rotors I am putting on my '07 GMC Yukon XL Denali, generally just a daily driver, split between highway and local roads, I don't brake hard under normal conditions, so no real need for anything extravagant when it comes to the pads/rotors but I do like the ceramic over metallic since they have less dust on the chrome wheels!

I usually shop around for deals between places like Auto Zone, Advance Auto, Rock Auto. In doing so this time I came across some performance kits that have slotted/cross drilled rotors and ceramic pads, really like the PowerStop Z23 Brake Kit (K2068), but also came across some other brands that I have not heard of, would like to get some feedback/opinions. The ones I have seen are easiest to list from the eBay ad's:

PowerStop Z23:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/162323865181?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Nakamoto (Price is very attractive!):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/311680941370?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Platinum Hart:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111208325383?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Feedback/Opinions would be appreciated and if you have any other brands that you would recommends for the type of driving I do, would appreciate it!

 

[Meccanoble]

I'm also looking for a set and seen a great deai on some pep boys powerstop kits with discounts but still researching. I like these kits because they are local with good reviews. I daily drive too but never know what our hearts desires may offer our cars in the future and dont want to upgrade brakes early because I came across some money to supercharge

This kit looks to be a great replacement for stock
https://www.pepboys.com/product/details/20049093/00160

But this kit looks to be a pretty good upgrade for performance trucks if you added a little power.
https://www.pepboys.com/product/details/20049094/00160

 

[BSarteSr]

While the Power Stop looks good, I am leaning towards the Platinum Hart, few reviews that I have seen on them look good and the price is less than the Power Stop for what looks like the same package. Again, here is the eBay auction:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/11120832538...38.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&rmvSB=true

 

[93blkongreenpro]

These are the powerstops I was looking at.

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/271039208763

Looks like the Plat kis above and priced about the same. Same rotors looks like. Prob same pads just rebranded.


Edit:

These came on my yukon and this is why I was looking at the powerstops as a replacement.

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[BSarteSr]

These are the powerstops I was looking at.

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/271039208763

Looks like the Plat kis above and priced about the same. Same rotors looks like. Prob same pads just rebranded.


Edit:

These came on my yukon and this is why I was looking at the powerstops as a replacement.

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HMMMM....that is a nice set, actually a few bucks less than those Paltinum Hart ones.

I do like the PowerStop, wonder what the difference is between these 2 sets (PowerStops and PowerSport)?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/162323865181?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271039208763?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[Jason_S]

For what it's worth, the rotors usually last twice as long as the pads. So you could get fresh pads, and take the rotors to a shop to get them turned. The exception is slotted and/or drilled rotors, they can not be turned.

Also, the front pads tend to wear faster than the rear pads, so it is entirely possible for you to be due for brake work in the front and the back is perfectly fine.

 

[BSarteSr]

I did a quick internet lookup for reviews on the BrakeLab PowerSport kit, seems like you have to check to make sure they have correct parts for the kit to make sure all 4 rotors are "correct" directional. One review I saw was for a Mercedes application that did not come with correct parts...

I sent the eBay auction (BrakeLab) asking them about the kit for the GMC Yukon application, will let you know what the say.....

 

[BSarteSr]

For what it's worth, the rotors usually last twice as long as the pads. So you could get fresh pads, and take the rotors to a shop to get them turned. The exception is slotted and/or drilled rotors, they can not be turned.

Also, the front pads tend to wear faster than the rear pads, so it is entirely possible for you to be due for brake work in the front and the back is perfectly fine.

Thanks Jason, not my first rodeo! I have found it easiest just to do the whole set all at once, machine shops are not that easy to find around here and most of the ones that are left charge just as much to cut rotors as just buying new ones.

Also, I am doing my first set on this Yukon for a performance setup rather than just replacing stock setup.....

 

[BSarteSr]

Got feedback from all of the sellers on eBay, basically only one who agreed that the rotor direction is a factor and that the package they sell for the '07 GMC Yukon will have four distinctly different rotors is the Power Stop. Power Sport and Platinum Hart said it was not important, did not state that their package had or did not have four directional rotors while the pictures of their product showed four rotors that appear to have different direction rotors.

Opinions on directional rotors that are cross drilled/slotted? I would assume that you would want the direction of the cross drilling/slots to push air/dust outward, not inward, thus feeding the concept of best performance? If this is correct, then directional rotors would be a factor in purchase. While this might be minimal to contributing to performance, the difference between the Power Stop price (~$362) and the Platinum Hart & Power Sport (~$220) is about $140,

 

[BSarteSr]

So, no opinions on directional or not?

I have to pull the trigger, need brakes soon!

 

[EnigmaMan]

Do not get cross drilled or slotted rotors for these big rigs.
They create uneven heating in the rotors causing them to crack / warp easier.
Most racing applications have actually banned them due to this reason as well
They look cool, but high performance racing applications do not use them due to new brake pad technology where they do not offgas like they used to.

The more meat you have on the rotor the more heat dissipation you will have for hard stops - this is why they have minimum rotor thickness and will only turn rotors to a certain point.

I would highly suggest the Autozone Duralast GOLD rotor with its high carbon.. They have a lifetime warranty and actually honor it.
I have put these on many trucks and my Yukon and stop much better (dont forget new brake pads!) than the stock setup with less brake fatigue if you decide to auto-cross the thing

+ here is a 20% off $100 coupon shipped to the door.
http://www.autozone.com/landing/pag...&intcmp=20161218_20161224_pencil_hp_top_RED20

Also- just a helpful hint - if you have a large order - break it up into multiple orders so you can maximize the 20% off!

 

[93blkongreenpro]

So, no opinions on directional or not?

I have to pull the trigger, need brakes soon!

My rears are slotted forward.

The fronts, rearward

Never paid attention.

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[jyi786]

Add me to the list. I need new rotors and pads as well.

I will not be buying any rotors that are slotted, dimpled, or drilled. What is the best solid rotor I can get that will not warp when I glance at it, and that will last a long time with a good set of Akebono ceramic pads?

 

[BSarteSr]

Do not get cross drilled or slotted rotors for these big rigs.
They create uneven heating in the rotors causing them to crack / warp easier.
Most racing applications have actually banned them due to this reason as well
They look cool, but high performance racing applications do not use them due to new brake pad technology where they do not offgas like they used to.

The more meat you have on the rotor the more heat dissipation you will have for hard stops - this is why they have minimum rotor thickness and will only turn rotors to a certain point.

I would highly suggest the Autozone Duralast GOLD rotor with its high carbon.. They have a lifetime warranty and actually honor it.
I have put these on many trucks and my Yukon and stop much better (dont forget new brake pads!) than the stock setup with less brake fatigue if you decide to auto-cross the thing

+ here is a 20% off $100 coupon shipped to the door.
http://www.autozone.com/landing/pag...&intcmp=20161218_20161224_pencil_hp_top_RED20

Also- just a helpful hint - if you have a large order - break it up into multiple orders so you can maximize the 20% off!

Interesting opinion.....so you really think that the weight/size of the Yukon XL makes that much difference? Since I brake quite conservatively (roll up to a stop light, you know the type that you are behind and ***** and moan about!), rarely have to do a hard stop.

I have the Autozone Duralast GOLD on the Yukon now, really can't complain, just looking for something better!

I have to step back to what I started this thread about and try to get opinions on the 3 kits I was looking at, don't want what my question was to get side tracked otherwise this could take forever!

 

[TheAutumnWind]

Add me to the list. I need new rotors and pads as well.

I will not be buying any rotors that are slotted, dimpled, or drilled. What is the best solid rotor I can get that will not warp when I glance at it, and that will last a long time with a good set of Akebono ceramic pads?

Get brembo blanks.

 

[BSarteSr]

After all said and done, decided to try the PowerSport Kit on eBay.

Probably be here next week, will get them on and let you know about the quality of the parts in the kit, also how the "maiden" ride goes!

 

[93blkongreenpro]

As far as the cracking blah blah blah goes with the slotted and drilled rotors, who's is really driving their 6k lbs nnbs that hard? If they are, im sure they have invested in brembo big brake kit and have motor, tranny, rear end upgrades. Everyday driving, occasional mountain trips, I have not had a single issue and idk how many miles were on them when I purchased the truck. I cant compare to stock as 24s were on the truck when I bought it and I have never driven a stock nbs, or nnbs.

Let us know how the install is. On my application, i guess the put the front rotors on the wrong side, as that would fix the directional issue.

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[08HoeCD]

Lots of myths out there regarding brake rotor design.
When's the last time that you actually saw or experienced a cracked rotor??

As for me, I couldn't care less what my rotors look like; I just want them to be durable and a good match with the pads.

 

[Brian Wilson]

For what it's worth, I have had nothing but good luck with hart rotors. If you buy a kit, the ceramic brake pads they give you are worth their weight in shit. But rotors are great. But the key to any rotor is proper break in. You can ruin the best rotors if you don't break them in correctly. In fact, I never knew how to break in rotors until I bought a set of hart slotted rotors for my jeep from ebay. They came with a great instruction sheet. I used the pads for about 2 months and then switched to hawk green stuff pads. Best brakes I have ever had.

 

[BSarteSr]

OK, so I am waiting for the PowerSport kit to get here, supposed to be delivered on Thursday.

Any opinions on a good lube for the caliper pistons? I have ~130k miles on the '07 Yukon XL Denali, have done brakes two time before, just put new rotors and pads each time, figured it is a good this time to clean up the calipers and lube up the caliper pistons, also probably bleed the brakes.

Got some good brake cleaner, but did not see anything for lubing the caliper pistons?