Power stop Z23 Evolution brake pad review

[andrewesquivel]

*Answers to common questions I get*

YES, the guide pins were cleaned and lubed up with the supplied lube that powerstop provides

All the new hardware they included was used - boot, shims, lube,

This video shows the Front passenger side wheel.

Each side was installed based on powerstop instructions. Here is their video for reference


In this video the front of my car is facing to the right.

My car has drums in the back, not rotors.

Yes, I really did in fact have several friend stand at 2 different 3 way intersections so they could warn cars adjacent to my direction to hold up for just a moment as I came through that spot so I could preform the bed in procedure. The bed in procedure was preformed the way the info on the box said to do.

When I switched over to Akebono pro act ultra premium ceramic pads the issues I had immediately went away.

The pads and rotors came from amazon.

Powerstop reached out to me, and ultimately I did get a replacement set of pads and rotors, however I decided to not use them, and they sit in a box in my garage unused. Powerstop refused to discuss what their pads were made of, as they wish to retain their proprietary forumalation of their pads as an industry secret.

[rationalguy]

I have had the z23 4 wheel kits on two cars for 5 years with no issues

[joecalabria]

I've installed PowerStop slotted rotors and Z23 pads on three cars now (G37, Q70 and MKZ) and haven't had the slightest bit of problem with any of them. Worked great and outlasted the stock setup on all three vehicles. Probably going to put their non-slotted coated rotors and Z23 pads on my wife's Santa Fe Ultimate soon.

[moonstar]

I am a Bangladeshi, I like your work very much .... I am learning the work of car engine in Bangladesh, I really want to make a living by working with good and skilled teachers like you.

[andrewesquivel]

Because there are many people who have the opposite experience as me, this might be a good opportunity to gather large amounts of data from many people to see just how common or uncommon problems are with this set up.

In the video there is a poll you can vote on.

Have you had any issues with your PowerStop Rotors and Pads

*No - The product works as advertised
*Yes - The product does not work as advertised (usually this means its a problem that qualifies for a warranty replacement)

[KingLess]

I brought this exact brake kit (rotors and pads) and I have found that after extensive driving and the heat being aggressive, my car has a bit of a problem stopping. It's like the brakes slip a bit and the braking is not strong enough. However, when it's raining, they work beautiful. They have stronger braking power.

[robtoll]

I installed a set of these on an Toyota FRS about a year ago, and a Ford Fusion less than a week ago. Both set are working out great. Sorry to hear your having issues.

[dnfpolz]

I installed these z23 pads on my Corolla with the duralast gold high carbon coated rotors and have never had any problems they work great. Of course I used the duralast gold high carbon rotors cuz I do not like the drilled and slotted rotors at all (especially cheap ones) they just eat up the pads and are harsh and make too much noise and the high carbon content in the duralast gold rotors greatly helps dissipate heat and resists warping and hot spots, and no matter what I replace ALL the hardware included the guide pins and caliper mounting bolts and all other hardware and properly clean and lube everything whether it needs it or not I believe in spending the extra money to ensure perfection and of course I find a smooth deserted open road and follow the break in procedure perfectly to the letter. And I also torque all caliper hardware to the proper torque specs I don't just tighten things with a socket wrench like most people but then again I'm a Certified ASE tech with a degree in automotive technology and I'm a manager at a service facility so I firmly believe in spending the time and money to do the job flawlessly or I just don't do it at all.

[ViperST]

Never had any issues with them on my Crown Vic, VW Golf, Camry, or Town and Country. You can't attribute uneven wear to pads unless you replaced the guide pins, bushings, etc. They've been good and solid longevity in stop and go.

[Amarok]

I swapped from oem to these since I tow in the mountains. I noticed a softer pedal after new install. I will say you are correct with the heat. I think with the carbon in there. They perform better after ya heat them up. So for daily driving I think it’s a more advanced user pad. I didn’t have the pad melting on there like you did. But they definitely need more heat than average

[jacko]

I have an 04 Jeep Grand Cherokee. These Jeeps are notorious for eating brakes. I put this Powerstop kit on almost 2 years ago and I still have over 2/3 of the pad left. They bite well and I have been shimmy free for 2 years. Great product!

[Antoniocool]

I'm glad I found your video cuz I was just about to buy them.

[josera]

I used the Z17 for my 2018 F150 rear pads with no issues, I did notice they wear out fast or maybe is just the type of vehicle.

[turbogt]

I JUST HAD THE EXACT SAME ISSUE WITH A 2016 ACCORD EX-L V6. I CANT BELIEVE YOU GOT THAT MANY MILES OUT OF THEM. After installation, I followed the bed-in procedure. I was less-than impressed with the so-called upgrade in braking performance. I looked at the rotors (keep in mind this is with less than 10 miles on them) and noticed some scoring. The next day, I removed the wheels and examined the pads. To my surprise, I noticed what I considered to be an extreme amount of pitting in the friction material. My pads were more unevenly worn and worsely pitted than the ones in this video, AND WITH LESS THAN 20 MILES ON THEM. I purchased the K6516 kit from Summit Racing which included rotors and pads (and hardware) for all four corners of my Accord. The rotors are what grabbed my attention, and I thought they would look rather nice behind my 19" Alutecs. Total price was $326 (free shipping) which I thought was a good deal. I was skeptical, but kept an open mind. After a mere day and a half of frustration, I replaced the pads with Genuine Honda ceramic pads and have never been happier. I've got to see if I can some sort of refund for these junk pads.

[SuperCarlostrujillo]

thank you for this video i went trough a set and i was assuming it was my driving methods. Good thing it was only one of my vehicles that had that type pads.... never again... Thank You.

[paullafay]

Thank you for this I bought these and thought I was crazy or that my calipers where bad because its so bad.after changing brakes usually the peddle raises up and becomes firm these don't.

[ramondelgado]

Thanks for the video. I've always used EBC on my car and when I switched to the Z23 I noticed my pedal was spongy. I've had them for 3 months now and it's still spongy. I don't like how it feels at all. It feels like a battle from an old van. I will have my pads inspected.

[ripperace]

First thing to check is the guide pins. Make sure your calipers move on the pins easily. If they don’t, you need new pins and bushings. Pulling to one side? Replace the flexible hoses. Hoses will deteriorate, and while you might not see it, they’ll increase in diameter. The more pressure you put on the pedal, the more the hose opens up, and less fluid entering your caliper, while others operate properly. Worn or sticking guide pins can cause this too. That’s two common problems people overlook when doing brakes. Pads wearing funny from the top of the pad to the bottom would indicate a wheel bearing issue. If the vehicle has flange bearings, the easy way to check is drive it, and if you notice noise, like a rumbling noise, or you feel vibration in the steering wheel as you go around turns or do a quick lane change, it’s your bearings. Look over EVERYTHING when you do a brake job. The rotor is mounted to a bearing. The pads are mounted to a caliper that’s supposed to be able to move easily, AND the brake hoses need to remain firm for everything to work like they should. Just seeing what you’ve shown tells me you have more wrong than just pads and rotors. If your mechanic couldn’t see that, you need to find a new mechanic.

[reclaimer]

Did you remember to clean and lube the caliper slides and lube the hardware where the pads ride in the caliper bracket? So many details to go over to isolate where the problem may be.

[onlyme]

I had same issue for my land rover I followed the bed in procedure too. The pads disintegrated after 150 mile trip. Sad I used to like them. Ended up akebono too. I went with centric rotors anti rust too. Been amazing since.