I know that there is a lot of discussion about the brake pads and rotors on our Stinger GTs equipped with Brembos. Regardless of where you stand on this issue and potential causes, I think that we can all agree that replacing the pads is the simplest solution if you are having issues. A pad upgrade might be desired even if you aren't having issues. After some discussion with my local Kia shop, they agreed there was a problem with my brakes at the 10k mile mark and agreed to replace the rotors and install my pads at no expense to me.
I visited the Khartunerz website, which at the time was the most convenient source of Brembo pad replacements, and purchased the Stoptech Street Performance (now known as the Stoptech Sport Pads). The ordering process was simple and easy and the parts arrived quickly. The persuading factor in buying from Khartunerz was that they evaluated the fit on the Stinger and guaranteed that they would work for the car as these products are not listed for sale on many common auto parts websites.
The pads were installed at the dealership shop and I followed the bedding procedure below on the way home and the next day.
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During the first 10 stops, you could definitely smell the friction smell and observe the green fade. After the second set of ten stops the following day and allowing the brakes to cool back down (20 mins of normal driving with no stops). The brake feel is fantastic. The initial grab of the brakes is slightly more aggressive than stock and the ability to trigger ABS is now done with less pedal effort than before. This suits my driving style and poses no problem to me because the brakes are far more progressive in feel than the stock pads. There is an equal rise in braking force that is linear to pedal travel. The stocks brakes seemed to feel progressive under light loads but required more pressure during more aggressive braking. The Stoptechs are linear throughout the braking range. As of now, no associated noises from the brakes, so that is good also.
Once thing that concerns me is that the pad is listed on Khartunerz website as a ceramic pad. However, Stoptech and others list this pad as a "para-aramid composite" with no mention of it being a ceramic compound. I have seen some sources that show there is, in addition to the para-aramid composite materials, some steel/iron content, but far less than a traditional "semi-metallic" pad. It should have a minimal affect on visible dusting and corrosiveness, but I will keep an eye on it in the coming miles. I have contacted APC to get their feedback on the above points and will post back if/when I hear from them.
As of now, I highly recommend this replacement brake pad for the Stinger GT and look forward to replacing the rears with the same compound once it becomes available.
I visited the Khartunerz website, which at the time was the most convenient source of Brembo pad replacements, and purchased the Stoptech Street Performance (now known as the Stoptech Sport Pads). The ordering process was simple and easy and the parts arrived quickly. The persuading factor in buying from Khartunerz was that they evaluated the fit on the Stinger and guaranteed that they would work for the car as these products are not listed for sale on many common auto parts websites.
The pads were installed at the dealership shop and I followed the bedding procedure below on the way home and the next day.
-----------
----------
During the first 10 stops, you could definitely smell the friction smell and observe the green fade. After the second set of ten stops the following day and allowing the brakes to cool back down (20 mins of normal driving with no stops). The brake feel is fantastic. The initial grab of the brakes is slightly more aggressive than stock and the ability to trigger ABS is now done with less pedal effort than before. This suits my driving style and poses no problem to me because the brakes are far more progressive in feel than the stock pads. There is an equal rise in braking force that is linear to pedal travel. The stocks brakes seemed to feel progressive under light loads but required more pressure during more aggressive braking. The Stoptechs are linear throughout the braking range. As of now, no associated noises from the brakes, so that is good also.
Once thing that concerns me is that the pad is listed on Khartunerz website as a ceramic pad. However, Stoptech and others list this pad as a "para-aramid composite" with no mention of it being a ceramic compound. I have seen some sources that show there is, in addition to the para-aramid composite materials, some steel/iron content, but far less than a traditional "semi-metallic" pad. It should have a minimal affect on visible dusting and corrosiveness, but I will keep an eye on it in the coming miles. I have contacted APC to get their feedback on the above points and will post back if/when I hear from them.
As of now, I highly recommend this replacement brake pad for the Stinger GT and look forward to replacing the rears with the same compound once it becomes available.
