09/08/2020
When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, ensuring your braking system is in top condition is paramount. Not only does it directly impact your safety, but it also contributes to the overall driving experience. PowerStop, a well-known name in the automotive aftermarket, offers a range of brake kits designed to provide an accessible and effective upgrade for everyday drivers. The Z17 Evolution GEOMET® Fully Coated Rotor Brake Kit is one such offering, aiming to provide a comprehensive solution for those looking to refresh their vehicle's braking performance and aesthetics. This article will delve into precisely what this popular kit includes, the benefits of its components, and why it's a strong contender for your next brake replacement.
Understanding the PowerStop Z17 Evolution GEOMET® Brake Kit
The core mission behind the Z17 Evolution GEOMET® Fully Coated Rotor Brake Kit is to simplify the process of upgrading your vehicle's brakes. PowerStop aims to make this an easy and affordable endeavour for any driver, regardless of their driving habits or the type of vehicle they own. This kit is specifically curated for the daily-driven vehicle, focusing on enhancing both the look and the performance of your braking system without breaking the bank.
What's Inside the Box? A Comprehensive Breakdown
The PowerStop Z17 Evolution GEOMET® Fully Coated Rotor Brake Kit is designed as an all-in-one solution, meaning it contains the essential components needed for a complete brake upgrade. When you purchase this kit, you can expect to find the following:
1. Z17 Evolution Ceramic Brake Pads
The heart of any brake kit lies in its brake pads. The Z17 Evolution pads are engineered with a low-dust formula. This is a significant advantage for many drivers, as it means less brake dust will accumulate on your wheels. This not only keeps your vehicle looking cleaner for longer but also reduces the frequency of wheel cleaning. The effectiveness of this low-dust formulation has been validated through independent, third-party testing conducted on vehicles within the USA. This ensures that the claims are not just theoretical but have been proven in real-world conditions. Furthermore, these pads are equipped with multi-layer rubberized shims. These shims play a crucial role in insulating noise. The result is a virtually silent braking experience, eliminating the annoying squeaks and rattles that can sometimes accompany braking, especially with aftermarket components. This focus on noise reduction contributes significantly to a more comfortable and refined driving experience.
2. GEOMET® 360 Fully Coated Rotors
The rotors included in the Z17 Evolution kit are equally important. They are treated with a thin layer of Genuine GEOMET® 360 coating. This is not just a cosmetic finish; it's a protective barrier designed to combat rust and corrosion. This coating is applied without compromising the rotor's braking performance, ensuring that you get the best of both worlds: enhanced durability and reliable stopping power. The GEOMET® 360 coating is particularly beneficial for vehicles that are frequently exposed to adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or salt. It effectively prevents the formation of rust on the rotor surfaces, which can not only look unsightly but also lead to premature wear and reduced braking efficiency. These rotors are manufactured to meet original equipment (OE) specifications. This means they are designed to fit and perform like the factory-fitted parts, making installation straightforward and ensuring compatibility with your vehicle's braking system.
3. Stainless Steel Hardware
Completing the kit is the necessary stainless-steel hardware. This often includes items such as new clips, springs, and shims that are essential for the proper installation and function of the brake pads and rotors. Using new hardware ensures that all components are securely in place and that the brake system operates as intended. Stainless steel is chosen for its resistance to corrosion, further enhancing the longevity and reliability of the braking system, especially in harsh environments.
Key Benefits of the Z17 Evolution GEOMET® Kit
The Z17 Evolution GEOMET® Fully Coated Rotor Brake Kit offers several compelling advantages for the discerning driver:
- Improved Aesthetics: The GEOMET® coating on the rotors not only protects against rust but also provides a clean, finished look, especially on the non-friction surfaces. Coupled with the low-dust pads, your wheels will remain cleaner, enhancing your vehicle's overall appearance.
- Enhanced Comfort: The multi-layer rubberized shims on the brake pads are designed to dampen vibration and noise, leading to a significantly quieter and smoother braking experience.
- Durability and Longevity: The combination of the GEOMET® coating and the quality of the ceramic pads contributes to a longer lifespan for the components, especially when compared to standard, un-coated rotors and basic pads.
- Ease of Installation: As the kit is designed to meet OE specifications and includes all necessary hardware, it simplifies the installation process, making it a viable option for DIY enthusiasts or a straightforward job for a professional mechanic.
- Affordability: PowerStop positions this kit as an affordable upgrade, offering a substantial improvement in performance and appearance without the premium price tag often associated with high-performance brake systems.
When to Consider the Z17 Evolution Kit
This kit is an excellent choice if you're experiencing any of the following with your current brakes:
- Worn-out brake pads or rotors: Visible scoring, grooving, or pulsating during braking are clear indicators that replacement is due.
- Excessive brake dust: If you're tired of constantly cleaning brake dust off your wheels, the low-dust formulation of the Z17 Evolution pads will be a welcome change.
- Brake noise: Squealing or grinding sounds during braking can often be attributed to worn pads or poor-quality components. The Z17 Evolution kit aims to eliminate these noises.
- Corrosion on rotors: If your current rotors show significant signs of rust, especially on the non-friction surfaces, the GEOMET® coating offers a superior level of protection.
- Desire for an aesthetic upgrade: The clean look of the coated rotors can significantly improve the visual appeal of your vehicle, especially if you have open-spoke wheels.
Comparative Analysis: Z17 Evolution vs. Standard Replacement
To better illustrate the advantages, let's consider a comparison:
| Feature | Z17 Evolution GEOMET® Kit | Standard Replacement Parts |
|---|---|---|
| Brake Pad Dust | Low-dust formula | Varies, often higher dust |
| Brake Noise | Virtually silent (multi-layer shims) | Can be noisy without specialized shims |
| Rotor Coating | GEOMET® 360 (rust & corrosion resistant) | Typically plain cast iron or basic black coating |
| Rotor Surface Protection | Excellent against rust | Prone to rust, especially in humid climates |
| Included Hardware | Yes (stainless steel) | Often sold separately or not included |
| Target Application | Daily driver, improved aesthetics & comfort | Basic functional replacement |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the Z17 Evolution kit suitable for performance driving or track use?
While the Z17 Evolution kit offers a significant upgrade for daily driving, it is not designed for extreme performance applications or track use. For such scenarios, PowerStop offers other product lines like the Z23 or Z36 kits, which are engineered for higher thermal loads and more aggressive driving.
Q2: Will the GEOMET® coating wear off the friction surface of the rotor?
The GEOMET® 360 coating is applied to the non-friction surfaces of the rotor, and also on the edges and hub. The friction surface where the brake pads make contact will naturally wear away as the pads bed in. The coating's primary purpose is to protect the rotor from rust and corrosion during storage and transit, and on the areas not contacted by the pads.
Q3: How do I bed in my new PowerStop Z17 Evolution brake pads and rotors?
Proper bedding-in is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. The general process involves a series of moderate stops from around 35 mph down to 10 mph, without coming to a complete halt, followed by a period of driving without heavy braking to allow the system to cool. Refer to the specific instructions included with your kit or PowerStop's website for the most accurate bedding-in procedure.
Q4: Do I need any special tools to install this kit?
Standard automotive brake tools are typically required for installation, such as wrenches, sockets, a C-clamp or brake piston tool, and potentially a torque wrench. If you are not comfortable performing brake replacements yourself, it is highly recommended to have a qualified mechanic do the job.
Q5: How long does the GEOMET® coating typically last?
The GEOMET® coating is designed for long-term durability against rust and corrosion. Its lifespan will depend on environmental factors and driving conditions, but it is generally expected to last for many years, significantly outperforming unprotected rotors.
Conclusion
The PowerStop Z17 Evolution GEOMET® Fully Coated Rotor Brake Kit provides a well-rounded and accessible upgrade for the everyday vehicle. By including low-dust ceramic pads with noise-insulating shims and rust-resistant GEOMET® coated rotors, along with all the necessary stainless-steel hardware, PowerStop has created a package that enhances both the appearance and the driving experience. If you're looking to refresh your aging brake system with components that offer improved aesthetics, quieter operation, and lasting protection against the elements, the Z17 Evolution kit is a compelling choice that delivers on its promise of an easy, affordable, and effective brake upgrade.
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