5 Top Power Stop Z17 Brake Pads: Superior Stopping Power & Clean Wheels!
Is your car’s braking performance feeling a bit… mushy? Or perhaps you’re tired of those unsightly brake dust stains on your shiny wheels? If you’re nodding along, it might be time to consider an upgrade. And when it comes to reliable, clean, and quiet stopping power for your everyday ride, Power Stop Z17 brake pads are often at the top of the list.
Power Stop is a well-regarded name in the automotive aftermarket, known for engineering high-quality braking solutions. Their Z17 Evolution Ceramic line is specifically designed for daily drivers who want improved performance over stock pads without the noise, dust, or harshness often associated with more aggressive brake compounds. These ceramic brake pads are all about giving you a smooth, quiet ride with significantly less dust and excellent initial bite.
We’ve rounded up five of the best Power Stop Z17 brake pads to help you find the perfect fit for your vehicle. Let’s dive in!
Why Choose Power Stop Z17 Brake Pads?
Before we jump into the individual products, let’s briefly touch on what makes the Power Stop Z17 line so popular:
- Ultra-Low Dust Formula: This is a big win for keeping your wheels looking cleaner, longer. No more scrubbing away stubborn brake dust every other day!
- Noise-Free Braking: Thanks to chamfered and slotted designs, similar to original equipment (OE), these pads help eliminate squealing and grinding noises.
- Fast Break-In: The thermal-scorched pad surfaces mean you’ll achieve optimal braking performance much quicker after installation.
- Better-Than-OE Performance: While designed for daily driving, they offer a noticeable improvement in stopping power and feel compared to many factory pads.
- Easy Installation: Many sets come with premium stainless steel hardware, making the DIY installation process smoother.
Our Top Picks for Power Stop Z17 Brake Pads
Here are our detailed reviews of five excellent options from the Z17 line:
1. Power Stop 17-1324, Z17 Front Ceramic Brake Pads with Hardware
This front set of Power Stop Z17 brake pads is a fantastic choice if you’re looking to upgrade the stopping power and cleanliness of your vehicle’s front axle. Designed with the daily driver in mind, these pads offer a significant reduction in brake dust and noise, making your commute much more pleasant. They deliver reliable, consistent braking performance that feels much better than your original equipment pads, ensuring you have confidence every time you hit the pedal.
Key Features:
– Low dust formula ceramic brake pads designed to keep those wheels clean
– The Z17 Ceramic brake pad surfaces are thermal scorched for a fast break-in
– Chamfered and slotted like OE pad to ensure noise-free braking
– Designed for shorter break-in, better than OE
– Include premium hardware kit for easy installation
– Fit type: Vehicle Specific
Pros:
– Dramatically reduces brake dust, keeping wheels cleaner
– Provides quiet, consistent braking performance
– Easy to install with included premium hardware
– Offers noticeable improvement over factory pads
– Fast break-in period gets you back on the road quickly
Cons:
– Not designed for heavy-duty towing or track use
– Specific vehicle fitment requires checking compatibility
User Impressions:
Customers frequently praise the 17-1324 for its incredibly low dust output and whisper-quiet operation. Many note that installation is a breeze, especially with the included hardware, and they immediately feel a positive difference in their vehicle’s stopping ability. It’s a popular pick for those seeking a hassle-free, performance-oriented upgrade.
2. Power Stop 17-1707 Rear Z17 Ceramic Brake Pads with Hardware
To truly balance your vehicle’s braking system, don’t forget the rear! The Power Stop 17-1707 rear Z17 ceramic brake pads are engineered to complement the front pads, ensuring a harmonious and effective braking experience across all four wheels. Just like their front counterparts, these pads prioritize cleanliness and quiet operation, so you can enjoy consistent, low-dust braking without any annoying squeals, contributing to overall vehicle safety.
Key Features:
– Low dust formula ceramic brake pads designed to keep those wheels clean
– The Z17 Ceramic brake pad surfaces are thermal scorched for a fast break-in
– Chamfered and slotted like OE pad to ensure noise-free braking
– Designed for shorter break-in, better than OE
– Include premium hardware kit for easy installation
– Fit type: Vehicle Specific
Pros:
– Excellent complement to front Z17 pads for balanced braking
– Significantly reduces rear brake dust
– Ensures quiet operation without annoying noises
– Improves rear stopping power over stock
– Premium hardware simplifies the installation process
Cons:
– Specific to certain rear applications
– Not intended for extreme performance driving
User Impressions:
Users are consistently pleased with how well these rear pads perform in conjunction with Power Stop’s front offerings. They appreciate the noticeable reduction in dust on their rear wheels and the overall quietness of their braking system. The straightforward installation is also a frequently highlighted positive.
3. Power Stop 17-1391, Z17 Rear Ceramic Brake Pads with Hardware
Another excellent option for your vehicle’s rear axle, the Power Stop 17-1391 Z17 ceramic brake pads continue the Power Stop tradition of combining everyday performance with consumer-friendly features. If you’re dealing with excessive brake dust or noisy brakes from your current rear pads, this set is a perfect candidate for an upgrade. They’re designed to seamlessly integrate with your existing braking system, providing a clean, quiet, and reliable stop every time.
Key Features:
– Low dust formula ceramic brake pads designed to keep those wheels clean
– The Z17 Ceramic brake pad surfaces are thermal scorched for a fast break-in
– Chamfered and slotted like OE pad to ensure noise-free braking
– Designed for shorter break-in, better than OE
– Include premium hardware kit for easy installation
– Fit type: Vehicle Specific
Pros:
– Effectively minimizes brake dust on rear wheels
– Ensures silent braking operation
– Quick break-in period saves time
– Comes with all necessary installation hardware
– Offers consistent and dependable stopping performance
Cons:
– Vehicle-specific fitment requires careful checking
– Not suitable for track-day abuse
User Impressions:
Reviewers commend the 17-1391 for its direct fit and impressive noise reduction. Many appreciate the fact that they can finally keep their rear wheels clean without constant scrubbing. The improved pedal feel and general reliability make these a top choice for routine maintenance and upgrades.
4. Power Stop 17-1363, Z17 Front Ceramic Brake Pads with Hardware
The Power Stop 17-1363 Z17 front ceramic brake pads are another robust option from the Z17 line, specifically for the front of your vehicle. These pads embody Power Stop’s commitment to delivering a superior daily driving experience. You’ll enjoy the benefits of cleaner wheels, quieter stops, and a confident pedal feel that surpasses what most stock pads offer. If your front brakes are feeling tired, noisy, or dusty, this set provides a direct and effective solution.
Key Features:
– Low dust formula ceramic brake pads designed to keep those wheels clean
– The Z17 Ceramic brake pad surfaces are thermal scorched for a fast break-in
– Chamfered and slotted like OE pad to ensure noise-free braking
– Designed for shorter break-in, better than OE
– Include premium hardware kit for easy installation
Pros:
– Drastically cuts down on frustrating brake dust
– Guarantees quiet braking, free from squeals
– Provides enhanced stopping power for daily commutes
– Straightforward installation with included hardware
– Quick and efficient break-in process
Cons:
– Intended for street use, not heavy performance
– Compatibility must be verified for your specific make/model
User Impressions:
Customers frequently highlight the ease of installation and the immediate improvement in braking feel provided by the 17-1363. The low-dust feature is a major selling point, with many expressing satisfaction at how much cleaner their wheels remain. It’s seen as a solid, reliable upgrade for everyday driving.
5. Power Stop 17-1586, Z17 Front Ceramic Brake Pads with Hardware
Rounding out our list of top Power Stop Z17 brake pads is the 17-1586, another excellent front ceramic option built to deliver consistent, clean, and quiet performance. This set offers all the hallmark benefits of the Z17 Evolution line, ensuring your vehicle’s front brakes are up to the task of safe and comfortable daily driving. If you’re seeking a reliable replacement that goes beyond basic stock performance without breaking the bank, this is a prime contender.
Key Features:
– Low dust formula ceramic brake pads designed to keep those wheels clean
– The Z17 Ceramic brake pad surfaces are thermal scorched for a fast break-in
– Chamfered and slotted like OE pad to ensure noise-free braking
– Designed for shorter break-in, better than OE
– Include premium hardware kit for easy installation
Pros:
– Keeps front wheels remarkably cleaner with reduced dust
– Ensures consistently quiet braking operation
– Delivers a confident and responsive pedal feel
– Includes premium hardware for a hassle-free install
– Engineered for a rapid break-in, getting you back on the road fast
Cons:
– Specific fitment (always double-check)
– Not engineered for track racing or extreme conditions
User Impressions:
Users of the 17-1586 often commend its seamless fit and the significant reduction in both noise and dust. Many report feeling a noticeable improvement in overall stopping power and a smoother braking experience. It’s considered a fantastic value for a daily driver upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Power Stop Z17 Brake Pads
Got more questions about the Power Stop Z17 line? We’ve got answers!
Q1: What makes Power Stop Z17 brake pads different from other brake pads?
A1: Power Stop Z17 brake pads are specifically designed as a premium OE replacement for daily drivers. Their key differentiators include a low-dust ceramic formula, thermal scorched surfaces for fast break-in, and OE-style chamfers and slots for quiet operation. They prioritize cleanliness, quietness, and consistent performance over aggressive track-level stopping power.
Q2: Are Z17 brake pads good for daily driving?
A2: Absolutely! The Z17 series is engineered precisely for daily driving conditions. They offer a significant upgrade in terms of dust reduction, noise elimination, and overall braking feel compared to many stock pads, making them perfect for your regular commute and everyday errands.
Q3: Do Power Stop Z17 pads produce a lot of dust?
A3: No, quite the opposite! One of the biggest selling points of the Power Stop Z17 line is its ultra-low dust ceramic formula. You’ll notice a significant reduction in brake dust on your wheels, keeping them cleaner for longer periods and reducing your cleaning efforts.
Q4: How long do Power Stop Z17 brake pads usually last?
A4: The lifespan of any brake pad depends heavily on driving habits, vehicle type, and environmental conditions. However, Power Stop Z17 brake pads are known for their durability and typically last as long as, or even longer than, comparable OE pads under normal driving conditions. Regular inspection is always recommended.
Q5: Do I need to “break-in” Power Stop Z17 brake pads?
A5: Yes, a proper break-in (also known as bedding-in) procedure is crucial for any new brake pads, including the Z17 series. While their thermal-scorched surfaces allow for a faster break-in, it’s still important to follow Power Stop’s recommended procedure, which usually involves a series of moderate stops to properly transfer a layer of friction material to your brake rotors. This ensures optimal performance and pad longevity.
Q6: Are Power Stop Z17 brake pads easy to install?
A6: Many Power Stop Z17 sets come with premium stainless steel hardware, making the installation process quite straightforward for those with basic automotive knowledge and tools. They are designed to be a direct fit for specific vehicle applications, matching the original equipment dimensions. However, if you’re uncomfortable performing brake work, it’s always best to consult a professional mechanic.
Q7: What’s the main difference between Power Stop Z17 and other Power Stop series like Z23 or Z26?
A7: The Power Stop Z17 is their Evolution Ceramic line, focused on premium OE replacement for daily drivers, emphasizing low dust and quiet operation. The Z23 Evolution Sport line offers more aggressive performance for daily drivers, often paired with drilled and slotted rotors. The Z26 Street Warrior is for muscle cars and high-performance vehicles, designed for even more aggressive street and light track use. Each series caters to different driving needs and performance levels.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your vehicle’s braking system doesn’t have to be complicated or noisy. With Power Stop Z17 brake pads, you get a premium OE replacement that significantly enhances your daily driving experience with less dust, quieter stops, and reliable performance. Whether you’re replacing worn-out pads or just looking for a worthwhile upgrade, the Z17 line offers excellent value and peace of mind. Check out the options above to find the perfect fit for your ride and enjoy superior stopping power!
