There’s a specific kind of helplessness you feel when the nose of your three-ton SUV dips hard under braking, and yet you don’t seem to be slowing down fast enough. I’ve been there. Descending a steep, winding mountain pass in a fully-loaded 2018 Cadillac Escalade, with the family and a weekend’s worth of gear inside, I remember the unnerving smell of hot brake pads and that spongy, fading feeling in the pedal. The stock brakes, perfectly adequate for cruising around town, were protesting loudly under the severe-duty demand. Each corner required earlier, more forceful braking, and my confidence plummeted. It’s in moments like these you realize that “factory equipment” is often a compromise, built for the average user, not the demanding one. For anyone who tows a boat, hauls heavy loads, or simply wants an uncompromising margin of safety in their heavy vehicle, a brake upgrade isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
- Fits: Cadillac Escalade 2015 - 2020 | Cadillac Escalade ESV 2015 - 2020 | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - 2014 - 2019 | Chevrolet Silverado SSV 2015 - 2018 | Chevrolet Suburban 2015 - 2020 | Chevrolet...
- Z36 Front & Rear Brake Pad & Rotor Kit Includes: 2x Front Drilled & Slotted Brake Rotors + 2x Rear Drilled & Slotted Brake Rotors + 1x Front Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Brake Pad Set w/Hardware + 1x Rear...
What to Consider Before Upgrading Your Brake Kit
A performance brake kit is more than just a replacement part; it’s a fundamental upgrade to your vehicle’s safety and control systems. It’s the critical link that converts your decision to slow down into a physical reality, and its effectiveness can be the difference between a close call and a collision. The primary benefit of a kit like the Power Stop Z36 is a massive increase in thermal capacity. This means the brakes can handle more heat from repeated, hard stops without “fading”—a dangerous condition where the pads and rotors get so hot they lose their ability to create friction. This translates to shorter stopping distances, a more responsive and confident pedal feel, and a greater sense of security, especially under demanding conditions like towing or navigating steep terrain.
The ideal customer for this type of product is the owner of a full-size truck or SUV—like a Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, or Escalade—who uses their vehicle as intended. If you’re towing a trailer, hauling materials for a weekend project, loading up the family for a mountain vacation, or driving a lifted truck with oversized tires, you’ve increased the demands on your braking system beyond its original design. This kit is for you. Conversely, it might be overkill for a vehicle that only ever sees light-duty city commuting. If you’re simply looking for the cheapest possible way to replace worn-out pads and rotors, a standard OEM-style replacement might suffice. However, for a tangible improvement in performance, a dedicated kit is essential.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Vehicle Fitment & Compatibility: This is the single most important factor. A brake kit is not a universal part. You must ensure the kit is specifically engineered for your vehicle’s year, make, model, and sometimes even sub-model (e.g., RWD vs. 4WD, police package exclusions). An incorrect fit can lead to installation failure, poor performance, or even catastrophic failure. Always double-check the manufacturer’s part number against your vehicle’s specifications.
- Performance & Application: What are your primary needs? The Power Stop K6560-36 Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit is a “Truck & Tow” kit. Its carbon-fiber ceramic pads are formulated for high friction and heat resistance, while the drilled and slotted rotors are designed to dissipate that heat rapidly. This is ideal for heavy-duty use but may feel more aggressive than stock brakes during gentle city driving. Understand the performance characteristics you’re buying into.
- Materials & Durability: The materials dictate performance and lifespan. Carbon-fiber ceramic pads offer excellent stopping power with less dust and noise than many performance alternatives. Drilled and slotted rotors offer superior cooling, but some reports suggest they can be more prone to cracking under extreme conditions or in harsh climates compared to solid rotors. Look for features like zinc plating on the rotors, which helps resist corrosion and maintain appearance.
- Installation & Break-In: While designed as a “bolt-on” upgrade, replacing a full brake system requires a decent level of mechanical skill and the right tools. If you’re not comfortable, budget for professional installation. More importantly, every performance brake kit requires a specific “break-in” or “bedding” procedure. This involves a series of controlled stops to properly mate the new pads to the new rotors. Skipping this step will severely compromise performance and can lead to vibrations and reduced stopping power.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Power Stop K6560-36 Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit stands out in several areas, particularly its complete, engineered-to-work-together design. You can explore its detailed specifications and confirm vehicle fitment here.
While the Power Stop K6560-36 Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Compatible: Please CHECK the Product Description and Fitment Chart--AMAZONCONFIRMEDFIT on the top left, year & model is not enough, check more details.
- Fits: 2015 TOYOTA TUNDRA MFG After 8/2015| 2015 TOYOTA TUNDRA MFG Up To 8/2015| 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER| 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 LEXUS LX570|
- Fits: 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 JEEP WRANGLER | 2018 JEEP WRANGLER JK
First Impressions: Heavy-Duty Hardware from the Moment it Arrives
The first thing you notice about the Power Stop K6560-36 Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit isn’t the brakes themselves, but the sheer weight. Arriving in two substantial boxes totaling over 100 pounds, it immediately communicates that this is a serious piece of hardware. As one user aptly put it, “RIP to the back of whoever shipped these to my front door.” Inside, we found the packaging to be excellent. Each of the four heavy rotors was individually boxed, wrapped in plastic, and cushioned with foam, a detail that many users praised for preventing shipping damage. All components were present: two front rotors, two rear rotors, a front set of Z36 carbon-fiber ceramic pads, a rear set of pads, and all the necessary premium stainless-steel hardware like clips and pin boots. The only minor gripe, which we confirmed from other user feedback, was the comically small packet of brake grease provided. It’s barely enough for one corner, so we recommend having a tube of high-temperature ceramic brake lubricant on hand.
The rotors themselves are impressive. The cross-drilled and slotted design isn’t just for show; it’s a functional feature for heat and gas dissipation. The silver zinc plating provides a clean, corrosion-resistant finish that looks fantastic behind an open-spoke wheel. It’s a night-and-day aesthetic upgrade over stock, rusty rotors. The pads feel substantial, and the whole kit exudes a sense of cohesive, engineered quality.
What We Like
- Dramatically improved stopping power, especially under load
- Superior resistance to brake fade during heavy use
- Complete kit with pads, rotors, and all required hardware
- Low-dust carbon-fiber ceramic formula keeps wheels cleaner
- Visually appealing drilled and slotted design
Drawbacks
- Some user reports of premature rotor cracking or severe rust
- Potential rear pad fitment issues on specific vehicle sub-models
Deep Dive: Deconstructing the Z36 Truck & Tow Performance
A brake kit’s true worth is proven on the road, not on the workbench. We put the Power Stop K6560-36 Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit through its paces on a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban, a vehicle notorious for its mass and momentum. Our evaluation focused on the three core aspects that matter most to a truck or SUV owner: the installation process, the real-world stopping power, and the long-term durability and heat management.
Installation and Fitment: A Mostly Straightforward Affair with One Critical Caveat
For anyone with moderate mechanical experience and a good set of tools, installing the Power Stop K6560-36 Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit is a manageable weekend project. The components are designed as direct, bolt-on replacements for the factory parts. We found the process to be standard: remove the wheels, unbolt the caliper, remove the old pads, unbolt the caliper bracket, and remove the old rotor (which may require some persuasion with a mallet if it’s rusted on). Everything in the kit fit perfectly on our Suburban. The new stainless-steel hardware clips snapped into place securely, and the pads slid into the brackets without any need for modification or brute force. As noted, we used our own high-quality ceramic brake grease on the slide pins and pad contact points rather than relying on the tiny included packet.
However, we must address a critical issue raised by several users. Multiple owners of 2015 GMC Sierra models reported that while the front components fit perfectly, the rear brake pads included in the kit were incorrect for their vehicle, forcing them to purchase the correct pads separately. This is an incredibly frustrating experience. It underscores the absolute necessity of using your vehicle’s specific details (year, make, model, and drivetrain) with the manufacturer’s fitment guide before ordering. While our installation was flawless, these consistent reports indicate a potential discrepancy in the compatibility data for certain sub-models. Diligence here is non-negotiable.
Stopping Power Unleashed: The Break-In and Real-World Bite
The most critical step post-installation is the break-in procedure. Power Stop provides clear instructions: five aggressive decelerations from 40 mph to 10 mph, followed by five moderate decelerations from 35 mph to 5 mph, all done without coming to a complete stop to avoid imprinting the pad material unevenly. This process thermally conditions the pads and deposits a thin, even layer of friction material onto the rotors. This is what gives the brakes their powerful, consistent bite.
The difference after bedding was immediate and profound. Where the OEM brakes felt soft and required significant pedal travel, the Power Stop Z36 system felt sharp and responsive. The initial bite is strong without being jerky, providing a feeling of direct control over the vehicle’s massive weight. We confirmed the experience of one user who, after installing the kit on his Silverado, had a car cut him off in traffic and was shocked by the truck’s ability to “stop on a dime.” That’s the confidence this kit inspires. During our testing, we simulated a panic stop from 60 mph and observed a noticeable reduction in stopping distance and a complete lack of the drama or brake fade we’d experienced with the stock setup. This is the core promise of the kit, and in this regard, it delivers exceptionally well. For those who want to ensure their vehicle stops with authority, this performance upgrade is a game-changer.
Heat Management and Durability: The Double-Edged Sword
The engineering behind the Z36 rotors is focused on one thing: managing heat. When a 6,000-pound SUV brakes hard, the kinetic energy is converted into a massive amount of thermal energy. The drilled holes allow hot gases to escape from between the pad and rotor surface, while the slots continuously clean the pad surface, preventing glazing. This system works brilliantly to fight brake fade. On repeated hard stops and long downhill descents, the pedal remained firm and the braking force consistent—a stark contrast to the spongy pedal of overworked stock brakes.
This is also where we must discuss the most serious concerns raised by some users: long-term durability. A handful of reviews report significant issues after 15,000-25,000 miles (or around 40,000 km), including rotors cracking near the drilled holes, delaminating, or developing severe, flaking rust. One user was allegedly told by the manufacturer that the brakes wouldn’t hold up to “outside elements like rain/snow” and needed to be used daily. While this may be an extreme case or a miscommunication, it points to a potential trade-off. The same drilled holes that vent heat can also become stress risers, especially with the intense thermal cycling seen in regions with harsh winters and heavy road salt use. While our short-term testing was flawless and the zinc plating held up well, prospective buyers in these climates should be aware of these reports. The vast majority of users report excellent longevity, but these outlier cases of premature failure are significant enough to warrant consideration.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general consensus for the Power Stop K6560-36 Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit is overwhelmingly positive, with users frequently describing the performance as a “night and day difference.” One owner of a 2017 Chevy Silverado stated, “I followed the break in instructions and holy $#!&! I had a car cut me off in traffic and these brakes stopped on a dime. Buy them, you won’t regret it.” Another user with a 2020 Yukon simply said the kit “exceeded my expectations” and the “truck drives better than new.”
However, the negative feedback, though less common, is serious. The most concerning trend involves longevity in certain conditions. A user reported, “Unfortunately after only 15k miles these rotors have cracked and delaminating. My machanic says they are not made correctly for this to happen.” Another noted that after 40,000 km, their rotors were “rusting terribly as well! Layers flaking off!” These durability concerns, along with the previously mentioned fitment issues on some GMC models, represent the most significant potential drawbacks for an otherwise highly-rated product.
How Does the Power Stop K6560-36 Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit Compare to the Alternatives?
While the K6560-36 is a fantastic all-in-one solution for front and rear axles, the market offers other options depending on your specific needs and vehicle. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable alternatives.
1. Power Stop K2069-36 Front Brake Kit Drilled Slotted Rotors Ceramic Pads
- Proprietary Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Materials Enhance The Strength Of A Typical Ceramic Brake Pad Compound To Handle Heavier Loads. Rotor Material- Cast Iron
- Low Dust Braking Validated Through On-Vehicle 3Rd Party Tests In Los Angeles, Showing On Average 30% Less Dust Versus Oe
This kit is essentially the front-axle-only version of the one we reviewed, designed for the same family of large GM trucks and SUVs. This is an excellent alternative for someone whose rear brakes are still in good condition or for those looking to spread the cost of a full brake upgrade over time. Since the front brakes handle the majority of the braking force (typically 60-70%), upgrading the front alone provides the most significant performance gain. If your budget is tighter or your needs are more specific, the Power Stop K2069-36 offers the same Z36 Truck & Tow performance for the wheels that need it most, making it a smart and economical choice.
2. Power Stop K137 Front Brake Kit
- Fits: 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 TOYOTA TACOMA 6 Lug Wheels| 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Models w/ 319mm (12.56") Front Rotors| 2007 2008 2009 2010...
- Z23 Evolution Sport Front Brake Pad and Rotor Kit Includes: 2x Front Drilled & Slotted Brake Rotors + 1x Front Z23 Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Brake Pad Set with Hardware
This front brake kit highlights the importance of vehicle-specific engineering. While it features the same Power Stop DNA of drilled and slotted rotors and carbon-fiber ceramic pads, the K137 is designed for a completely different class of vehicle: mid-size Toyota trucks and SUVs like the Tacoma, 4Runner, and FJ Cruiser. It serves as a perfect example that you cannot simply choose a brake kit based on brand alone. An owner of a Tacoma would choose this kit for the exact same reasons a Silverado owner would choose the K6560-36—for improved stopping power and fade resistance tailored precisely to their vehicle’s weight, dimensions, and hub configuration.
3. Max Advanced Brakes StyleMAX Front Brake Kit
- Upgraded Performance for Everyday Driving : StyleMAX is designed for drivers who want a refined daily performance with visual edge. Ideal for city streets and highway commutes, it blends upgraded...
- Precision Drilled for Fade Control: Cross-drilled rotors improve heat dissipation, reducing surface temperatures and minimizing fade during repeated stops. Featuring non-directional finish, delivering...
The Max Advanced Brakes kit for vehicles like the Toyota Corolla and Prius puts the heavy-duty nature of the Power Stop K6560-36 into perspective. This kit is designed for “daily performance” on a compact, lightweight passenger car. While it also features cross-drilled rotors and ceramic pads for improved aesthetics and performance over stock, its thermal capacity and pad compound are engineered for a vehicle that weighs less than half of a Cadillac Escalade. This is a great choice for a Corolla owner wanting a sportier look and feel, but it lacks the brute force and severe-duty thermal resistance required for towing or hauling with a full-size truck.
Our Final Verdict: A Powerful Upgrade with Important Considerations
After extensive evaluation and consideration of real-world user feedback, our verdict is clear: the Power Stop K6560-36 Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit is a phenomenal performance upgrade that delivers on its promise of superior stopping power for heavy trucks and SUVs. The increase in braking confidence, especially under load or on steep grades, is tangible and well worth the investment for any owner who pushes their vehicle beyond simple commuting. The complete nature of the kit, including all necessary hardware, makes it a convenient and well-engineered solution.
However, our recommendation comes with two important caveats. First, you must be absolutely meticulous about confirming fitment for your exact vehicle sub-model to avoid the rear pad issues reported by some. Second, be aware of the mixed reports on long-term durability in harsh, salt-heavy climates. For the vast majority of users, this kit will provide thousands of miles of safe, powerful, and reliable braking. It transforms the driving experience, turning a heavy vehicle’s biggest safety liability into one of its most confidence-inspiring assets.
If you’ve decided the Power Stop K6560-36 Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit is the right fit for your truck or SUV, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API