There’s a sound every commuter knows and dreads. It’s not the engine’s purr or the hum of the tires on asphalt; it’s the high-pitched squeal that turns heads in the parking lot, followed by a low, unnerving grind as you press the brake pedal. I remember it vividly in my trusty 2012 Honda Accord. What was once a silent, confident stop became a shuddering, noisy affair. The pedal felt soft, the stopping distance seemed to increase daily, and my confidence in the car’s most critical safety system was plummeting. This isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a significant safety concern. Worn-out brakes can dramatically increase stopping distances, lead to unpredictable performance in wet conditions, and ultimately fail when you need them most. Ignoring the signs—the noise, the vibration, the warning light—isn’t just kicking a can down the road; it’s gambling with your safety and the safety of others.
- Z17 Evolution Rear Brake Pad and Rotor Kit Includes 2x Rear Autospecialty Stock Replacement Rotors + 1 Rear Z17 Ceramic Brake Pad Set with Hardware
- Z17 Stock Replacement brake kit is recommended for drivers looking to refresh their daily driven vehicle's stopping power back to OE, stock performance
Before You Buy: A Buyer’s Guide to OE Replacement Brake Kits
A brake kit is more than just a box of parts; it’s a key solution for restoring one of your vehicle’s most fundamental safety and performance characteristics. For daily drivers like the Honda Accord or Acura TSX, the goal isn’t necessarily to achieve race-track performance but to bring back that crisp, quiet, and reliable stopping power you felt when the car was new. A complete kit, like the one we’re examining today, solves the problem of sourcing individual components. It eliminates the guesswork of matching the right pads to the right rotors, ensuring all parts are designed to work in harmony. The main benefits are convenience, guaranteed compatibility, and often, significant cost savings compared to purchasing parts individually or from a dealership.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact scenario I described: a daily commuter, a family car owner, or a budget-conscious DIYer who has noticed the tell-tale signs of brake wear. They value reliability, quiet operation, and a straightforward installation process over extreme, high-temperature performance. This kit is designed to be an Original Equipment (OE) replacement, meaning it aims to restore, not radically upgrade, the car’s braking system. Conversely, this might not be the right choice for enthusiasts who take their car to track days or engage in spirited canyon carving. Those drivers would likely seek out performance-oriented kits with features like drilled and slotted rotors, and more aggressive, high-friction pad compounds, which often come at the cost of more noise, dust, and a higher price tag.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Fitment & Compatibility: This is the most critical factor. An incorrectly sized rotor or the wrong style of brake pad is not just an inconvenience; it’s completely unusable. Always double-check that the kit is specified for your vehicle’s exact year, make, model, and sometimes even sub-model or trim. The Power Stop KOE5368 Rear Brake Kit is explicitly designed for models like the 2011-2013 Acura TSX and Honda Accord, ensuring a factory-perfect fit.
- Performance Level: Understand the difference between an OE-replacement kit and a performance upgrade. This kit’s goal is to meet or slightly exceed factory specifications for a daily driver. It prioritizes quiet, smooth operation and low dust. If you’re towing heavy loads or looking for significantly shorter stopping distances from high speeds, you’ll need to explore a higher-tier performance kit.
- Materials & Durability: The two key components are the pads and rotors. This kit features ceramic brake pads (Power Stop’s Z17 Evolution formula), which are renowned for being quiet, producing very little brake dust, and being gentle on rotors. The alternative, semi-metallic pads, offer more “bite” but are typically noisier and dustier. The Autospecialty rotors are standard, non-coated cast iron, designed to perfectly replicate the original part’s performance and longevity under normal driving conditions.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A major appeal of a complete kit is the “bolt-on” installation. Everything you need should be in the box, including rotors, pads, and essential hardware like clips and high-temp lubricant. Post-installation, the most important maintenance step is the break-in or “bedding” procedure, which involves a series of controlled stops to properly mate the new pads to the rotors. This is crucial for preventing future noise and vibration issues and maximizing performance.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Power Stop KOE5368 Rear Brake Kit stands out as a well-balanced, purpose-built solution. You can explore its detailed specifications and confirm your vehicle’s fitment here.
While the Power Stop KOE5368 Rear Brake Kit is an excellent choice for its intended vehicles, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at top models across different vehicle types, 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: Unboxing the Power Stop KOE5368 Rear Brake Kit
The kit arrived in a single, reassuringly heavy box weighing around 20 pounds. Power Stop’s packaging is practical and secure, with components neatly compartmentalized to prevent damage during shipping. Upon opening the box, the first thing we noticed was the quality feel of the components. The two Autospecialty OE replacement rotors were individually wrapped and had a substantial, solid feel. Their surfaces were perfectly machined and ready for installation. Nestled beside them was the set of Z17 Evolution ceramic brake pads, along with a complete stainless steel hardware kit and a small packet of ceramic brake lubricant. Seeing everything included in one package immediately instills confidence. There’s no fear of having to make a last-minute trip to the auto parts store because a critical clip or shim was forgotten. Compared to piecing a brake job together, this all-in-one approach is a massive time-saver and a stress reducer, especially for the DIY mechanic. The initial impression is one of thoughtful design and completeness, aimed at making the replacement process as seamless as possible.
Key Benefits
- Includes everything needed for a complete rear brake job (2 rotors, pad set, hardware).
- Z17 ceramic pads provide exceptionally quiet, low-dust braking.
- Designed for a direct, bolt-on OE fit without any modifications required.
- Excellent value, often costing less than sourcing OE parts individually.
Potential Drawbacks
- Not a high-performance upgrade; designed only to restore stock performance.
- Some user feedback indicates rare instances of incomplete shipments (e.g., missing pads).
A Deep Dive into the Power Stop KOE5368 Rear Brake Kit’s Performance
A brake kit’s true worth is proven not on a spec sheet, but on the road, through the installation process, and over thousands of miles of driving. We installed the Power Stop KOE5368 Rear Brake Kit on our 2012 Honda Accord sedan to fully evaluate its claims of OE-level performance, ease of installation, and quiet operation. Our experience was overwhelmingly positive, confirming that this kit delivers precisely what it promises.
The Installation Experience: A True Bolt-On Solution
For any DIY mechanic, the phrase “bolt-on replacement” can sometimes be an overstatement. We’ve all wrestled with parts that are *almost* right. That was not the case here. The installation of the Power Stop KOE5368 Rear Brake Kit was as straightforward as it gets. After safely securing the vehicle on jack stands and removing the rear wheels, we proceeded with disassembling the old, worn-out brake components. The old rotors were rusted and the pads were worn down to the squealers.
The first positive sign was the included hardware. The new stainless steel clips and shims fit perfectly into the caliper brackets, providing a clean, snug surface for the new pads to slide on. This is a small detail that makes a huge difference in preventing future noise. The Z17 pads themselves dropped into place without any fuss. The two Autospecialty rotors slid onto the wheel hub effortlessly, and all mounting holes lined up precisely with the caliper bracket. There was no need for forcing, filing, or modification of any kind. This perfect fitment echoes the sentiments of many users who praise the kit for being a hassle-free install. One driver noted their kit for a 2014 Accord “fits perfect no issues what so ever,” and our experience on the 2012 model was identical. From start to finish, the entire rear brake job took under 90 minutes at a relaxed pace, a testament to the kit’s excellent engineering and OE-specific design.
On the Road: The Z17 Ceramic Pads and the Beauty of a Silent Stop
With the new hardware gleaming behind the wheels, the next crucial step was the break-in procedure. Power Stop includes clear instructions for this process, which typically involves a series of moderate-to-firm stops from around 40 mph to properly bed the new pad material onto the rotor surface. This step is non-negotiable for achieving optimal performance and longevity. After completing the break-in cycle and allowing the brakes to cool, we took the Accord out for a real-world test drive encompassing city streets, stop-and-go traffic, and highway cruising.
The difference was night and day. Gone was the grinding, the squealing, and the pedal vibration. In its place was a smooth, linear, and utterly silent braking experience. The pedal feel was firm and responsive, inspiring the confidence that had been missing for months. The Z17 ceramic formula truly shines in daily driving scenarios. Stops are controlled and predictable without any harsh initial “bite” that can make for jerky rides. We found the stopping power to be right on par with, if not slightly better than, the original factory brakes. This was confirmed by another user who stated that after installing the kit, their car “runs so good” and feels “a lot smoother.” For a daily-driven vehicle, this quiet, smooth, and reliable performance is the ultimate goal, and the Power Stop KOE5368 Rear Brake Kit delivers it flawlessly.
Long-Term Durability and Low-Dust Performance
Beyond the initial feel, we wanted to assess two other critical aspects: brake dust and long-term durability. One of the main reasons drivers choose ceramic pads is to combat the unsightly black dust that coats wheels. After several hundred miles of mixed driving, we were incredibly impressed. The wheels remained remarkably clean, a stark contrast to the constant dusting produced by many semi-metallic pads. This keeps the car looking cleaner and reduces the chore of constantly washing brake dust off your alloys.
In terms of durability, the Autospecialty OE rotors are built to last. While they are not coated, which means some surface rust may appear on the hub and edges in wet climates, the braking surfaces themselves remained clean and smooth. The real vote of confidence comes from repeat customers. One reviewer explicitly mentioned, “I have used this before on another Honda accord and they work perfect good on price durable.” This kind of firsthand, long-term experience is invaluable and aligns with our assessment of the components’ quality. Backed by a 24-month, 24,000-mile warranty, Power Stop clearly stands behind the durability of their product for its intended daily-driving use case. This kit isn’t just a quick fix; it’s a reliable, long-term solution to restore your vehicle’s braking system to its factory-fresh best.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our positive experience with the Power Stop KOE5368 Rear Brake Kit is largely mirrored by the broader user community. The prevailing sentiment is one of high satisfaction, particularly concerning the value and performance for the price. Many users, like one who simply stated the kit is “well worth it,” highlight the affordability combined with the tangible improvement in their vehicle’s braking. The phrase “perfect fit” appears frequently, reinforcing our findings during the installation process. One driver, who had been dealing with pre-existing brake issues, noted the kit made a “noticeable driving difference” and made the car feel “a lot smoother.”
However, no product is without its occasional issues. The most common point of criticism we found was not related to performance but to logistics. One user reported, “Ordered rear rotors and pads and only got rotors.” While this appears to be a rare shipping error rather than a fault with the product itself, it’s a potential frustration worth noting. Despite this, the overwhelming majority of feedback is positive, focusing on the kit’s quality, durability, and excellent performance for everyday driving.
How Does the Power Stop KOE5368 Compare to the Competition?
While the Power Stop KOE5368 Rear Brake Kit is a fantastic choice for its specific application, the market offers a wide range of options for different vehicles and needs. Understanding how it stacks up against alternatives can help solidify your purchasing decision.
1. Detroit Axle Front Brake Kit Disc Rotors Ceramic Pads 12″
- Measurement: Fits Models with 12 inch (305mm) Front Rotor
- Brake Rotors Brake Pads Replacement for 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade / Escalade EXT / Avalanche 1500 - 2003-2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV - [2003-2005 Chevrolet Astro] - 2003-2008 Chevrolet Express 1500 -...
This kit from Detroit Axle serves a completely different segment of the market. It’s a front brake kit designed for large trucks and SUVs like the Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Cadillac Escalade. While it also offers the convenience of an all-in-one package with rotors and ceramic pads, its components are engineered to handle the much higher weight and braking demands of these heavy vehicles. Someone considering the Power Stop KOE5368 for their Honda Accord would not consider this, and vice-versa. This is an excellent alternative for truck and SUV owners who need a robust, OE-style replacement for their front brakes.
2. Brake X Front Brake Pads and Rotors Kit for Honda Accord
- Get The Right Fit: The front replacement brakes and rotors kit are built for 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Accord Sport, Touring, Hybrid Models
- 6 Piece Brake Kit Replacement: Designed for 2018-2022 Honda Accord Brake pads and rotors kit. Our Replacement brake Kit comes with 2 front rotors along with 4 automotive replacement brake pads that...
The Brake X kit is a more direct competitor, as it’s also designed for the Honda Accord. However, the crucial difference is vehicle generation; this kit is specified for the newer 2018-2022 models. It also targets the front axle, whereas our focus is the rear KOE5368 kit. This would be the go-to option for an owner of a 10th-generation Accord looking for an OE+ replacement solution. It demonstrates how brand-specific and year-specific these kits are, highlighting the importance of verifying fitment before purchasing.
3. Power Stop CRK206 Brake Rotor & Pad Kit
- Ceramic keeps your wheels dust-free & Genuine Geomet Coated rotors maintain that new car look
- Brake rotors are fully coated, including inside the vanes to extend rotor life, to maintain that great look behind open wheels
This alternative from Power Stop itself showcases a slight step-up in features. The CRK206 kit is designed for vehicles like the Acura RDX and Honda CR-V and, most notably, includes coated brake rotors. These coated rotors offer enhanced rust and corrosion protection, making them a superior choice for drivers in regions with heavy rain, snow, or road salt. While the core performance of the ceramic pads is similar, someone living in the “salt belt” might prefer to seek out a coated rotor option like this for their vehicle to maintain better aesthetics and potentially longer life of the non-contact rotor surfaces.
The Final Verdict: Is the Power Stop KOE5368 Rear Brake Kit the Right Choice for Your Car?
After a comprehensive hands-on installation and thorough road testing, we can confidently recommend the Power Stop KOE5368 Rear Brake Kit. It delivers exactly what it promises: a complete, hassle-free, and high-quality solution for restoring the original braking performance of specified Acura TSX and Honda Accord models. Its strengths lie in its completeness, the quiet and clean operation of its Z17 ceramic pads, and its unbeatable value proposition. This is not the kit for the weekend racer, but for the daily driver seeking safety, reliability, and a quiet ride, it is an exceptional choice.
It eliminates the guesswork and stress of a typical brake job, providing all the necessary components engineered to work together perfectly. For the DIY mechanic, it’s a dream. For the car owner paying a professional, it’s a cost-effective way to get quality parts. If you’re tired of the squeals, shudders, and diminishing confidence from your old brakes, this kit is the answer.
If you’ve decided the Power Stop KOE5368 Rear Brake Kit is the right fit for your vehicle, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API