There’s a unique kind of dread that sets in when the brakes on a heavy truck or SUV start to show their age. It begins with a subtle squeal when you’re backing out of the driveway. Soon, it becomes a persistent grinding noise that announces your arrival at every stop sign. For me, the final straw was the state of my wheels. After years of service, the factory pads on my Chevrolet Silverado had turned the once-gleaming alloy wheels into a permanent shade of sooty gray. No amount of scrubbing could keep the brake dust at bay for more than a day. This isn’t just an aesthetic issue; it’s a constant reminder that your vehicle’s most critical safety system is wearing down. Ignoring it leads to longer stopping distances, potential rotor damage, and a nagging lack of confidence when you need to brake hard. A full brake overhaul is inevitable, and finding a kit that promises quiet operation, clean wheels, and reliable stopping power feels less like a simple purchase and more like a crucial investment in safety and peace of mind.
- Power Stop Z17 Clean Ride 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 best look behind open wheels
What to Demand from a Complete Brake Overhaul Kit
A brake kit is more than just a box of replacement parts; it’s a completely engineered system designed to bring thousands of pounds of moving vehicle to a safe, controlled stop, thousands of times. The main benefit of purchasing a complete kit, like the one from Power Stop, is component matching. The manufacturer has already paired the friction material of the pads with the metallurgy of the rotors to ensure they work in harmony. This eliminates the guesswork and potential compatibility issues that can arise from mixing and matching brands, leading to predictable performance, reduced noise, and optimized wear life. For the modern truck owner, a quality kit should solve three key problems: restore or improve upon factory stopping power, eliminate embarrassing brake noise, and significantly cut down on the unsightly brake dust that plagues OEM semi-metallic pads.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a daily driver or a DIY enthusiast with a compatible truck like a Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, or Escalade. They value quiet, clean, and smooth operation over aggressive, track-level performance. It’s for the person who wants a reliable, no-fuss solution that makes their truck feel new again without breaking the bank. Conversely, this kit might not be suitable for those who engage in heavy towing near maximum capacity on a regular basis, or for those who want the aggressive look and heat dissipation of drilled and slotted rotors for performance driving. For those scenarios, a higher-tier kit with carbon-fiber ceramic pads and performance rotors would be a more appropriate, albeit more expensive, alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Fitment: This is non-negotiable. An incorrectly sized rotor or pad will simply not work and can be dangerous. Always use your vehicle’s year, make, model, and sub-model information to verify the exact part number. The Power Stop Z17 Evolution Brake Rotor and Pad Kit is designed as a direct OEM replacement, meaning it should bolt on with no modifications, assuming you’ve ordered the correct kit for your specific vehicle.
- Capacity/Performance: The key performance metric here is the pad compound. This kit uses Z17 ceramic pads, which are engineered for low noise and low dust. While their initial “bite” might feel slightly less aggressive than some semi-metallic pads, they offer excellent, fade-free stopping power for everyday driving and are exceptionally easy on your rotors, promoting a longer service life for the entire system.
- Materials & Durability: The rotors are cast iron, the industry standard. The critical feature is the coating. Power Stop uses a genuine Geomet® coating, a water-based zinc-flake solution designed to prevent rust and corrosion on the non-contact areas of the rotor (like the hat and vanes). In theory, this maintains a clean look behind open-spoke wheels and prevents rust from seizing the rotor to the hub, a common headache for mechanics. However, as we’ll discuss, the real-world performance of this coating can be a point of contention.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The beauty of a comprehensive kit is its simplicity. This one includes not only the four rotors and all the brake pads but also new stainless steel hardware (shims and clips) and high-temperature lubricant. Having all the necessary components in one box makes the job significantly easier and ensures that you’re not reusing old, worn-out hardware, which is crucial for a quiet and properly functioning brake job.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Power Stop Z17 Evolution Brake Rotor and Pad Kit stands out in several areas, particularly for its all-in-one convenience and focus on clean, quiet operation. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Power Stop Z17 Evolution Brake Rotor and Pad Kit is an excellent choice for many, 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:
Our Complete Guide to the Best Brake Kits for Trucks of 2024
- 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
Unboxing and First Impressions: A Complete Solution in Two Heavy Boxes
The Power Stop Z17 Evolution Brake Rotor and Pad Kit arrived in two substantial, well-packed boxes, a testament to the sheer weight of four solid iron rotors—over 100 pounds in total. Upon opening, everything was neatly organized and individually boxed. The four rotors were sealed in plastic, immediately showcasing the matte silver-gray Geomet® coating. This coating covers the entire rotor, including the inside of the cooling vanes, which is a nice touch that speaks to the manufacturer’s attention to detail. The rotors themselves felt heavy and precisely machined, with a non-directional surface finish ready for pad break-in. The Z17 ceramic brake pads were also individually boxed by axle, complete with brand new stainless steel abutment clips and hardware. Power Stop also includes small packets of high-temperature ceramic brake lubricant, a small but critical component for a quiet, professional-grade installation. Seeing every single piece needed for a full front-and-rear brake job laid out was incredibly satisfying. It’s a complete package that eliminates the need for last-minute trips to the auto parts store, a common frustration when piecing a brake job together from different brands.
Key Benefits
- Comprehensive kit includes all necessary hardware for a full front and rear brake job.
- Z17 ceramic pads provide exceptionally quiet and smooth stopping power.
- Drastically reduces brake dust, keeping wheels much cleaner than OEM pads.
- Excellent value for a complete, four-wheel matched set of rotors and pads.
Drawbacks
- Geomet® rotor coating provides very poor long-term rust protection in real-world conditions.
- Occasional quality control issues with parts arriving damaged or pre-rusted during shipping.
In the Garage and On the Road: A Performance Breakdown
A brake kit’s true worth is proven in two places: the garage, during installation, and on the road, during a panic stop. We put the Power Stop Z17 Evolution Brake Rotor and Pad Kit through its paces in both environments to see if its real-world performance lived up to its promises. The goal was to assess everything from the ease of installation to daily driving comfort and, most importantly, its long-term durability against the elements.
Installation and Fitment: A DIY-Friendly Overhaul
We installed this kit on a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500, a common application for the CRK6560 part number. The entire process was as straightforward as a brake job can be, largely thanks to the all-inclusive nature of the kit. Every component felt like it was made to OEM specifications. The rotors slid perfectly onto the hubs without any issue, and their weight felt substantial and confidence-inspiring, on par with the factory parts we removed. The new pads dropped into the caliper brackets effortlessly, and the inclusion of new stainless steel abutment clips was a huge plus. Reusing old, rusty clips is a common cause of brake noise and sticking pads, so having fresh ones provided peace of mind that the job was done right.
This experience was echoed by many users who praised the kit’s perfect fitment on their Silverados and Sierras. One owner of a 2018 Silverado noted that “The kit contains everything you need to do a complete brake job yourself,” highlighting the convenience we also experienced. However, it’s crucial to be diligent with vehicle verification. We saw a report from a 2014 Silverado owner who received the wrong rear pads, a frustrating reminder to always use a fitment checker before ordering. For our application, though, the fit was flawless. The entire front and rear installation took just a few hours with standard tools, making it an accessible and highly rewarding project for any competent DIY mechanic looking to save hundreds of dollars in labor costs.
Braking Performance and Daily Driving Comfort
After installation, we followed Power Stop’s recommended break-in (or “bedding”) procedure, which involves a series of controlled stops to mate the new pads to the rotors. This is a critical step to ensure smooth performance and prevent future vibration. Once bedded, the performance of the Power Stop Z17 Evolution Brake Rotor and Pad Kit was immediately noticeable. The most striking improvement was the noise—or lack thereof. The brakes were dead silent. There was no squeal, no grind, no groan, just smooth, quiet deceleration. The pedal feel is firm and linear, providing confidence without being overly grabby. It’s an ideal setup for a daily driven truck, where smooth, predictable braking is far more important than neck-snapping initial bite.
The second major victory is the “Clean Ride” promise of the Z17 ceramic pads. After several weeks and over a thousand miles of driving, our Sierra’s front wheels remained remarkably clean. The fine, light-colored dust produced by these pads is a world away from the thick, black, greasy soot that caked the wheels with the factory semi-metallic pads. For anyone who takes pride in their vehicle’s appearance, this feature alone makes the kit a worthwhile upgrade. This combination of quiet operation and low-dust performance transforms the daily driving experience, making the truck feel more refined and easier to maintain. If you’re looking to achieve that smooth, clean, and quiet stopping power for your truck, this kit delivers exactly as advertised in the performance department.
The Elephant in the Room: Geomet Coating and Rust Resistance
This is where our glowing review hits a significant snag. A key selling point of this kit is the “genuine GEOMET rust preventative coating,” which is supposed to keep the rotors looking clean and new behind open wheels. Our testing, unfortunately, revealed a starkly different reality, one that aligns with the most common complaint from other users. We installed the brakes on a dry day, and they looked fantastic with their clean, silver finish. However, after just one moderate rain shower followed by two days of sitting parked, the first signs of surface rust appeared on the rotor hats and along the outer edges—the very areas the coating is meant to protect.
While a light layer of rust on the friction surface after rain is perfectly normal and scrubs off with the first brake application, the corrosion on the coated, non-contact surfaces is a clear failure of the coating’s promise. We found numerous user reports confirming our findings. One user stated their rotors “rusted like crazy” after just two days, while another was “very displeased” after rust appeared in three days under normal weather conditions. This is the product’s single greatest weakness. To be fair, some savvy users have found a workaround: they paint the rotor hat and outer edges with high-temperature ceramic paint before installation. This is an effective solution and one we would strongly recommend. However, customers shouldn’t have to add an extra step and expense to a product that is explicitly advertised as being “engineered to eliminate rust.” The Geomet coating, in this application, simply does not provide the long-term corrosion resistance one would expect.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, user sentiment for the Power Stop Z17 Evolution Brake Rotor and Pad Kit forms a distinct pattern. The vast majority of owners are highly satisfied with the value and performance. Many, like one user with 132,000 miles on his original brakes, were impressed by the weight and perceived quality of the components, stating they felt up to OEM spec. The most common praise is directed at the all-in-one nature of the kit. As one reviewer put it, it’s a “Great kit at a great value. This includes 4 rotors, 4 sets of pads, and all the brake hardware.” People love the convenience and the smooth, quiet braking that results from a successful installation.
However, the negative feedback is just as consistent, and it almost exclusively revolves around two issues: rust and quality control upon arrival. The rust issue is the most prevalent complaint, with multiple users sharing photos of heavily rusted rotors after just weeks or even days of use. One user summed up the frustration perfectly: “Absolutely terrible quality rotors. Fully rusted after less than a month of being installed!” The second issue involves receiving damaged goods. Several buyers reported opening sealed boxes to find a rotor that was already rusted and pitted, rendering it unusable and causing significant delays in their repair project. These issues tarnish what is otherwise a very solid and well-performing brake kit.
How the Power Stop Z17 Compares to the Competition
While the Power Stop Z17 kit offers a compelling package, it exists in a crowded marketplace. Looking at a few alternatives helps to put its strengths and weaknesses into perspective for different types of buyers and vehicles.
1. Max Advanced Brakes ValueMAX Front & Rear Brake Kit
The Max Advanced Brakes ValueMAX kit is philosophically similar to the Power Stop Z17, aiming to be a budget-friendly, OE-style replacement for daily drivers. This particular kit is designed for smaller vehicles like the Chevy Equinox and Malibu, not the large trucks the Power Stop kit fits. However, it serves as a good example of a direct competitor in the broader brake kit market. It also features ceramic pads and non-coated, standard rotors. For a buyer of a sedan or small SUV who is purely focused on the lowest possible price for a full kit and isn’t concerned about the aesthetics of potential rotor rust, the ValueMAX line is a viable alternative. The Power Stop Z17, with its (admittedly flawed) coating and reputation, is positioned as a slight step up in quality and features.
2. Power Stop KOE098 Rear Brake Pad and Rotor Kit
This alternative from Power Stop itself highlights an important option for buyers: axle-specific kits. The KOE098 is a rear-only kit for vehicles like the Nissan Altima or Sentra. It’s part of the same “Autospecialty” OE replacement family as the Z17 line. This is an excellent choice for a vehicle owner whose front brakes are still in good shape but needs to service the rears. It allows for a more targeted and cost-effective repair. If you’ve inspected your brakes and only one axle needs replacement, buying a specific front or rear kit like this is much smarter than buying a full four-wheel kit you don’t fully need.
3. Detroit Axle Front Brake Kit Rotors Pads
The Detroit Axle kit is a direct and formidable competitor, as it’s also designed for the same lineup of GM trucks and SUVs and is also a front-only kit. Detroit Axle has built a strong reputation for providing incredible value, often undercutting the prices of bigger brand names. This kit would be the perfect choice for a truck owner who only needs to replace their front brakes and is operating on a strict budget. The trade-off is often in the details; for instance, the rotors are typically uncoated plain iron. A buyer might choose the Power Stop Z17 if they need all four wheels done and want the complete, matched system with low-dust pads, whereas they’d choose this Detroit Axle kit for a budget-conscious front-only repair.
Our Final Verdict: A Great Performer with One Major Caveat
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Power Stop Z17 Evolution Brake Rotor and Pad Kit is positive, but with a significant condition. On the performance front, this kit is an absolute winner. It delivers on its promise of a quiet, smooth, and confident pedal feel, and the low-dust Z17 ceramic pads are a game-changer for anyone tired of constantly cleaning their wheels. For the DIY mechanic, the all-in-one package with perfectly fitting components and all new hardware makes for a satisfying and cost-effective weekend project.
However, the promise of rust elimination via the Geomet® coating falls flat. The speed at which rust appears on the non-contact surfaces is disappointing and is the product’s most significant flaw. Therefore, we recommend this kit wholeheartedly to the truck owner who prioritizes braking performance, low noise, and clean wheels, but with one crucial piece of advice: take the time to paint the rotor hats and edges with high-temperature paint before you install them. With that one extra preventative step, you get a top-tier braking experience at a fantastic value. For those unwilling to do the prep work, especially in regions with heavy road salt, investing in a kit with a more robust coating may be worth the extra cost.
If you’ve decided the Power Stop Z17 Evolution Brake Rotor and Pad Kit is the right fit for your truck and you’re ready for a quiet, clean, and powerful braking upgrade, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API