I was quoted ?500 to change the front, rear pads and brake discs and also the handbrake shoes. On ebay I have found listing of the whole braking kit of pads,discs and shoes for just ?179 to ?230 and some of these kits have drilled and grooved discs which look so much more efficient than solid vented brake discs but is it safe to use these parts?
You haven't given enough information to really answer that question. Aftermarket parts, manufactured by an OEM company and designed to fit your car, should be safe. I would be careful about buying this sort of stuff on OKorder. There is such a thing as counterfeit car parts, which are not built to the quality of genuine the article. Hope this helps.
There is obviously less material used to make the disc. Heat is not the problem with brake shoes but the friction against the metal and the debris from itself. A majority of manufactures have a quality control department which sets values on their products. The generics may also be built by a major name brand and just labeled different. Most products have a warranty or guarantee read this for more assurance.
It depends upon WHAT company made your car! European cars generally have brake systems designed and made by Girling and ATE. Most Asian cars have brakes designed by a common company as well. You are safest in buying the FACTORY parts, but there are kits that will improve the system for you. Brembo and other companies have improved parts. Most auto parts stores carry items fabricated in China, or cheaper brake parts that LOOK good, but don't last as long. Once again, it depends on the car, and the NAME opf the brake pad maker.
