vassey50

Just curious of which aftermarket (i.e. non-toyota) brake pads members might be using. It's about time to replace my pads and I've always bit the bullet at the dealer using OEM gear.

I'm not into spending too much on pads unless they make a big difference. I'd like to hear about whose using non-oem and where I would look to perhaps purchase them. And aftermarket vs. oem pads. Maybe there's some sponsors on here? Thanks for the help.

Cheers

88Legend

There are duralast gold brake pads on our ES300 right now and they sequel so badly. Maybe we didn't use enough of the anti squeal lube stuff. I don't think it is the brake pads that have the problem, but I really don't know. I am going to take off the wheels and apply more of the lube and see what that does.

On my Acura, I have car quest pads from B&B that a shop installed and they are silent and work very well. I guess it depends on who does the work.

Maxx941

iTrader: (1)

I've had the Hawks HPS pads for well over a year with no noises and very low dust which is my favorite part. Keeps the chrome nice and clean. Don't know if its cheaper than OEM though. I believe I bought mines from tirerack, but autoparts warehouse has most selection I seen.

LexusScorp

Wow, I always thought you just go to the part store and pick up your break pads. :-) I guess you can tell I don't know a lot about cars which is why I'm ALWAYS up on CL learning what I can. I have had aftermarket Break Pads and I don't hear any noises.

mikeli689

I also use the Hawk HPS pads from TireRack and they are amazing. Like Maxx said, they have virtually no brake dust, very quiet, and in my opinion, better than stock (I believe they are Akebono branded). Price-wise, the Hawks are a little bit more expensive, but trust me, they're definitely worth it.

I'd also advise cutting/replacing your rotors too. They can come pretty cheap nowadays so you mind as well get new ones. There's some surprisingly cheap Brembo rotors on TireRack.

kyledye25

I work at Foreign Traffic and we usaully buy from autozone for quick stuff like pads. I called down and got me some ceramic pads....Wagner I think is the brand that makes them. Just put them on about 2 weeks ago and I am very happy with them. They werent that expensive either. Although I got a better price then you would walking in. I paid like $38 for the rear set and the list was like almost $90. But they are nice pads and we use them on a ton of different foreign cars and customers seem to like them alot. Let me know if you want me to price some out for ya. I would be happy to send them to ya if it will save you some money. Where are you located?

frohboy33

Just replaced mine with monroe pads from rockauto.com $15 rebate on those work great and are cheap.

ES3_Ray

ive had monroe, bad fade...when they get hot, basically feel like you're only using the e-brake...also akebono are pretty much the best pads ive ever used.