Reaper21

iTrader: (1)

Normally, I do not buy any car parts on eBay, but I figured I would search "Lexus ISF" today and see what popped up. I ended up finding a listing for Front and Rear "OEM" Brake Pads for $170 shipped. I figured they were just some cheap knockoffs since the price was so low. When I read the description I noticed the manufacturer was Textar - whom I've never heard of. Then I checked the part numbers provided and compared them to Sewell's site, and the part #s for both front and rear pads are identical to Sewell. I sent a message to the seller to confirm manufacturer and part #s and he confirmed both are correct.

So is Sewell actually selling Textar pads? Are Textar and Brembo the same company?

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

No. The pads have never been made by Brembo. Jurid made the pads for the early models. Lexus may have changed manufacturer to Textar. Textar is not Brembo.

Reaper21

iTrader: (1)

Thanks Lance. Are the Textars a quality pad? I'd assume not given the $250 price difference but ya never know.

I'm still wondering why the part #s are identical tho...

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

http://www.tmdfriction-aftermarket.c.../worldpac.html

Looks like they've been making OEM brakes for quite some time and are usually found on the Euro cars as OEM.

Oh, snap, they are the friction material Pagid uses...yes, I'd say they're just fine.

http://www.tmdfriction.com/racing

Jowett

Textar produces excellent products… and that's it.

melbitoast

iTrader: (1)

So has Reaper found a hidden gem here? For those of us who prefer OEM, should we purchase brake pads from here going forward?

SoCalISF

Reaper update us if you purchase these please.

I8ABMR

if the model numbers are the same I would say its the same part. You should have seen the difference between the oem part prices and the part prices that Lobux got for generic parts with the same model number for tensioner pulley and drive belt fix. Even buying through Sewell with their amazing pricing, the generic parts were less than half the price.

MisterSkiz

iTrader: (2)

I was planning on doing my front pads in the Spring...

Cost for just the front pads from my contact is: "#04465-0w120 in stock. my cost with tax is $271.25"

I just bought 'em....we'll see what turns up.

MisterSkiz

iTrader: (2)

Not sure if these pads are the same part number, or the "comparable" part number....

http://www.brakebook.com/bb/textar/e...atasheet.xhtml

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

They are the same. Textar also offers rear pads and discs. Maybe these are the pads they use for the squeaking brakes LSB.

http://www.brakebook.com/bb/textar/e...onSearch.xhtml

Also worth a look:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Lexus-IS...2e7ec6&vxp=mtr

MisterSkiz

iTrader: (2)

Gotcha.

I bought that set of Textar pads...I'll post up when they arrive.

SpeedFreaksUSA

iTrader: (1)

Hey There,

Do allow me to try and fill in a little bit here - Textar is an OE for many vehicle manufacturers, as suggested earlier. In fact there are vehicles manufactured where the pads are from two different distinct OEs on each axle of the car. The new Camaro Z/28, for example, uses Textar pads on one axle, and Pagid in the other axle (we do some work with CCM rotor wear and performance, usually setting bench marks for wear and temperature off the OE pads. Part of the job is identifying brake OEs). The Mercedes CCB utilizes Textar as their OE Pad manufacturer on the SLS.. hopefully that helps guide you to the widespread OE use of the company.

Occasionally these OEs are changed out over the build period of the car, or over the model changes as performance requirements and feedback are adjusted. (Taking the Porsche brand, for example, which changed from Textar to Pagid to PFC [naming just a couple] for pads over the cycle of the 996, 997, and 991 chassis).

If you are looking for a bit better than OE level performance and better wear characteristics for street use (usually less dusting as well, in most street performance related uses of the pad), I would urge you to consider NS400 from Project Mu.

You can read a bit about it via the search, this is the most recommended pad from every owner we have sold it to that wants to replace it for daily driving use. More so than Carbotech or Hawk on the IS-F Platform specifically.

The ratio of sales and repeat customers recommendations is 4:1 on the NS400, the next runner up is Carbotech, followed by Porterfield in our sales records. You can find the link here for the NS400: http://speedfreaksusa.com/i-11667143...s-f-front.html

And I believe you can use the forum discount code during the check out, if you choose to purchase them via SpeedFreaksUSA.com

Reaper21

iTrader: (1)

^^ Thank you for that information, it is very helpful.

As I do not track my car, I have been very happy with the performance of the OEM pads. The Project MUs may be a bit better performing, but I'm not sure if I can justify $250 for two front PMU pads when I can get all four Textars for $170.

SoCalISF

I agree the OEM pads seem to work well under hard street use, even when subjected to repeated hard stops when the pads/rotors would theoretically be nuclear.

The only thing I wish was a bit better is the production of brake dust. I have used EBC parts on a number of other cars with great success, as some of their compounds produce very little dust when compared to certain OEM pads.

Are EBC's not a good option for our cars?