ebear695

when my 05 rx needed its front brake pads replaced my then mechanic took it upon himself to place Akebono ceramic pads onto the car. at the time these pads seemed to provide a more positive and high performance feel to the car, very aggressive stopping and long lasting. That was at approx. 65,000 miles.

that same car now has 130,000 miles. Having grown more mature (me not the car), those same pads that were positive and aggressive to me are now grabby and abrupt. In fact they were always that way. So, having talked it over with my new mechanic for the past three years, who is a total Lexus brand part replacement freak, I decided to replace the Akebono ceramic pads with the oem semi metallic pads from Toyota, $50. The replacement was a snap, 45 minutes both sides and only because I took my time.

After 65,000 miles the Akebono pads were not even half through their wear. If the replacement were dependent upon wear, I would not have done it. However, I had grown tired of the gabbiness of these pads. the new stock OEM pads, WOW what a difference, nice smooth linier braking again! I know I will not get that mileage from these pads but their so easy to replace!

DennisMik

You have just experienced the difference that brake pad material can make. Ceramic brake pads are known for their ability to bite into (so to speak) the rotor and stop the car. You won't experience brake fade as quickly with ceramic brake pads, either. But unless you are into road racing, you probably won't experience brake fade with any kind of brake pads. Ceramic is a very hard material and that is why they don't wear out as fast. But there is a down side to ceramic brake pads. They have a tendency to squeak and squeal, even though there is nothing wrong.

The new brake pads are more to your liking so that is all that counts. Happy motoring.

bigboss

I always thought Akebono was the oe replacement? Im going be replacing mine soon on my 09 and has been debating of going oe or Akebono.

JoeInHNL

I just replaced the brake pads on my RX330 with Akebono Pro-ACT pads. They feel like the OE pads to me. Perhaps the OP's mechanic used pads from Akebono's Performance line.

Rock Auto states that Akebono is the OEM for the RX330 pads and ceramic is the OE material.

fastnoypi

I believe that Akebono is the OEM supplier for the stock pads but the Pro-ACT pads might be a different formula.