Good brake pad brands?

[Clutch34]

Like the title says, I'm looking for some good brake pads that are affordable and last a long time. This is my first time having to look for pads so I'm a little lost..

I've got just over 15K miles on my car and just started hearing a small screech/squeak sound when braking. I don't even know if 15K miles is considered good or bad for needing to change brake pads. lol

[the_invisible]

Re: Good brake pad brands?

Squeaking or screeching may not be an indicator of brake replacement.

Factory warranties 99% of the time cover these problems. If you feel that 15,000 miles is too soon for a brake replacement, you could request your qualified Honda technician to replace the pads free of charge. Replacement brake pads being installed by your Honda retailers under warranty are always different than the ones equipped straight from the factory.

On a budget, I'd get Hawks or Akebono. Tire Rack carries both brands for almost every brand and model of cars.

[Megafast13]

Re: Good brake pad brands?

Unless you have a VERY aggressive driving style i doubt that you already need brake pads. I will get a squeaky noise after using a wheel cleaner, washing the car, or simply if there is any dirt or condensation on the rotors.

Brands don't matter as much as long as they are ceramic.

[sdprius858]

Re: Good brake pad brands?

Ive had the pads replaced on my car 3 times and the rotors resurfaced twice and the car has 19k on it. Front rotors developing hot spots, replacing them with slotted rotors from Centric and centric Ceramic pads.

PS, Car has made 3 trips on Mullholland and 2 down Palomar Mountain

[kimchiyuk]

Re: Good brake pad brands?

You should use manufacturer made brakes. Most people do not realize how much engineering goes into brakes. When you buy brakes made from the manufacturer, they are designed for your specific vehicle, no other. They are tested for stopping under many real world conditions. When you go aftermarket, brakes parts can be for a myriad of applications. Under average stopping conditions, you may not notice much difference, but if you really need them in an emergency, for instance, it makes a difference.
Also, someone stated in another post about warranty, if you do have a brake issue, check your owners manual for brake warranty, it is usually 12 months/12K miles, which ever comes first.

[Clutch34]

Re: Good brake pad brands?

Thanks for the posts, I'll keep my options open and look at the brands listed as well as my owner's manual. I'm on another forum for Accords and it seems that pre-mature break pad wear/failure is quite common for 8th Gen coupes. I think I'm on the high end with 15K miles, some have had to go in on only 9K miles!

And Kimchiyuk, if it is 12 months or 12K miles, I've unfortunately missed both as my 12 month mark was Dec 31, 2008. lol

[roushstage2]

Re: Good brake pad brands?

The new VW's are like that too. My sister's car needed everything at about 9-10K miles.

[Clutch34]

Re: Good brake pad brands?

Dec 31, 2009** I got the car in 08.

I just checked my owner's manual and it says that brake pads are NOT under warranty as they are parts that will eventually wear out. I'm going to the dealership on Monday morning anyways to get my pin stripe re-done, I guess I'll ask them about it then.

[the_invisible]

Re: Good brake pad brands?

It is under warranty.

Applies To: 2008–10 Accord – See VEHICLES AFFECTED

Front Brakes Judder and/or Squeal
(Supersedes 09 096, dated December 14, 2009, to revise the information marked by the black bars)

REVISION SUMMARY
Under WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION, the Defect
Code was changed.

SYMPTOM
When the brakes are applied normally, the driver feels
a juddering vibration through the steering wheel or
brake pedal, and/or hears a squealing noise.

VEHICLES AFFECTED
2008–09 Accord EX, EX-L: ALL JHM and 1HG
2009 Accord V6 KL:
From VIN 5KBCP3...9B000001 thru
5KBCP3...9B502866
2010 Accord 2-Door L4 (Ohio produced):
From VIN 1HGCS1...AA000001 thru
1HGCS1...AA002642
2010 Accord 2-Door V6 (Ohio produced):
From VIN 1HGCS2...AA000001 thru
1HGCS2...AA001792
2010 Accord 4-Door L4 (Ohio produced):
From VIN 1HGCP2...AA000001 thru
1HGCP2...AA028719
2010 Accord 4-Door V6 KA (Alabama produced):
From VIN 5KBCP3...AB000001 thru
5KBCP3...AB005630
2010 Accord 4-Door V6 (Ohio produced):
From VIN 1HGCP3...AA000001 thru
1HGCP3...AA002231

Source:

http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/A09-096.PDF

[Andrew C.]

Re: Good brake pad brands?

Go with the Wagner ThermoQuiets, they are amazing brake pads. And a pad doesn't have to be ceramic, in fact the ThermoQuiets are semi-metallic and they are a top of the notch pad.

[seth1066]

Re: Good brake pad brands?

Looking at the Service Bulletin, it looks like the pads will rub against the disc when not braking. The repair solution is a set of springs that keeps them off the disc.

FYI- Generally, everything being equal, the faster the pads wear out, the better the pad and braking performance.

[ColonelCash]

Re: Good brake pad brands?

I'm in the market for some new brakes and rotors on my Volvo S70. Sad thing is, the OEM Volvo brakes have horrible brake dust....so I'm checking out some ceramic pads, but most people have squeal problems with them regardless of brands.

[kimchiyuk]

Re: Good brake pad brands?

Looking at the Service Bulletin, it looks like the pads will rub against the disc when not braking. The repair solution is a set of springs that keeps them off the disc.

FYI- Generally, everything being equal, the faster the pads wear out, the better the pad and braking performance.

This is true, to some extent, and also, barring there are no abnormal brake issues, i.e. seized calipers, defective parts etc. Also, since he mentioned they are factory pads, manufacturers, for an everyday, non-performance vehicle, would like their pads to last longer than 15K miles.

[Jonesey]

Re: Good brake pad brands?

If you are concerned about brake dust- go with the Akebono Euro pads. I installed them on my 03 9-5 SAAB AERO. With the original pads, wheels needed cleaning after 2 days. Now after a week they still look clean. I didn't do any testing, but seat of the pants I'd say they have about 95 % of the original braking power. Light squeal in the morning when reversing out of the driveway, but quiet after that.(Akebono actually makes the pads for 2005 and up SAAB's)

I have also tried the EBC Greenstuff pads on my 9-3. Had less dust than OEM, but more than Akebono. Also, there was more of a drop in braking performance. I'm going to stick with the Akebonos from now on.

[Ryan331]

Re: Good brake pad brands?

Go with the Wagner ThermoQuiets, they are amazing brake pads. And a pad doesn't have to be ceramic, in fact the ThermoQuiets are semi-metallic and they are a top of the notch pad.

I used to agree, but I had an issue where I'd hit the brakes after driving for a while in the rain, and the car wouldn't begin to slow down for 1-2 seconds.. Never failed, happened every time in the rain

I've switched to using Hawk HPS pads (can have a BIT more noise, but mostly minimal brake dust/ great stopping power)

I also have used powerslot rotors for the past few years- I've had zero problems with warpage. The only problem is you can't resurface the rotors (though I've slapped pads on twice, and it still stops smooth, including many high speed stops at the drag strip)

Prices are fair on each from tirerack..