Brake Pads for 07 Camry XLE V6?

[heyabbott]

My rear brakes need new pads after 57K, deaeler says ceramic get too hot and Toyota recommends non-ceramic, $239. Independent mechanic says ceramic are the best, life-time warranty and $219.

ceramic or Toyota pads? is there another alternative?

Thanks

Ceramic pads will eat up your rotors faster than metallic pads. It's up to you if you want to replace your rotors sooner than later.

[JohnGD]

Does your dealer know what they're talking about?

I thought Toyota uses a cheaper version of the Akebono ceramic,with EE friction rating. You can go to the dealer and ask to see the edge codes (probably AK xxx-xxx EE). AK manufacturer code means Akebono.

You can order aftermarket Akebono ProAct, with FF friction rating. Great stuff. Little dust, easy on rotors, no warpage in my experience. Or you can go a step further with Akebono Street Performance with GG friction rating. Not sure if these are worth the money over ProAct in typical driving.

These are about $50 pads per axle. Installation shouldn't be more than $60 per axle. No need to turn rotors if good, see:

http://www.motor.com/magazine/pdfs/012003_07.pdf

www.akebonobrakes.com

Originally Posted by heyabbott

My rear brakes need new pads after 57K, deaeler says ceramic get too hot and Toyota recommends non-ceramic, $239. Independent mechanic says ceramic are the best, life-time warranty and $219.

ceramic or Toyota pads? is there another alternative?

Thanks

[niceguy]

1st brake pad change in 57K miles? That is a lot. Looks this brake pad last very long.

[JohnGD]

Actually ceramics are friendly to rotors, very low dusting, and long lasting.
However, if you tow, then semi-metallics are recommended. Except I don't know if semi-metallics are even available for the newer Camrys.

Now I prefer getting the ProAct directly from the Akebono, because Toyota's version is said to be a cheaper EE friction rated one instead of ProAct's FF.

Akebono claims:

Ceramic Brake Pads provide:

• Increased stopping power in critical braking situations
• Improved pad wear performance over conventional disc pads
• Reduced rotor wear by as much as 80 percent
• Unrivaled in initial effectiveness with no break-in required
• Ultra-quiet, positive, smooth braking performance
• High resistance to fade with fast recovery
• More consistent pedal feel
• Rotor-friendly pad formulations
• Enhanced durability and life
• Low dusting and precision fit

Full details:
http://www.akebonobrakes.com/afterma.../benefits.html

Originally Posted by pedron

Ceramic pads will eat up your rotors faster than metallic pads. It's up to you if you want to replace your rotors sooner than later.

[hossmaster]

Changed my 07 I-4 XLE rear brakes before 60k. I would rather spend the 40 bucks on new pads and keep the rotors. It is a funky design and more than likely conservative brake bias. 1 hours work and move on.