2005 Camry LE I4 Brake Pad recommendations

[Spiritus777]

Hey Guys and Gals

My Front brakes for my 05 LE 2.4 I4 needs to be changed soon. I'm interested in seeing if there are other choices rather than OEM. I am mainly aiming for stopping power but I've heard that there are other benefits as well such as less dust. Can you guys recommend me any good brands/models that might deliver those things? I did a little search and heard good things about "HPS Street brake pad." Any thoughts/feedback?

http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/brake...ar=&perfCode=S

Also, should I bother with going beyond OEM for my rear drum brake pads?

BTW, all braking mechanism in my car are OEM

Thanks in advance!

[islandboy57]

How many miles are on your car? I checked my front brake pads at 35K miles and they were hardly worn - I think I'll make it to 90K easily. I'm satisfied with the OEM pads [good brake pads need good tires..], especially their longevity so I'm going with OEM when it comes time to replace.

BTW.. Personally, I'd just change your rotors at the same time but that's up to each person. I wouldn't put new pads on without at least resurfacing, but the OEM rotors aren't very thick to begin with so I'd just get new ones.

[kenny1773]

You can read about my adventure here

2005 4cyl SE - Front Brake Rotor replacement

The monroe pads are quiet and stop very well (seems better than OEM), but they leave behind more (noticeable) brake dust than the factory pads did. For the price I paid, the dust doesn't bother me, they were cheap.

I think overall for the camry Akebono is the preferred brand, but they are not cheap.

[LE05]

+1 on the akebono pads... the OEM pads are the same brand, except a lower friction rating.

[steveyhustle]

I work at parts store and we carry Centric Posi Quiets i got them on my 03 camry and love them no brake dust i just swapped them in too no lube nothing. I can you get a pair for about 25bucks.

[JohnGD]

Fenixus recently changed to Hawk HPS. He's happy about the switch. Quiet, stop-on-a-dime type of confidence. Too few miles to tell us about brake dust.

If you need new rotors see if Brembo is available, othewise Raybestos Advanced Technology rotors.

Originally Posted by Spiritus777

Hey Guys and Gals

My Front brakes for my 05 LE 2.4 I4 needs to be changed soon. I'm interested in seeing if there are other choices rather than OEM. I am mainly aiming for stopping power but I've heard that there are other benefits as well such as less dust. Can you guys recommend me any good brands/models that might deliver those things? I did a little search and heard good things about "HPS Street brake pad." Any thoughts/feedback?

http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/brakes.jsp?&make=Hawk&model=HPS+Street+brake+pads& group=HPS+Street+brake+pads&autoMake=Toyota&autoMo del=Camry+LE&autoYear=2005&autoModClar=&perfCode=S

Also, should I bother with going beyond OEM for my rear drum brake pads?

BTW, all braking mechanism in my car are OEM

Thanks in advance!

[JohnGD]

Haux recently got the short end of the stick with OEM Toyota pads. Paying the same price his were NBK ones. (I personally have no regard for NBK, YMMV). In the same thread the other TN member got Akebono Street Performance (GG-friction rated!!!). One owner reported EE-rated Akebonos, unfortunately.

So getting pads over the dealer counter depends on the lowest bidder of the batch. You might get good pads or you might get some real junk.

Originally Posted by LE05

+1 on the akebono pads... the OEM pads are the same brand, except a lower friction rating.

[islandboy57]

^ How do you find out what your OEM pads are? Just curious.. I have a box of OEM pads that are brand new - if there's some sort of indicator on the box/label.

[JohnGD]

Look on the back of the pads. There should be an "edge code", except it's not on the "edge" like old-time brake shoes.

See if you find "AK XXXXX EE" or FF or GG. You can scream if you see "NBK xxxxx xx".

Akebonos ceramics are great pads for normal driving. They're not performance pads by any means. I don't think their Street Performance is worth the extra, but YMMV. The longevity of the Akebono pads are great!!

So based on Fenixus' recent change and other comments, I'm inclined to try Hawk HPS or heavy-duty LTS (but not their ceramic).

Originally Posted by islandboy57

^ How do you find out what your OEM pads are? Just curious.. I have a box of OEM pads that are brand new - if there's some sort of indicator on the box/label.