OEM Toyota Pads Or? What do you think?

[NRecob]

Well I'm being proactive with the service on my "new" Avalon and noticed when airing up the tires the brake pads on my right front are getting pretty low so I'm going to go ahead and do them all (F+R) the same time I do the oil change. My question is this, is there something comparably priced to stock Toyota brand pads (I just started using that Toyota Parts Express and they've been GREAT!) or do I just get some pads from Pep Boys etc or? I don't really need anything fancy...speaking of fancy, those ceramic pads are just marketing hype right? Or are they really good? Just curious what other Avalon drivers are using brake-wise/what to stay away from etc

Suggestions? Thoughts? Opinions?

As always, THANKS!

[gideon1331]

Ceramic pads are not hyped at all. They are worth every penny, and they don't cost much more than the standard pads.

The increase in braking power and feel is remarkable between the two.

They are standard equipment on most, if not all, new cars.

[NRecob]

Originally Posted by gideon1331

Ceramic pads are not hyped at all. They are worth every penny, and they don't cost much more than the standard pads.

The increase in braking power and feel is remarkable between the two.

They are standard equipment on most, if not all, new cars.

Thank you for this info gideon1331--I had no idea on ceramic pads--I knew about carbon pads but those will be for my Z06 (I wish! lol).

[robcam13]

i agree go with ceramic or toyota pads. anything else and you will have noises that you wont like.

[NRecob]

Originally Posted by robcam13

i agree go with ceramic or toyota pads. anything else and you will have noises that you wont like.

Robocam13 (or anybody), any idea if Toyota replacement pads are ceramic? Just curious as I've noticed Pep Boys offers the ceramic option for the front pads but not for the rear......I sure don't want any funky noises!

I guess I'll need to call Toyota Parts Express tomorrow or Monday...

----

Yikes! I almost forgot to ask--will I need any specialized sockets etc for removing the caliper bolts etc (I've not done brakes on a Toyota before). I know I'll need a C-Clamp or a Lisle brake tool to compress the brake piston....

[NRecob]

Well Amazon sure has a selection (and some good prices!) on ceramics....

And ImportTRB has some great prices on their EBC Kevlar pads....

http://www.importrp.com/home.php?cat=37


So many choices

[tavalon]

go oem...less prone to squeeking

[NRecob]

Ended up ordering some Monroe Ceramics from Amazon for $17 with a $15 Rebate....

Amazon

Amazon

[robcam13]

i would go ceramic or oem. they both last about as long . but ceramic might be cheaper

[robcam13]

oh the caliper bolts are 14 mm if you are doing rotors the caliper bracket bolts are 17 mm

[robcam13]

and use some brake grease anywhere the pads or calipers will touch metal

[NRecob]

Thanks for the info/tips Robocam13-the brakes will be the second thing I get to--now getting the 1 click all the time when I try starting the car