Brake pads cheap vs expensive

HI
I have used Bendix pads for 30 plus years .
The key factor is they work ,quiet ,donot fall apart ,last a reasonable time ,donot wear your discs out
Typically the higher performance the pad the more aggressive on the discs the pads are .
In my "012" hilux there are 2 types of Bendix available
4x4 around 80-100$approx
Heavy Duty 100-130approx

I have just fitted the 4x4 set
If only installing a pad set use crc orange antisqueel on the back [prevents pad vibration=noise ]
Lube caliper slides with silicon brake lube or nickel antiseize

RDA brand average
Ferodo average ,these use to fall apart

I have not checked all the years and models so there may be variations in price

swamp

I have played on motorbikes and different pad compounds can certainly change how the brakes feel and work as well as changing the disc rotors. I had some that didn't work as well as I liked, swapped them for some a new stock disc and Ferodo pads and the feel and braking were like chalk and cheese, they also lasted a lot longer.

Stock is always a good option as manufactures do spend a bit on R&D to get something that works, but like anything, some compromises can be made on price and longevity though. My wife had a euro built car that ate discs and rotors, the alloy wheels were always black with dust, but it stopped well. When they wore out I swapped to Aussie made rotors and pads to suit and the dust went away and the brakes worked just as well.

There is probably some minimum standard for braking and they will make a pad to meet that standard, they will also make a pad and rotor to meet that standard, you will also be able to get something that is an upgrade. I remember seeing some images of a Chinese made machined rotor that had broken away from the hub under heavy braking; I'm guessing that this one was at the budget end of the market. Some stuff that comes from China still is packed full of asbestos too, so I'd steer clear of them.

Personally, I would go with Australian made rotors and Bendix pads, I have used a few types, but Bendix always work well and I was more than happy with them. I'm not hard on the brakes though, my last vehicle had 175000km and still had the factory pads and drum linings.

As for $160 more?? Just for pads or rotors as well?? Bendix Premium is around $80 for a pair (4 pads) and Bendix 4WD are about the same.

Interesting thing with brake pads. The last two vehicles I've driven, a Nissan Patrol 3.00 Wagon did 190,000 on the original pads over 6 years, a large part towing a van, the Mitsubishi Triton after that did 180,000 on original pads and sold it after 7 years, again mostly used as a tow vehicle. I'll be interested in how the BT50 goes!

By reports the Toyota OE brake pads are good, lasts a long time and is not overly expensive.

I bought some el-cheapo no-name Chinese brake pads off eBay for the Missus' Camry because I planned to sell it fairly soon.
What an absolute joke, and a total waste of money!
They squawked, they vibrated, they spat black dust all over the rims - and they chewed into the rotors like nothing I've ever seen!

I threw them out, fitted new rotors and new Bendix pads and the difference is unbelievable.
The Chinese pads cost $35 and the Bendix pads cost $65.
The rotors would probably have lasted a fair bit longer, but the Chinese pads soon saw that last bit of life gone!

Since the removal of asbestos from brake pads, there is now a huge variation in quality and braking ability, as every manufacturer scrambles to find a suitable replacement material.
In the case of the Chinese pads, I'm convinced they used workshop floor sweepings for the pad material!

You can't go wrong with a well known and established brand name that guarantees their product.
In the case of Bendix, shop around for pricing, you will find huge variations in pricing according to the sellers greed.

As regards rotors, no-one skims rotor discs any more, new rotors are so cheap, that the rotor disc skimmers can't compete.
There are hundreds of on-car disc skimming machines for sale for very little money.

If your rotors are nearing the minimum thickness limit, chuck them out. Old rotors buckle easily when they get thin, and they are a PIA when buckled.
My Hilux has buckled (original) discs now, and it nearly shakes the Hilux apart when braking hard from high speed. I've got new rotors ready to fit, just as soon as I get a day to spare.

Cheers, Ron.

3Yrs out of good pads tell the dealer to lift his foot off the brake pedal when his driving they'll last longer and he'll get rid of that annoying burning smell.

I fitted RDA Extreme pads to all 4 discs on my GQ last yr and they made a big difference over standard pads.