Brake Pad Recommendation

[Eckie]

Needing to replace the pads on the wife's Lexus Gx470 -- the last set I bought didn't last very long. I know someone will throw "OE Replacement" as a suggestion, but in searching various sites this morning, most places even offer several options of these? Is it safe to assume if I want the best set, I should choose the most expensive of the OE options?

Thanks!

[Scott K]

Typically the most expensive ones have more metal in them and last longer, have a quicker stopping time, but they can squeak, and wear out the rotors faster. Cheaper ones will typically have close to no metal in the pad, and wear rather fast, and take longer to stop the car. I usually buy a middle range pad, or the best pad. I never go cheap, nor do I recommend the cheapest, unless you are just trying to get rid of a noise.

[Eckie]

Thanks, 4W --- what're your thoughts/preference on ceramic vs. metallic?

[SkunkedAgain]

I always thought that ceramics were the most expensive. I'm certainly no expert though. My dealership threw ceramics on my new truck when they couldn't figure out the faulty rotor problem I was having...they've worked great so far.

As for Eckie's original question, the best bet is to go to your Lexus dealer and buy their brake pads. It's not the cheapest route but you'll get the right pads and likely have a few options as well. If you're looking to save a few bucks in the process then follow 4wanderingeyes recommendations.

[FishLocker]

I always get the best available brake parts and tires as those two items keep our family vehicles "shiny side up and rubber side down" on MN roads.

If you Bing or Google ceramic vs. kevlar brake pads, you can find articles with pro/con of the different types by the professionals.

I put kevlar on my wifes car and ceramic on my conversion van because of heat issues warping the rotors on that big van.

Here is the Conclusion from this article.

.

Conclusions

•The Kevlar-based pads are a definite step up from standard semi-metallic pads, and have an edge over ceramics as far as cold weather stopping is concerned (*First application of the brakes, once warmed there is no difference). However, the ceramic pad has a slight edge in almost every other concern.

[Eckie]

Appreciate the info -- I too, thought Ceramics were typically more expensive, 4W, which is why I probed a bit more (to understand if I was understanding you correctly).

Skunked -- I'll call Lexus and price the pads -- I'm not trying to save a buck, as in my original post, I want to find the best replacement parts. Guess I assumed that OE meant OE, regardless of the store they are purchased from.

Thanks!

[CJH]

Some ceramics were put on one set of wheels on my truck and I haven't noticed any downside so far.

[Jeremy airjer W]

NAPA Adaptive ones or Wagner thermo quites are the top of my list. The adaptive ones have turned out to be a pretty good product. Never had an issue with thermo quites as well.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Ceramic is loose term. One manufacture may add a pinch of ceramic and call it a ceramic pad. Another may have a true ceramic pad and also call it a ceramic.

[SkunkedAgain]

I'm not trying to save a buck, as in my original post, I want to find the best replacement parts. Guess I assumed that OE meant OE, regardless of the store they are purchased from. Thanks!

You can get OE parts from 3rd parties and from the dealer. However, if you want the parts that your dealer recommends then buy from the dealer. Keep in mind that there are probably better parts out there, but in theory the dealer is recommending brakes made specifically to work well with your vehicle.

[jeffreyd]

go with oem period. why skimp on a few bucks when it could mean life or death.

[Eckie]

go with oem period. why skimp on a few bucks when it could mean life or death.

Who's skimping? I think I've been quite clear that I've been asking for opinions on the "best", regardless of price.

Thanks!

[Jack Peterson]

NAPA Adaptive ones or Wagner thermo quites are the top of my list. The adaptive ones have turned out to be a pretty good product. Never had an issue with thermo quites as well.

The thermo quiets are all we sell and install. Otherwise we get people coming back a week later complaining about squeeling and grinding.

[Eckie]

I went with the Thermoquiets --- after Airjer chimed in and recommended them, I remembered hearing several people give them high ratings.

Thanks everyone!

[skolfoppa]

I run Hawk pads on my Toyotas and have had great results. Ceramics are more a performance pad and would work great on the Lexi, unless your wife pulls a boat. Maybe check a GX470/Lexus forum and see what they recommend. Skol.