Aftermarket Brake Pads: Meaning, Price, Quality & More
What are Aftermarket Brake Pads?
Aftermarket brake pads are brake pads that are manufactured by companies other than the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). They are designed to replace the OEM brake pads that come installed on new vehicles from the factory.
The main differences between aftermarket and OEM brake pads include:
- Materials – Aftermarket pads can use different friction materials not found on OEM pads, which may affect braking performance and wear.
- Design – Aftermarket pads may have a different shape or number of segments compared to the OEM pads.
- Testing – OEM pads undergo rigorous testing by the vehicle manufacturer, while aftermarket pads are tested by the brake company.
- Warranty – OEM pads usually come with longer warranties from the automaker compared to aftermarket warranties.
- Availability – Aftermarket pads are widely available for many makes and models at various price points.
In summary, aftermarket brake pads are replacement pads made by a company other than the OEM. They offer more choices in materials, design, price, and availability compared to OEM brake pads.
Why Choose Aftermarket Pads?
Aftermarket brake pads offer several advantages over OEM (original equipment manufacturer) pads:
Lower cost – Aftermarket pads are often significantly cheaper than OEM pads. According to AutoZone, you can expect to pay $50-$150 per axle for OEM pads while aftermarket pads start around $20 [1]. The cost savings add up over time as you go through multiple pad changes.
More compound options – Aftermarket manufacturers offer various pad compounds for different needs, from quiet street pads to aggressive track pads. OEM pads tend to be more of a compromise for average driving [2].
Higher performance – Many aftermarket pads use advanced compounds and designs that stop better and fade less than stock pads under hard use. Upgrading to performance pads is an easy way to improve braking.
Popular Brands
When it comes to aftermarket brake pads, there are a few major players that stand out in terms of popularity and performance:
EBC Brakes – EBC offers a wide range of brake pads for all types of driving, from daily drivers to track days. They are known for aggressive compounds that provide lots of bite. Pros are great performance and braking power. Cons can be more noise and faster wear compared to OEM pads.1
Hawk Performance – Hawk is popular in the enthusiast and racing world for track-focused pads. Their HPS and HP Plus lines offer increased friction and braking power over stock. Pros are race-level performance for the street. Cons are noise and dust. Not ideal for daily driving.1
StopTech – StopTech is known for braking systems engineered for performance driving. Their Sport Pads are high-friction with great heat resistance. Pros are strong braking ability without fade. Cons are increased noise and dust. Not the longest lasting.2
Other major aftermarket brands like Akebono, Power Stop, Wagner, Bosch, and Raybestos also offer quality brake pads with varying compounds and features.
Pad Compounds
Some of the most common brake pad compounds are metallic, semi-metallic, ceramic, low-metallic NAO, and non-asbestos organic (NAO). Each compound has different properties and is suited for particular applications.
Metallic pads contain 30-65% metals like iron, copper, and steel. They offer strong braking power and control in high temperatures, making them a good choice for aggressive street driving and racing. However, metallic pads tend to produce more noise and dust compared to other compounds [1].
Semi-metallic pads, with 30-70% metal content, provide a balance of braking performance, noise, dust, and longevity. They work well for daily drivers who want dependable stopping power without excessive noise or dust. Semi-metallics also handle heat better than ceramics [2].
Ceramic pads contain no metals. The ceramic compounds provide strong braking power with low noise, dust, and rotor wear. However, ceramics lose some braking power at high temperatures. They are commonly used for lighter duty city driving in passenger cars.
Low-metallic NAO pads have <10% metal content. They offer shorter braking distances than ceramics with lower noise and dust. Low-metallics work well for normal street driving.
Non-asbestos organic (NAO) pads use organic compounds instead of asbestos fibers. NAOs provide smooth braking with little noise but generate more heat than other compounds. They are a good budget option for typical street use.
Expected Lifespan
The expected lifespan of aftermarket brake pads can vary greatly depending on several factors. Most aftermarket brake pads are designed to last between 30,000 to 60,000 miles, according to various sources https://www.bridgestonetire.com/learn/maintenance/when-to-replace-brake-pads/. However, how and where you drive impacts pad life significantly.
Stop-and-go city driving or frequent hard braking will wear out pads much faster than highway driving. Aggressive drivers may need to replace pads every 20,000 miles while less demanding drivers in highway conditions may go up to 70,000 miles https://brakestogo.com/blog/how-long-do-brakes-last/. The type of pad compound also plays a role. Ceramic pads last longer than semi-metallic pads in most cases. Proper maintenance and regularly checking pad thickness can help maximize the lifespan of your aftermarket brake pads.
Noise Levels
One concern drivers have about aftermarket brake pads is the potential for increased noise compared to OEM pads. The friction material and design of aftermarket pads can sometimes generate audible squealing or squeaking, especially in the first few hundred miles of use as the pads break-in 1.
However, many premium aftermarket pads are specifically engineered to reduce noise using shims, chamfers, slots, and other optimizations in the pad and backing plate. Brands like EBC and Hawk use unique friction formulas and insulators to target smooth, quiet braking. The newest ceramic and carbon-fiber pads can run even quieter than stock pads once broken-in. Overall, improvements in materials and design make brake noise much less of an issue with today’s aftermarket pads.
Performance Improvements
Aftermarket brake pads can provide significant improvements in braking performance compared to stock brake pads. Aftermarket pads utilize more advanced pad compounds that are engineered for better friction and heat resistance.
This translates into improved stopping power and less brake fade during repeated hard braking compared to stock pads, according to testing by Brakes-shop.com. Stock pads tend to fade more quickly under hard use.
For track use, performance-oriented pads can withstand extremely high temperatures without fading. Pads designed for street use provide better cold bite and less noise while still offering improved performance over stock.
Premium brands like EBC and Hawk offer compounds optimized specifically for street or track conditions. Proper pad selection is important to match the usage conditions.
Cost Analysis
Aftermarket brake pads are generally less expensive than OEM pads from the manufacturer. Aftermarket pads can range from $20 to $100 per axle, while OEM pads are usually $50 to $150 per axle. According to AAA, replacing the front or rear pads costs $100-$300 and both axles costs $200-$6001. For both parts and labor, brake repairs cost $250-$500 per axle according to AutoZone2.
The cost savings from aftermarket pads comes from competitive pricing between brands and cheaper materials that still provide good performance for most drivers. Aftermarket pads may not last as long as OEM, but frequent drivers can still find value in cheaper pads that are replaced more often. Overall, aftermarket pads offer a more budget-friendly option without compromising too much on safety and stopping power.
Installation & Maintenance
Installing aftermarket brake pads can be done as a DIY project to save money, but has some risks. According to https://lambstire.com, professional brake pad replacement is recommended every 25,000 to 70,000 miles. However, with patience and proper tools, brake pads can be replaced at home.
Proper bedding in of new brake pads is critical for performance and longevity. The pads should be broken in gently with moderate braking for the first 100-200 miles. This allows the pads to properly mate to the rotors. Aggressive braking should be avoided during the bedding in period.
To maintain brake pads and rotors, the brake system should be inspected regularly. Calipers and slide pins should be lubricated and the rotors should be checked for thickness and signs of warping, according to this AutoZone guide. Timely replacement of worn brake pads reduces damage to rotors.
Finding the Right Pads
When selecting new brake pads, it’s important to consider factors like your driving style, climate, and priorities to find the right match. According to experts at The Drive, you’ll want to think about:
Performance Needs – Are you looking for aggressive braking, quiet operation, longevity, or something else? Prioritize your main goals to narrow your options. Track cars need endurance while street vehicles may value noise reduction.
Weather Conditions – Make sure to choose pads suited for the climate you drive in. Some compounds withstand heat better while others grip well in wet, cold, or muddy conditions (YourMechanic). Select pads optimized for your regional weather.
Vehicle Type – Larger vehicles like trucks often need more durable, rigid pads. Performance cars can benefit from more aggressive compounds with strong bite. Choose pads designed for your specific make/model.
By taking the time to reflect on your priorities and match them to pad compounds and brands optimized for your needs, you’ll find pads that offer the ideal braking performance for your driving style and environment.