OEM Brake Pads: Meaning, Price, Quality & More
What Are OEM Brake Pads?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM brake pads are brake pads that are made by the same manufacturer as the original parts used when the vehicle was first produced (Source). For example, if you drive a Toyota Camry, then the OEM brake pads for your car would be ones made by Toyota.
OEM brake pads differ from aftermarket brake pads in that aftermarket pads are made by a company other than the original manufacturer. Many people prefer OEM brake pads because they are designed specifically for that make and model vehicle. The materials, sizes, and performance attributes are tailored to match the original specs. OEM brake pads ensure proper fit and optimal braking function (Source).
OEM Brake Pad Manufacturers
Some of the major OEM brake pad brands include Brembo, Akebono, Raybestos, and BOSCH. These companies supply original brake pads to auto manufacturers like Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda, and more.
Brembo is an Italian company founded in 1961 that produces high-performance braking systems for many luxury and high-end vehicles like Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and others. They are known for their cutting edge technology and high quality standards.
Akebono is a Japanese manufacturer that has been producing brake components since 1929. They supply OEM brake pads for mainstream brands like Nissan, Mitsubishi, Subaru, and more. Akebono emphasizes silent braking technology and environmentally friendly materials.
Raybestos is one of the oldest brake pad manufacturers, founded in 1902, and acquired by Brake Parts Inc in 1998. They produce pads for American brands like Ford, GM, and Chrysler.
OEM Brake Pad Materials
OEM brake pads can be made from a variety of friction materials including semi-metallic, low-metallic NAO, and ceramic [1]. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Semi-metallic pads contain steel fibers and other inorganic compounds. They can withstand high temperatures, have a long lifespan, and provide great braking power. However, they tend to be louder and produce more brake dust than other compounds [2].
Ceramic pads contain ceramic fibers, lubricants, and binding agents. They are quiet, low dust, and gentler on rotors. However, ceramic pads have less heat resistance and braking power than semi-metallic. They also tend to wear faster [3].
The OEM brake pad material affects braking performance. Semi-metallic provides the most braking power but with more noise and dust. Ceramic offers a quieter, cleaner braking experience but less outright braking performance. OEM manufacturers select pad compounds to balance braking, noise, dust, and longevity.
OEM Brake Pad Prices
OEM brake pads tend to cost more than aftermarket brake pads. According to AutoZone, you can expect to pay between $50-$150 per axle for OEM brake pads, while aftermarket brake pads start around $20 per axle and go up from there.
The price of OEM brake pads depends on a few key factors:
- Vehicle make and model – Luxury and performance vehicles generally have more expensive OEM brake pads.
- Front vs. rear – Front brake pads are often more expensive since they do more braking work.
- Brake pad material – Ceramic pads cost more than semi-metallic.
- Quantity – Buying a full set is cheaper per pad than buying individually.
While aftermarket pads can be much cheaper, OEM brake pads are engineered specifically for your vehicle. The extra cost comes from the original engineering, testing, and use of high-quality materials to meet the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications and standards.
Sources:
https://www.autozone.com/diy/brakes/oem-vs-aftermarket-brake-pads
https://www.brakes-shop.com/oem-parts/oem-brake-pads-shoes.html
OEM Brake Pad Quality
OEM brake pads go through extensive quality control and testing to ensure they meet strict standards. Major OEM manufacturers like ACDelco, Bosch, and Wagner have their own rigorous testing protocols to guarantee consistency and performance across production batches.
According to ACDelco, their OEM brake pads must pass a series of evaluations including noise testing, rotor wear testing, durability testing, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) testing, and others (Source). This level of scrutiny helps validate the quality and safety of OEM brake pads.
Bosch states their OEM pads are formulated for optimal performance specifically based on vehicle make and model. Their pads are tested for effectiveness, safety, comfort, and long life (Source). The strict requirements provide assurance of quality.
The rigorous procedures and precision manufacturing of OEM brake pads leads to high consistency and reliability across production batches. You can expect the same fit, form, and function from one set of OEM brake pads to the next.
OEM Brake Pad Lifespan
The expected mileage life of OEM brake pads can vary substantially depending on the vehicle make and model. According to one forum discussion on Toyota Tundras, some owners reported their OEM pads lasting 80,000-100,000 miles before needing replacement[1]. However, brake pad life also depends heavily on driving style and conditions. Aggressive driving with frequent hard braking will cause faster wear[2].
Pad material impacts longevity as well. Ceramic and semi-metallic pads generally last longer than organic pads. OEM pads from luxury brands using advanced materials may last upwards of 70,000 miles, while cheaper economy car pads may need replacement before 50,000 miles[2]. Frequent stop-and-go driving, towing, and mountain driving increase heat and wear on pads.
Periodically checking pad thickness and watching for symptoms like squeaking and vibration can help determine when OEM pads need replacement. Following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule can maximize OEM brake pad lifespan.
Installing OEM Brake Pads
Installing OEM brake pads involves removing the old pads and rotors and replacing them with new ones from the original manufacturer. The process typically involves the following steps:
1. Jack up the vehicle and remove the wheels.
2. Remove the caliper bolts and slide the caliper off the rotor.
3. Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket.
4. Clean the caliper bracket and lubricate the caliper slider pins using silicone brake lubricant (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvDeQSHNASM). This helps ensure smooth operation of the caliper.
5. Install the new OEM brake pads in the caliper bracket. Many OEM pads come with pre-applied adhesive on the backplate to aid installation. Ensure the pads are seated correctly in the bracket.
6. Clean the rotor surface thoroughly with brake cleaner. Inspect the rotor and resurface or replace if severely worn or damaged.
7. Reinstall the caliper over the rotor and secure with the caliper bolts. Torque to manufacturer specifications.
8. Repeat the process on the remaining wheels.
Once the new OEM pads are installed, the bedding-in procedure should be followed to properly mate the pads to the rotors. This involves performing a series of stops from moderate speeds to gradually transfer an even layer of friction material onto the rotor surfaces.
Always refer to the vehicle owner’s manual for the proper procedures and specifications when replacing OEM brake pads.
Maintaining OEM Brake Pads
Properly maintaining OEM brake pads is crucial for ensuring optimal braking performance and safety. Here are some key maintenance tips:
Clean and lubricate the brake hardware. Over time, brake dust and road grime can build up on the brake caliper guides and abutments. It’s recommended to periodically clean these components with brake cleaner or alcohol and apply high temperature brake lubricant to prevent them from seizing up.
Check the pad wear indicators. Most OEM brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a squeaking noise when the pad material has worn down to a certain thickness. This is your cue to have the pads inspected and replaced if necessary. Worn pads with insufficient material can result in brake failure.
Replace pads before they are fully worn down. It’s advisable to replace OEM brake pads once they reach 3-4mm of pad material remaining. Waiting until they are completely worn out risks damaging the rotors. Replacing pads proactively reduces the risk of being stuck with dangerously thin pads.
Stick to the recommended replacement intervals. For normal street driving, OEM pads can last 20,000-40,000 miles before needing replacement. However, more aggressive driving can shorten pad life. Refer to your owner’s manual or dealership for specific recommendations based on your usage.
By staying on top of maintenance like regular cleaning, checking wear indicators, and timely replacement, OEM brake pads will deliver optimal stopping power and safety throughout their lifespan.
OEM vs Aftermarket Pads
When it comes time to replace your brake pads, one of the key decisions is whether to go with original manufacturer (OEM) pads or cheaper aftermarket pads. There are some notable differences in materials and quality between OEM and aftermarket brake pads.
OEM pads use original factory materials and specifications, while aftermarket pads may substitute cheaper formulations to lower costs. OEM pads tend to use higher quality friction material, backing plates, shims, and hardware compared to aftermarket. This can translate to better performance, durability, and safety (URL1).
Aftermarket pads can make sense for older vehicles or as a budget option. For normal street driving, aftermarket pads may provide adequate performance at a lower price point. However, for newer cars, performance vehicles, or hard driving conditions, OEM pads are recommended (URL2).
The premium price of OEM pads reflects the higher quality materials and engineering that goes into their design. For most drivers, the extra cost is worthwhile for the better braking performance, safety, and longevity that OEM pads provide. However, paying top dollar for OEM pads on an aging commuter car may not make economic sense if budget is a concern.
Finding the Right OEM Pads
When it comes to finding the right OEM brake pads for your vehicle, doing your research is key. The best OEM brake pads will vary depending on the make, model, and year of your car, truck, or SUV. To find the OEM brake pads specifically designed for your vehicle, first look up the recommended pads according to your owner’s manual. You can also call your dealership service center and provide them with your VIN number, and they can look up the OEM part numbers for you.
Once you know the correct part numbers, you have a few options for purchasing OEM brake pads. You can buy them directly from the dealership, but this tends to be the most expensive option. Many auto parts stores like AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts also carry OEM brake pads for common makes and models. You can also find OEM brake pads from online retailers like Amazon or specialty shops like RockAuto. Just make sure to verify it is the exact OEM part number for your vehicle.
Beware of counterfeit OEM brake pads being sold online or in stores. Confirm the part numbers match and closely inspect the packaging and stamps. Genuine OEM parts will come in factory packaging with the automaker’s stamped logo. If anything looks questionable, purchase your OEM pads directly from the dealer or a verified retailer to ensure authenticity.