lexusguy2001

Is Akebono the OEM for 2013 rx350 break pads? I've read you should buy OEM, so I purchased Centric premium rotors. I'm looking for a high quality break pad with low dust and ultra quiet. I read some amazon reviews that the Akebono pads are noisy. Any recommendation on a quality break pad? Please advise. Thanks!

carguy75

I installed Power Stop Z23 sport pads and coated rotors on my 2015 RX350 AWD. The brakes stops well and is noise free. My vote goes to Power Stop Z23 pads.

RX in NC

Been running the appropriate Wagner ThermoQuiet brake pads on all of our vehicles for nearly 15 years now. Good bite, silent as a tomb, low dust, long-lasting, and very affordable. Usually order them from rockauto.com.

iolmaster

iTrader: (1)

Akebono pads are not noisy at all. Been using them for years. Not sure where you heard that.

GoBose

Lexus OEM Rotors are the way to go.

Often, they are cheaper or within a few bucks of the premium rotors.

Brake pads, IDK, rotors matter far more.

I'll just Toyota OEM.

Make sure you know the exact grease points to avoid squeaks.

TIS directions on Brake Pad/Rotor install is worth the $5-$10 bucks.

carguy75

LOL. Rotors are the most basic part of the braking system. If the rotors are not defective then they would work just fine. The only aspect of the rotor I would be concerned with would be a coated one to prevent rust.

The brake pad choice is more important than the brake rotor in terms of noise and braking performance.

carguy75

I agree. I have also used Akebono ceramic pads for years on my old cars/SUV and they were quiet. Sometimes people on the internet do not properly install brake pads and the give the product negative reviews.

I just moved on from Akebono to the better performing Power Stop or even Hawk sport brake pads.

intermec

I used Akebono in the past for different cars and had no issue with noise. Often time when people complain about noise, it is more like some one forgot to use the proper hardware (clips, threw away pad shims)

As far as pad goes, I use Lexus/Toyota parts. IMO, Lexus/Toyota brake is soft compares to my other cars (Ford, Honda, Subaru...)

uncle

I have been using Akebono pads on my cars for many years. Low/no Dust, quiet, good rotor life, high mileage. Also, their hardware kits are first rate.

JLSC

I've used Akebono with OEM rotors, and there were no issues with noise or performance. I like trying different products though, and currently have Bosch QuietCast pads and rotors. They produce a bit less dust than the Akebono and they're definitely quiet. Braking performance seems to be about the same. Might try the Wagner ThermoQuiet next.

carguy75

I forgot about the Wagner ThermoQuiet pads. I used them on a couple of cars years ago with much success. I believe that they had a built-in shim design that works well without needing any grease added to the pads to run quiet.

GoBose

LOL. How do you KNOW when your rotors are functioning just fine? No pedal pulsation? That's the only measure? Not even close.

Brake Pads are 90% Marketing Hype. Matching your OEM rotors to your OEM pads is the only correct option.

Going aftermarket, you're on your own in properly matching components.

Best to replace OEM rotos at every other OEM brake pad change.

You've just optimized your braking system.

carguy75

I have to call BS to your statement. Rotors are just friction surfaces that brake pads apply friction to. If the rotors are not pulsating while the car stops then they are doing the job without any warping or embedded deposits that will cause vibration.

Properly manufactured aftermarket brake components (pads, rotors, calipers)will work just fine on a RX350 just like any other car. I use Power Stop rotors and Power Stop pads on my 2015 RX350 AWD and the RX350 stops very well and is quiet. In my opinion the Power Stop setup stops my RX350 better than the OEM setup.

However, I do agree that new rotors(OEM or aftermarket) should be used when changing out worn out pads.

You seem like you need to review these videos of how a braking system works. Rotors are very simple parts of the braking system; important but simple. Pad formulation is what provides the braking performance and noise/dust levels.

GoBose

[QUOTE=carguy75;11759601]I have to call BS to your statement. Rotors are just friction surfaces that brake pads apply friction to. If the rotors are not pulsating while the car stops then they are doing the job without any warping or embedded deposits that will cause vibration.

Properly manufactured aftermarket brake components (pads, rotors, calipers)will work just fine on a RX350 just like any other car. I use Power Stop rotors and Power Stop pads on my 2015 RX350 AWD and the RX350 stops very well and is quiet. In my opinion the Power Stop setup stops my RX350 better than the OEM setup.

However, I do agree that new rotors(OEM or aftermarket) should be used when changing out worn out pads.

You seem like you need to review these videos of how a braking system works. Rotors are very simple parts of the braking system; important but simple. Pad formulation is what provides the braking performance and noise/dust levels.

It's in the CASTING that determines quality levels. They're a lot more difficult to mfg'r than you realize. Huge variations in quality castings

carguy75

Hence my statement about using quality made aftermarket rotors. You are aware that aftermarket companies such as Akebono and Centric make OEM brake parts like the rotors for Toyota and other automakers. Toyota do not make the OEM brake rotors(or any brake parts) at the factory.