Replacement Brake Rotors and Pads - Aftermarket or OEM?

mchristo · #1 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008, 10:17 PM

I have an 07 Double Cab 4x4 with off Road Pkg. 37,000 miles. this past summer I started towing a boat and will tow a snowmobile trailer in winter. The boat trailer is just under 3000 lbs and does not have trailer brakes. I'm thinking its about time to replace the brake pads anyway and figure this would be a good time to upgrade the rotors as well. I'm thinking about installing a set of Power Slot Slotted rotors and EBC Green Supreme or Hawk HPS pads. I'm surprised that I couldn't find many posts on aftermarket pads and rotors for the 05-09 Taco.

Does anyone have any experience with aftermarket pads or rotors that they would endorse?

Tundradrenalin · #2 (**permalink**) 11-01-2008, 09:30 AM

Many people say stick with Toyota brand pads as a replacement and be sure to replace the shim kit and brake grease. The pins may need service, so expect that as a possibility as well. The oem shim kit costs about $35, pins cost about $30, and grease about $5.

I recently replaced my rav4's brakes with Raybestos brand ceramics on all 4 rotors, used oem shim kit and kept original pins. Stops great. In fact, I was on the way down to Raleigh, NC to got to the Vet hospital and at 85mph a deer decides to test my brakes... we're both still alive.

lelandstanford · #3 (**permalink**) 11-01-2008, 12:08 PM

I started a thread on EBC.

2005+ Brake Pads & Rotors (5-bolts) Aftermarket Parts

81toypu · #4 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008, 06:25 PM

Porterfield pads improve braking perfomance quite a bit. Hi-Performance Brake Parts for Toyota Tacoma's- Wheeler's Off-Road, Inc

Marazzito · #5 (**permalink**) 11-04-2008, 11:53 AM

I just ordered these rotors... 2005-2007 Toyota Tacoma - EBC Brake Disc

I haven't decided on pads yet but it is between the EBC Yellow stuff 7000 or the Hawk Super Duty truck compound. I was originally going to go with the Hawk pads but then I came across the EBC pads after finding their rotors and they really cought my attention. I am also considerring the TRD pads but I dont think they will offer quite as much as the Hawk or EBC when it comes to towing performance.

EBC Brakes | Yellowstuff Brake Pads Information | 4000 "R" Series Full Race Pads | Truck and SUV Performance Brakes
Hawk Performance: SuperDuty - Severe-Duty Truck Brake Pads

lelandstanford · #6 (**permalink**) 11-04-2008, 12:19 PM

EBC Yellow should be easy on the rotors but could be dusting.

Marazzito · #7 (**permalink**) 11-04-2008, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lelandstanford

EBC Yellow should be easy on the rotors but could be dusting.

Yea... they dont try to hide the fact that they are dusty pads. But that is really the only thing they give up.

mchristo · #8 (**permalink**) 11-04-2008, 01:53 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions. Does anyone else have any experience with Wheelers Off Road Inc.? Assuming my rotors are still in good shape, would a new set of upgrade pads make a significant difference? I'm not driving very aggressively especially when towing the boat, but a simple ugrade would be nice. under normal driving conditions, I have no complaints about the OEM brake system in my 07. I know other folks have complained about spongy pedal, I doubt if the pads/rotors will change that.

Marazzito · #9 (**permalink**) 11-05-2008, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mchristo

Thanks for all the suggestions. Does anyone else have any experience with Wheelers Off Road Inc.? Assuming my rotors are still in good shape, would a new set of upgrade pads make a significant difference? I'm not driving very aggressively especially when towing the boat, but a simple ugrade would be nice. under normal driving conditions, I have no complaints about the OEM brake system in my 07. I know other folks have complained about spongy pedal, I doubt if the pads/rotors will change that.

Drilled and/or slotted rotors should make quite a difference under high load situations. Our OEM rotors will build heat faster especially when towing. Toyota did a good job with the Tacoma's brakes and it shows in comparison testing. For most people the stock rotors really do a good job, but there is room for improvement for those of us who tow heavy loads on a semi-regular basis. If you just want to improve your trucks braking a little then the TRD pads or other performance pads (EBC Green Stuff/Red Stuff, Hawk HPS/LTS) will be a good match. I'm willing to hear a little more brake noise and have dusty wheels (the Black Moto Metal Wheels I just bought should hide that quite a bit) for ultimate braking performance especially while I am towing so I am going with EBC Yellow Stuff (Hawk Super Duty pads also fall into this catagory). To make sure I really do get the best braking performance for my truck I am upgrading the rotors as well.

Now I am no expert, however I have done quite a bit of research on this subject as it has been an upgrade I have pondered for quite some time.