I bought Raybestos Element 3 Hybrid pads and couldn't be happier. They squeal a tiny bit when very cold but I trust these brakes to get me down a mountain.
If you're keeping the vehicle (make sure you're keeping it), then I second getting the raybestos from Rockauto. Make sure you get the raybestos element 3 fully coated rotor and pad sets.
Even if your friend's dad does it free, maybe drop him $100 or $200 for the labor.
So $200 total. And less dust than OEM with decent stopping power. I went with this combo cause it's balanced stopping power and rotor longevity.
The OEM rotors wear very quickly. The OEM pads are Akebono semi organic which are actually pretty good. However the OEM pads create a ton of brake dust which makes the wheels look terrible. When I replaced mine about a year ago I went the aftermarket route and used Raybestos rotors and pads.
The best overall for my use are Raybestos “Truck and Medium Duty”.
I always buy from Rockauto, but check if the part is on Amazon for comparable price for the free shipping. With brake parts especially I highly recommend buying the best you can afford. Cheap pads and rotors will be noisier and more likely to warp and give vibration when braking. The cheapest pads are also usually bonded meaning the friction material is only glued onto the backing plate, and I’ve seen them separate, especially a risk if you drive where rust is an issue. Also cheap pads don’t always include abutment clips and good shims.
I just changed my rear pads and rotors. Bought raybestos from rockauto. $80 shipped.
Like the previous comment said, akebono is their oem supplier, imo I like raybestos the best because they’re super cheap on rock auto and they produce a lot less dust if you go with ceramic pads instead of metallic
I have Raybestos Element 3 pads on 2 of our 3 cars and brake dust is next to nothing.
Cracks in front brake pads, approx 15k & 2 years on them. Raybestos Element3 Hybrid Tech.
I've used Raybestos before on VW GTI. They had a distinct feel and reminded me of... Literally every other set of brake pads I've ever used. Just save your money bro.
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