Brake pads WAGNER or Duralast
I'm only now replacing the pads & rotors *for the first time* during my ownership. The rotors won't pass inspection, but I'm shocked to find that the pads still have 7/32"-8/32" left. As it turns out, I've been running Duralast Gold rotors & Duralast Elite pads the entire time.
That's a phenomenal track record for the amount of "spirited" road I put past this car.
Wagner OEX brake pads are some of the best around. They're built on a galvanized steel backing plate to reduce rust and the pad material is connected to the plate with a mechanical attachment system instead of glue. Wagner is a Tier 1 supplier to several carmakers.
Wagner, Centric, Raybestos, Akebono are all very reliable brands. However, each one makes an economy, OEM and premium version. So don't go by brand name alone. Wagner OEX pads are premium quality. They're built on galvanized steel backing plates with mechanical attachment versus adhesive to keep the friction material on.
I put Wagner on mine. They have been good for around 35k miles on them so far. I don't see me replacing them for another 15k. I didn't like the OEM one and braking is really one of the weakspoints for the Mazda 6.
I highly recommend Wagner OEX pads. Galvanized steel backing plates. Quiet. Long lasting
I purchased Durango rotors and Wagner brakes for my 2015 cx5 back in May 2018. According to my buddy my brakes were only 50%/35%(front/back/) done. I told him to change it anyways since he pulled them apart anyways. That was around 105k. Around Jan 2020, the rear brakes were squeaking. My buddy pulled them apart, and the rear brakes were completely done. The odometer was around 190k . I replaced them with centric rotors and power stop pads. The front was not changed as it looks like 70 left.
I put Duralast gold's on all my vehicles. Got a good warranty and come with all clips and brake grease you need. They're ceramic also, so quieter and more smooth braking and significantly less brake dust. Last quite awhile (1-2 years) as long as your not heavy braking all the time. And they're not too expensive either, moderately priced. Plus a bonus, they're black and match my paint.
Autozone's Duralast Gold pads and rotors will run you about $300 for the set. They work very nicely. If you're even moderately handy or have a friend with the tools, it's less than 2 hours of work. If you have a decent setup with a lift, it's more like 45 minutes of work. $600 for labor is HIGH AF. This truck is the easiest brake job I've ever done.
Only ever used the gold pads but they seem fine, nothing special but not unsafe either.
I haven't had much luck with durability on Wagner brake pads on any of my cars, though I've not used these on the Passat.
Write your review
Help others - share your experience with this part.