[Keyen702]

Planning to change my front rotors and pads this upcoming week. What are the best rotors + pad combo? And does it really make a difference buying the expensive stuff over the autozone stuff?

[njsanna]

Originally Posted by Keyen702

Planning to change my front rotors and pads this upcoming week. What are the best rotors + pad combo? And does it really make a difference buying the expensive stuff over the autozone stuff?

Napa Ultra Premium rotors
Toyota Pads
Yes, they stop you from hitting things.

[trickbiker121]

I use Wagner thermo quiet pads and centric premium rotors.

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[Slowgoat]

Been lucky with Centric rotors so far.

OEM or Akebono semi metallic pads.

[radlynx]

I bought a beck/arnley rotors and a akebono ceramic pads. so far, i'm happy with it. it does not make my rims turn black.

if you are ordering online, make sure to measure your rotor's diameter so you know exactly you have the right size.

Originally Posted by Keyen702

Planning to change my front rotors and pads this upcoming week. What are the best rotors + pad combo? And does it really make a difference buying the expensive stuff over the autozone stuff?

[riverwolf]

Originally Posted by Slowgoat

Been lucky with Centric rotors so far.

OEM or Akebono pads.

Seconded. Very happy with Centric Premium rotors (e-coated hats) and OEM pads.

I *think* (stress the think) that the OEM pads may be some flavor of Akebono ceramics.

[mmt]

I put a Powerstop kit on mine. About 150 from rock auto or many others. Hands down best brakes I've ever had.....hopefully you won't have to but be prepared to put on calipers if needed. Piston like to rust/cease up on 4th gens.

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[Slowgoat]

Should have said semi metallics above, but others are great too.

[shahsmerdis]

I think a lot of it has less to do which pad/rotor but more installation.

Check this video out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yhw_d_EWrOQ

90% of brake problems can be sorted out by this video.

But if it were me, oem all the way including new hardware which is a must. I take zero chances with brakes.

[HOJeepster]

Powerstop fronts/centric rear rotors.

[Tooltime19]

The first question I like to ask people is, how do you honestly use your vehicle? If you tow/haul nor drive fast on and off road, then I have one recommendation. If you are a normal joe, then I have another recommendation. It all depends on your usage.

[unevolved]

Originally Posted by Tooltime19

The first question I like to ask people is, how do you honestly use your vehicle? If you tow/haul nor drive fast on and off road, then I have one recommendation. If you are a normal joe, then I have another recommendation. It all depends on your usage.

To expand upon that, even with an SUV like this, different brake pads have different coefficients of friction (i.e. how much stopping force they generate for a given clamping load) and spring rates (pedal feel) that even a self-proclaimed average driver will notice if given the chance.

Brakes are definitely worth spending some money on. Better rotors last longer, and better pads stop better.

[gm350reratliff]

I would advise to skip the slotted and dimpled rotors. I have some from brakeperformance.com and when the rotor surface is fresh they stop amazingly smooth and fast. But after about 30k the pad buildup is terrible and they don't stop so great. I can burn off the buildup by doing a new pad bed-in procedure but I have to do that every other week. The other downside with a slotted/drilled/dimpled rotor is that nobody will resurface these.

The best brakes were truly the OEM rotors and pads which lasted over 100k.

[Keyen702]

I really appreciate everyone's suggestions and recommendations. I will look into all that was mentioned. I would say I am an average Joe when it comes to driving. I don't really speed or tow anything. I occasionally take it off road for short stretches to ponds or campsites. I don't mind spending on quality parts I just didn't know where to start looking.

I bought this car with about 93k on it. I immediately felt the pulsating so I wanted to fix it. But now I am unsure if I should change just the front or front and rear so I am going to take all the tires off tonight and see what I find.

[MACT4R]

Changed all fours with Centric rotors, premium pads and calipers from rockauto. Been happy with it especially during offroading excursions. Keep in mind of stuck calipers. Check out uneven brake pad wear when changing brake system. I had a stuck caliper on the left side and I went ahead and changed both front calipers. No pulsating or pulling when braking.