TBU Akebono vs. Wagner Thermoquiet - stopping power

[Arv]

Doing my 199 TBU on my 2K Sports with OEM rotors and Powerstop L2632 and L2633 calipers.

Help me choose between the Akebono PRoACT (about $60 with OEM shim kit) vs. Thermoquiets ($20).

I know it looks like a 3x price difference but if the ProACT will stop the rig sooner and prevent an accident on my daily driver then so be it! But will it?

I just like the 1 piece design of the Wagner but I've heard about the ProACT being better on your rotors. Not really worried about brake fade just emergency stops. I'm also thinking I'm already doing the TBU + ceramic so that should already increase my braking power.

Need help!
Thanks!

 

[LittleCaesar]

The Akebono will last longer IMHO, produce less dust, though both control such well, don’t need a long break in time, and aren’t ever prone to squealing when installed correctly, which the Thermoquiets can be known to do as they age.

 

[Arv]

The Akebono will last longer IMHO, produce less dust, though both control such well, don’t need a long break in time, and aren’t ever prone to squealing when installed correctly, which the Thermoquiets can be known to do as they age.

Ah didn't know that about the ThemoQs, thanks for the tip!

And did you mean to say that both control well? - "though both control such well"

BTW, never done a 3rd gen brake job, so with a reman caliper and ProACT + OEM shim kit. Will I need any additional hardware? Didn't look like it but wanted to double check.

Thanks!

 

[Arv]

Looks like no addtional brake HW required since the springs, pins, & pin clips are all part of the reman caliper.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Ah didn't know that about the ThemoQs, thanks for the tip!

And did you mean to say that both control well? - "though both control such well"

BTW, never done a 3rd gen brake job, so with a reman caliper and ProACT + OEM shim kit. Will I need any additional hardware? Didn't look like it but wanted to double check.

Thanks!

Correct. Both do a great job of not producing too much dust. The TQs as of recently seem not to make as much noise but if you have the extra $40, buy the Akebonos :caked:

 

[nobb]

Aren't the ThermoQuiets a decade old formula? I currently have some Wagner "OE Spec" branded pads which I am suspecting are the same as ThermoQuiets and I've been surprised at how well they are wearing. 90,000 kms and still alot of pad material left. They've also been super easy on the rotors.

There's also the Raybestos EHT which are getting really great reviews for having the best of boths worlds (ceramic and metallic pads). I will probably go with these pads on my next change.

 

[Arv]

Correct. Both do a great job of not producing too much dust. The TQs as of recently seem not to make as much noise but if you have the extra $40, buy the Akebonos :caked:

Ok ,Akebonos it is. One last question,, they look like they have a shim attached to them already, are they anti squeal shims or do I still need OEM shims?
Thanks!

 

[Arv]

Aren't the ThermoQuiets a decade old formula? I currently have some Wagner "OE Spec" branded pads which I am suspecting are the same as ThermoQuiets and I've been surprised at how well they are wearing. 90,000 kms and still alot of pad material left. They've also been super easy on the rotors.

There's also the Raybestos EHT which are getting really great reviews for having the best of boths worlds (ceramic and metallic pads). I will probably go with these pads on my next change.

Aren't all the pads for the 3rd gen old tech?
Ok I'll check those EHTs too. Sometimes newer tech pads are not available for older vehicles.
Thx!

 

[LittleCaesar]

Ok ,Akebonos it is. One last question,, they look like they have a shim attached to them already, are they anti squeal shims or do I still need OEM shims?
Thanks!

I want to say that they don’t come with shims; honestly I cannot remember when I installed them a couple of years ago though. I just lubed up all the sliding parts and pins with silicone grease and have been good to go.:hunter:

 

[Arv]

Aren't all the pads for the 3rd gen old tech?
Ok I'll check those EHTs too. Sometimes newer tech pads are not available for older vehicles.
Thx!

They are available for the 3rd gen and considered premium pads but less $$$ but not much history and feedback from people than the Akebonos. Hmmmmm which one?

 

[RS Dude]

Ok ,Akebonos it is. One last question,, they look like they have a shim attached to them already, are they anti squeal shims or do I still need OEM shims?
Thanks!

I recently installed the Akebonos and you do NOT need to buy shims.

 

[Arv]

I recently installed the Akebonos and you do NOT need to buy shims.

Thanks for confirming! Akebonos will be ordered today
Edit: btw how did your brake lines look? Thinking of wether replacing mine or not. They're still the originals.

 

[3bears]

I would replace the fronts and the rear brake lines too. 20 years old they are going to fail at some point.
I did stainless for the two fronts and one rear when I did my TBU. I also ran Toyota pads.

 

[Arv]

I would replace the fronts and the rear brake lines too. 20 years old they are going to fail at some point.
I did stainless for the two fronts and one rear when I did my TBU. I also ran Toyota pads.

Yeah the raybestos elements hoses at rocka were cheap. Wanted the braided hoses but they were too pricey.

 

[RS Dude]

Thanks for confirming! Akebonos will be ordered today
Edit: btw how did your brake lines look? Thinking of wether replacing mine or not. They're still the originals.

Replaced the front rubber hoses several yrs ago with cheap rockauto parts. And replaced the metal lines with cheap bulk straight fittings and then custom bent them to fit.

 

[Arv]

Replaced the front rubber hoses several yrs ago with cheap rockauto parts. And replaced the metal lines with cheap bulk straight fittings and then custom bent them to fit.

I put in offers on eBay for the ST stainless for $35, I figure $20 more wouldn't be so bad. Hopefully they do perform better. I'll probably replace the rear ones too, I did keep an eye on it while doing shock and tall springs replacement but just in case it got stretched or strained might as well replace it but I think that will be a plain Jane hose.

 

[3bears]

I put in offers on eBay for the ST stainless for $35, I figure $20 more wouldn't be so bad. Hopefully they do perform better. I'll probably replace the rear ones too, I did keep an eye on it while doing shock and tall springs replacement but just in case it got stretched or strained might as well replace it but I think that will be a plain Jane hose.

there was only one on my rear and I used stock length when I went to my 99 talls that added an inch of height