Brake Pad Comparison Test

[The Critic]

While the test was done by a brake pad company, I still find this report to be worth reading.

Take a look at the projected pad life in the Camry test. The fact that the projected pad life is less than 20k for every pad tested, proves that the test was performed under very, very severe operating conditions. How many of us will operate our vehicles under such conditions? Very few. As a result, while this test does expose the weaknesses of certain pads while being operated under very extreme conditions, it's unlikely that most of us will experience the problems that were discovered in the test (cracking, shim movement, etc) under our driving conditions. Therefore, I believe that while this test does prove that it's possible for some pads in this group to perform better under very extreme conditions, I'm quite certain that any of the tested pads should satisfy the needs of most drivers.

http://www.mintex-usa.com/fileDisplay/?fileId=12

 

[The Critic]

Here's a similar test that they performed using a F150:

http://www.mintex-usa.com/fileDisplay/?fileId=09

 

[tom slick]

That was an interesting test. the really cooked the pads on the F-150.

 

[Tosh]

Fair warning: that link is a 2.2MB download.

 

[Tosh]

Interesting that the Akebono Pro Act scored poorly. I thought this was a well-regarded pad?
I'll have to keep Mintex Red Box in mind when it's time for new pads. I actually wouldn't mind pads wearing out sooner, so I could lube the calipers more often.

 

[PandaBear]

Originally Posted By: Tosh
Interesting that the Akebono Pro Act scored poorly. I thought this was a well-regarded pad?
I'll have to keep Mintex Red Box in mind when it's time for new pads. I actually wouldn't mind pads wearing out sooner, so I could lube the calipers more often.


Well-regarded for OEM intended application, not heavy duty use or racing applications (20k per set of pad is severe in any standard).

I personally think that the initial bites and how much the pad chew through the rotor are the most important factor to me. Honda/Acura use screws to lock the rotors on the hub and it is a pita to remove (they rust). I had a few close call that strong biting pads saved my days.

 

[byez]

Any reason for a booster failed stopping distance and how it actually translates into the real world?

 

[RFIRE]

The Red Box is a quasi race pad and the Pro Act is a Ceramic pad that Akebono overtly informs the potential customer that it is not the appropriate pad for high speed sport event use. They now offer, for some applications, a new formulation better deisgned for higher heat applications.

This is the problem with self sponsored comparison tests; often the results are rigged from the start by apple to plum type comparisons. The Pro Act is a superb pad for street applications. I am not saying it is the best but it is not a bad choice for someone who lusts after a quiet, low dust, long wearing, low rotor wear pad with decent pedel pressure under typical applications.

 

[tom slick]

Originally Posted By: byez
Any reason for a booster failed stopping distance and how it actually translates into the real world?


my guess is that it is easier to control the test parameter without the variation of the vacuum booster.

 

[glennc]

Originally Posted By: byez
Any reason for a booster failed stopping distance and how it actually translates into the real world?

I imagine it is a good test of friction performance because braking power is limited. You can't just step harder on the pedal to account for lower friction because you already have to step as hard as you can.

If you have ever tried braking from speed without boost available you will understand.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: RFIRE
The Red Box is a quasi race pad and the Pro Act is a Ceramic pad that Akebono overtly informs the potential customer that it is not the appropriate pad for high speed sport event use. They now offer, for some applications, a new formulation better deisgned for higher heat applications.

Akebono now markets a street performance ceramic pad that is intended for higher heat applications.

What concerns me though, is the Akebono's tendency to be easily glazed. I think shortyb was trying to bed in a set using the StopTech method for pad bed-in, and completely toasted the set.

In addition, both of the tests demonstrate how important it is to apply a coat of synthetic brake caliper grease to brake pad shim, especially if it's a bonded metal shim or a detachable shim that does not cover the entire backing plate. Pads that used either of those shim designs, if not lubricated, could potentially "shift" or peel off and lose their effectiveness (as show in the test).

 

[parimento1]

I bought Akebono pads, the same ones as in this comparison test for $60 thinking they would be amazing. I thought I was going to die using them they had such bad stopping power that I could not lock up the brakes with the pedal to the floor, plus the worst fade I have ever experienced, even with $20 garbage pads. To add insult to injury they wore down to nothing in 6 months. I would never ever buy another pair of those, waste of money. I am very happy with my current Satisfied ceramic pads. They were $40 have excellent stopping power, good wear, and best of all, FREE LIFETIME WARRANTY! Just bring em in and get a new set for free.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: parimento1
I bought Akebono pads, the same ones as in this comparison test for $60 thinking they would be amazing. I thought I was going to die using them they had such bad stopping power that I could not lock up the brakes with the pedal to the floor, plus the worst fade I have ever experienced, even with $20 garbage pads. To add insult to injury they wore down to nothing in 6 months. I would never ever buy another pair of those, waste of money. I am very happy with my current Satisfied ceramic pads. They were $40 have excellent stopping power, good wear, and best of all, FREE LIFETIME WARRANTY! Just bring em in and get a new set for free.

How long ago did you buy them? I suspect that they have changed their formula again recently.

What application? Did you resurface the rotors?

 

[mechtech2]

Critic - Very good point. The test is under conditions that usually don't apply, so the results usually won't apply.

 

[parimento1]

I bought them about 2 yrs ago, and used brand new rotors.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: parimento1
I bought Akebono pads, the same ones as in this comparison test for $60 thinking they would be amazing. I thought I was going to die using them they had such bad stopping power that I could not lock up the brakes with the pedal to the floor

I've got the Akebono Euro pads on my car. No complaints so far. The braking performance and modulation is comparable to OEM. Locking up the wheels (before the ABS kicks in) is not a problem, and they're practically dustless.

Can't comment on longetivity at this point - i've only had them for about 2-3k miles.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: parimento1
I bought them about 2 yrs ago, and used brand new rotors.

What kind of vehicle?

 

[Squishy]

When you mention Satisfied changing their formulation, would that be for better or for worse? I run their ceramics on our alloy-wheeled cars, but the last pad I purchased was right around two years ago as well. Would like to know what you know.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Squishy
When you mention Satisfied changing their formulation, would that be for better or for worse? I run their ceramics on our alloy-wheeled cars, but the last pad I purchased was right around two years ago as well. Would like to know what you know.

I was referring to the Akebonos.