FYI: AutoZone Brake Pad Confusion

[heypete]

Hi folks,

I have a 2006 Toyota Camry LE. It's the four-cylinder, automatic version.

I recently changed my brake pads, and replaced the OEM pads with AutoZone's Duralast Cmax Gold ceramic pads.

There was a bit of confusion, though, as their system (both the in-store computers and their website) state that the part number DGC906 pads are the correct type for the LE model. Indeed, it explicitly states "XLE, SE, LE model" on the description of the pads.

Unfortunately, these are not the correct type of pads for the LE model (or at least the specific LE model I have). Rather, part number DGC908 is the correct type, even though it states it's for the "base model" only.

The DGC908 pads have the same diagonal cut as the OEM pads, and fit into the metal tracks properly. The DGC906 pads are about a centimeter longer, and do not fit. The DGC908's also come with replacement metal tracks, while the DGC906's come with replacement screws (I'm still puzzling over that one).

Hopefully someone driving the same type of vehicle will come across this post and save themselves a bit of frustration.

I've emailed AutoZone and asked them to correct this error. We'll see if that happens.

 

[Kuato]

I've seen the same thing happen, and not just at Autozone.

It could be that some leftover parts from the previous year were used when the vehicle was constructed.....I once had a 1981 that had a 1980 rear axle in it - no END to the confusion until we figured out it was an '80 axle....then all the parts fit perfectly.

 

[The Critic]

So how are the Duralast pads working out on your Camry?

Did you turn/resurface the rotors?

How many miles did you get out of the original pads?

 

[Schmoe]

I've got nothing but good things to say about them.

 

[mechtech2]

It is tough for the aftermarket to get every car exactly right.
Esp with running changes and so many vehicles!
This stuff happens, but far less than we should expect!

 

[heypete]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
So how are the Duralast pads working out on your Camry?

Did you turn/resurface the rotors?

How many miles did you get out of the original pads?


So far, they've only been on for a few days. After bedding them in, they've been quite good. The bedding-in was quite interesting: the braking was "softer" and stopping distance slightly longer than normal for the first 20 or so stops (though improving with each stop). No squeaking (though the old ones didn't squeak either), no vibration, etc. Now, to see how long they'll hold up...

I didn't get the rotors resurfaced. There was no reason to do so: the rotors were shiny, smooth (some minor lines due to regular use, no deep grooves or anything), and had no perceptible run-out. I did hose them down with brake cleaner and a scotch-brite pad to remove residue from the old pads, but I figure the new pads will do that even more effectively than any scrubbing attempting I make. I just didn't feel it was necessary to shave off bits of the rotor when it wasn't called for.

I changed the pads at 53,750 miles, and they were the original Toyota OEM pads. There was still about 4mm of pad material left on the old ones, so they could have gone quite a bit longer, but I had enough AutoZone credit banked up to make it quite economical. I also wanted to compare the Duralast pads vs. the OEM ones, and figured this would be as good a time as any.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Overall, what do you think of the stopping power of your car?

My mom has an 04 Camry and it can make quick stops when needed, but the stopping doesn't seem very linear. Kind of unpredictable actually. Same with my aunt's 09 Corolla.

 

[heypete]

I haven't had any problems or issues with stopping power. In normal use, I've found the stopping to be more or less what I expect. I haven't paid attention to linearity, but it's certainly repeatable. I may have just gotten used to it, but it doesn't seem any different than other cars I've driven.

One minor quirk: occasionally, the brakes can be a bit grabby, and I can't explain it. I'll be gently applying the brakes (e.g. slowing down when preparing for a turn on a windy downhill mountain road) and rather than going from, say 0% to 5%, they'll go from 0% to 15%. From that point on, they'll be exactly as I expect. If I release the pedal and press again, it'll be normal. It's almost as if something is grabbing the pad and applying a bit more force than usual. This happens with new fluid and pads. Weird.

Now that I think about it, it seems to happen only when going downhill. I haven't paid much attention, but it might be due to the transmission downshifting at the same time that I apply the brake (just out of coincidence). I'll look into this a bit more to see if I can repeat it.

 

[heypete]

Update: After further testing, it's evident that the "grabby" brakes were simply a symptom of the transmission shifting at the same time I was braking. Sorry for any confusion.