What brakes do you use

I have about 109k miles on my 2018 Tacoma OR. I’m thinking about replacing the brakes soon, what brakes did you guys use? Looking for recommendations if there are brakes better than buying oem for value.

 

Powerstop Z36 Extreme. With how drivers are out here, these have saved me from SO many accidents that the stocks wouldn't have.

$220 Power Stop Front Truck & Tow Brake Kit For 2005-2009 Toyota 4Runner, 2004-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2016-2023 Tacoma - 6 Lug Drilled and Slotted Rotors Carbon Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads Replacement

Amazon.com: Power Stop Front Truck & Tow Brake Kit For 2005-2009 Toyota 4Runner, 2004-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2016-2023 Tacoma - 6 Lug Drilled and Slotted Rotors Carbon Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads Replacement : Automotive

 

How are those lasting for you so far because I’ve seen those and the r1 concepts?

 

I've used both brands, and I like these more. They should last you a while, but they are a wear part so the life will vary depending on how you drive. Brakes are a pretty inexpensive component and are easy to change, so their life does not matter to me as much as performance. I would expect them to last quite a while though.

Another bonus with these is that they are essentially dustless. No more gross crap all over your wheels like with oem pads.

 

You're doing something wrong if you literally needed a brake upgrade to save you from what you describe as "many" accidents.

 

I knew someone was going to say this. Think what you want, but generally I'm a pretty careful driver and I found the stock brakes to be VERY inadequate. Come drive in Phoenix for a bit and you'll see how stupid people are here. You have to drive very defensively.

 

I spent a couple weeks in Phoenix at what used to be called The Purple Park.
The only two things I remember about Phoenix was meeting Joe Arpaio in the trailer park office, and the shit traffic.
Came and went towing a 40' fifth-wheel. You're right, it sucked.

 

Done 2 sets of Akebono ProAct pads in my last and likely will go on my current 3rd gen when it’s time….

$57 Akebono - ACT976 Brake Pad Set, GREY

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C1LLPA

Found just as good or better as OEM, made in USA, side benefit of no where near as much dust and the dust it does make is a light grayish white color rather than black so the wheels look and stay a little cleaner.

 

I use the same!

 

Don't let @crashnburn80's name fool you, he knows his shit and will keep you stopping.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/brake-upgrade-stoptech-rotors-trd-performance-pads.523829/

 

Just replaced mine with factory at 73k. Old pads still had life but were all cracked on the vertical space at the center of each pad. I drive fast and noticed my pedal getting spongier so did it anyway. Feels much better now.

 

I think I’ll go with those then thank you. Did you use the same for the drums or did you leave ur drums?

 

My truck isn't old enough to need drums yet. I installed them <2k miles because I was not happy with the factory brakes and wanted an upgrade. At 16k now and still loving them.

 

OP, I hope you mean brake pads/shoes and not brakes. There should be no reason to replace anything other than the pads/shoes assuming you have measured their thickness to determined they are out of spec.

 

I don’t mind replacing my rotors too I haven’t checked for runout but nowadays it doesn’t hurt to just replace it all at once if I can. I will be trying to get as much out of these pads and rotors though at 109k miles on oem, 4mm left on my pads havent checked rotors yet.

 

Generally, you should replace pads and rotors together.

Also given the age of the brake system, you should flush out the old fluid as well if it's still original.

 

I’m not young, mostly owned used vehicles, I’ve never replaced rotors in my whole life, and I’m ok.

I suspect that people get fooled my sales reps about when they need to replace brake rotors, batteries, and maybe a few other things.

 

What's wrong OEM? You know what you can get out of them.

 

I found this guy.

 

That picture reminds me of a road bicycle wheel I had that developed a hole due to brake pad wear. I don’t have exact records, but I think rim at about 3000 miles on it. Don’t fix what’s not broken.