Brake Pads and Rotors

My 2016 TRD Off-Road is currently at 80K miles with the factory pads/rotors. I haven’t changed out or resurfaced since, I know shame on me. I often take it to the beach and sometimes pull trailers. Truck is stock besides the tires which are 265/70/R16 Wildpeak. What are some great pads/rotors to replace or should I stick to factory? TIA!

 

I think Toyota OE rotors and pads are the best option if you can get them at a reasonable price. I also like NAPA premium stuff if the OE is not available or I am in a pinch for time. Now, if you are towing and want some more aggressive pad material, there are other options. But for all around, long lasting performance, OE is the go to for me.

 

Welcome!


There is zero need to change anything out early. Check thicknesses and roll on until they are at the minimums. These days, it is better to replace rotors than have them resurfaced as the machine can create a warp. The best kind of 'resurfacing' that you can do is a hard slow down without completely stopping from time to time.

 

+1 on just replacing the rotors and pads. Makes for a nice weekend project.

 

If the stock pads lasted 80k miles, might as well say with the oem stuff. If looking for something better ebc rotors with the stock pads work very well.

 

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like your factory setup has served you well so I’d consider staying with OEM. If you are looking to upgrade there is a lot of products out there that are advertised as upgrades that aren’t. See this thread for brake upgrade info:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/brake-upgrade-stoptech-rotors-trd-performance-pads.523829/

 

Raybestos Element3 coated rotors/pads have been good on anything I've used them on... I'd use coated rotor over OEM any day. I haven't put any on a 3rd gen yet, but I have on 2nd gen and they were great. Less than $100 for the kit on RockAuto. Can't beat that. RAYBESTOS 976H980670E3.

 

I’ve seen upgraded pads, esp “metallic” ones eat rotors for lunch.

 

I tried the raybestos rotors, and pads on my tundra, they sucked compared to the EBC rotors. They always may a grinding noise when you applied the brakes. I sent them back getting most of the refund. Ordered up a set of EBC rotors with the stock toyota ceramic pads....great combo. They wore like iron, and stopped much better without warping like the stock solid rotors. I sold the truck years later with those same rotors still on the truck.

 

OEM

 

No doubt that EBC has good stuff.
Hmm... I haven't noticed the grinding on our cars. Just put a set on our Highlander last weekned and they seem fine too. I had to pull the OEM rotors at 30k due to pulsation starting already.

 

It appeared the pads were improperly machined when i compared them to the old stock pads. I tried to save some money by first going the raybestos route, but it didn't work out. I ended up ordering some ebc drilled, and slotted rotors like recommended by others. I decided to use the toyota stock pads instead of the ebc choice. I was really happy how it worked out...ebc rotor kit wasn't cheap.

 

I'm at 90K and I'm on my 3rd set. I drive in the mountains though.

 

FIFY

 

Why shame? You don't replace something unless it's needed. My '17 has 90k, stock pads/rotors, and the brake fluid level is still good (never add brake fluid btw unless you have JUST done a BRAND new pad install)...no shakes, shimmies, or squeels so still good. I do need to check 'em but I wouldn't replace pads just cause.

Since the oem's have lasted this long, I've never had pads last this long, I'd go oem again for sure

Remember, if it ain't broke don't fix it!

Also, DO NOT turn your rotors unless it shakes when coming to a stop!!!! YOU ONLY TURN THEM IF THEY ARE SHAKING when braking. And you can only turn them once and they'll warp faster after being turned. Turning literally is taking a warp out by cutting off material not straightening the whole thing...it actually makes the rotor uneven and thinner and it will heat up (and thus warp) much quicker. Even with a shake sometimes just new pads will actually resolve it...for a while.

 

OEM.

 

Ha Ha. I'm actually pretty good about engine braking etc. I carry a GFC around so there's more weight. I've been surprised at how quickly the brakes have worn because I'm pretty easy on them.