AAP Wearever Platinum Brake Pads

[barlowc]

Who has used AAP's Wearever Platinum Brake Pads? How do they compare to name-brand ceramics like Akebono Pro-ACT, Wagner ThermoQuiet, and Bendix CT-3?

I'm going to replace the front pads and rotors on our Saturn VUE before too long. I'll probably use Wearever rotors but am undecided on pads.

 

[AVB]

I have not used them, ACDelco OES is the same pads you would get a dealer. You can get them on Amazon for around $50. Several GM vehicles I have looked up brake pads for on AAP show that Akebono made the factory pads, I don't know if it is true or just a copy and paste of the product description.

Properly installed you would probably be happy with any of them, some may make more dust than others.

 

[barlowc]

The OE pads for our VUE are indeed Akebono. During an inspection, I saw the Akebono name embossed on the pads' tabs. I can get the OE pads from Amazon for $50.

I can also get Akebono Pro-ACT pads for about the same price locally at AAP after coupon code discount. I'm wondering how these compare to the Akebono-supplied OE pads.

And my reason for this thread, I'm just interested in hearing about the AAP Wearever Platinum Brake Pads which would cost me about $35 after coupon code discount. The $15 savings doesn't really weigh in; I just want a good pad and the Wearever Platinum appears to be very high quality.

 

[AVB]

My oppinion is the biggest difference between Wearever gold and platinum is platinum comes with hardware.

 

[The Critic]

Most aftermarket hardware is crud anyway; they never fit properly.

The OE Akebono and Akebono Pro-ACT are two different compounds. The one you find on amazon is likely the aftermarket formulation.

 

[mechanicx]

You can get the OE pads on Amazon or where ever else if they are the OES part number. Just go to AC Delco's part catalog to get the OES part number. If you want pads for less money probably AC Delco Durastop are your next best pad since while not OES they are specific formulations and more validated. I would say Akebono but what's the point when you can get them cheaper as AC Delco OES. The AK Pro-Acts most likely differ in formulation from the OE. The Wearever Platinums probably compare favorably to Wagners and similiar aftermarket pads.

If your OE rotors are in good shape have you considered just reusing them or having them turned?

 

[barlowc]

The OES part number is 21990460. This is what I can get on Amazon.

But being the skeptic that I am, I'm not convinced that they are the better than everything else just because that's what came on the vehicle from the factory.

So back to my original question... Who has used AAP's Wearever Platinum Brake Pads and what did you think?

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: barlowc

But being the skeptic that I am, I'm not convinced that they are the better than everything else just because that's what came on the vehicle from the factory.


The OE pads were tested specifically on your vehicle. The resources for OEM testing are far greater than for aftermarket.

The aftermarket pads probably did not go through extensive testing on your make/model - probably only on a similar platform.

 

[mechanicx]

I edited my posts that from what I could tell they worked about like the other aftermarket pads. Not any better or not as good as OE imo.

 

[barlowc]

Originally Posted By: mechanicx
If your OE rotors are in good shape have you considered just reusing them or having them turned?

There's a moderate vibration in the braking that has been progressively getting worse, indicating runout in the rotors. Pads are down to about 3.5 mm. I could get the rotors measured and turned if they're still within spec, but the edges and vanes are pretty rusted. The Michigan winters and road salt do a number on them. But maybe a wire brush will clean that up and they can be turned and used for another 50K? It's just that a set of AAP's Wearever rotors will only run me $55 with coupon code. Getting the current rotors turned will run me $20.

 

[AVB]

I don't like the finish on new rotors, or the way the brake pedal feels with new rotors. The orginal rotors are definately better than the wearevers, but I am in the south. Our rotors rust but they don't rust away to nothing.

 

[mechanicx]

I don't know how bad the rotors are corroded. Rotors rust pretty bad here but it usually just looks worse than it actually is and is really only surface deep, and they can usually be turned and reused. Maybe corrosion and/or rust flakes just worked their way between the rotor and hub causing the run out. This is most likely to happen when the wheels or loosened and rotated, but some rusting can get on the back of the rotor hat. If you decide to turn them definitely take a wire wheel to the back of the rotor hat before hand, and to the hub.

 

[FusilliJerry82]

Try a set of rotors that are zinc plated. I got a relatively cheap set on ebay and I'm actually impressed with them.

 

[NYSteve]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: barlowc

But being the skeptic that I am, I'm not convinced that they are the better than everything else just because that's what came on the vehicle from the factory.


The OE pads were tested specifically on your vehicle. The resources for OEM testing are far greater than for aftermarket.

The aftermarket pads probably did not go through extensive testing on your make/model - probably only on a similar platform.


I would say OE pads were tested more extensively for the price point, characteristics, and performance that the manufacturer deemed appropriate for the vast majority of buyers for that vehicle. Aftermarket gives us the choice of similar pads typically at a discount to OE prices because less R&D or the amortization of R&D if said aftermarket manufacture also supplied OE equip. Additionally aftermarket offers us the performance side like hawk etc but that is not relevant to this post. My opinion but just feel that saying it is not as good is blanket statement that is not necessarily true.

Sent from my iPhone

 

[stephen9666]

Originally Posted By: barlowc
Who has used AAP's Wearever Platinum Brake Pads? How do they compare to name-brand ceramics like Akebono Pro-ACT, Wagner ThermoQuiet, and Bendix CT-3?

I'm going to replace the front pads and rotors on our Saturn VUE before too long. I'll probably use Wearever rotors but am undecided on pads.


The name brand pads you mentioned should all be made in first world countries. The Advance pads will almost certainly be made in China or India.

CT-3: made in USA and Canada
Akebono ProACT: Made in Kentucky. I know because I emailed the company.
Thermoquiet: Many people here say they're USA made, but I haven't personally used them in a long time.

For the small difference in price, I would go with the CT-3 or ProACT over the store-brand part. I would even check out the OE pad price, if you've been satisfied with the OE pads.

 

[WMSmotorhead]

The closest to OE that I've seen in brake pads is Raybestos "Service Grade"....

That said, on most of our cars, I use aftermarket pads with no issue. I have "Federated" brand on 2 of the 3... the third has Raybestos.

I used Wearever's in the past without issue, but I get a better deal on Fed now.

My general finding is... the longer a brake pad is said to last, the harder it is on your rotors. A "Lifetime" brake pad is usually noisy, squeaky, and beats up on the rotors. The cheaper Semi-Metalic or OEM Style Ceramic are quieter, and don't give the rotors such a pounding.

I rarely have a "Fit" issue... but sometimes the pad width varies a little, so if the new are wider than the old, you'll get some noise if you don't "surface" the rotor before installing.

Have fun, and don't over think things.

 

[stephen9666]

Originally Posted By: WMSmotorhead
The closest to OE that I've seen in brake pads is Raybestos "Service Grade"....


Interesting, because Raybestos "Service Grade" is their lowest line.

The hierarchy, from worst to best:
Service Grade
Professional
Advanced Tech