Out of curiosity, I ordered two sets of front pads for a 2005 Infiniti G35 RWD Sedan. The FMSI number for this application is 888.
I received a set of Raybestos Element3 EHT pads and a set of Akebono's ProACT Pads.
The Raybestos pads run $45 and are a mix of semi-metallic and NAO ceramic materials. The Akebono pads are a NAO ceramic material and were $60. The Raybestos pads use multi-layer steel shims and also include a decent hardware kit; the Akebono pads use a coated steel shim (coating is generally scratched up when it arrives) and does not include hardware.
Shown below are some pictures that I took of the two pads. There are some very obvious (and significant) differences in the pad design from these two suppliers.
1) Top pad - Akebono, Bottom Pad - Raybestos. Take a look at the size difference between the two pads...it appears that the Akebono's friction material covers a shorter portion of the backing plate.
Untitled by Michael Wan, on Flickr
2) Different in friction rating. While this doesn't tell the whole story, it is certainly something to consider.
Untitled by Michael Wan, on Flickr
3) Pad Materials - we already know that they're a bit different. Akebono is the one on top, Raybestos is below it.
Untitled by Michael Wan, on Flickr
4) Chamfers and pad shape - Akebono has a much more "aggressive" chamfer, but fewer slots (1 vs 2) and a different pad shape. Raybestos has a smaller chamfer (maybe more noisy?), two wide slots and a pad shape that seems to be purposely different.
Untitled by Michael Wan, on Flickr
Untitled by Michael Wan, on Flickr
5) Pad Boxes
Untitled by Michael Wan, on Flickr
Based on these initial pictures, which pads would you be more inclined to use?
I received a set of Raybestos Element3 EHT pads and a set of Akebono's ProACT Pads.
The Raybestos pads run $45 and are a mix of semi-metallic and NAO ceramic materials. The Akebono pads are a NAO ceramic material and were $60. The Raybestos pads use multi-layer steel shims and also include a decent hardware kit; the Akebono pads use a coated steel shim (coating is generally scratched up when it arrives) and does not include hardware.
Shown below are some pictures that I took of the two pads. There are some very obvious (and significant) differences in the pad design from these two suppliers.
1) Top pad - Akebono, Bottom Pad - Raybestos. Take a look at the size difference between the two pads...it appears that the Akebono's friction material covers a shorter portion of the backing plate.
Untitled by Michael Wan, on Flickr
2) Different in friction rating. While this doesn't tell the whole story, it is certainly something to consider.
Untitled by Michael Wan, on Flickr
3) Pad Materials - we already know that they're a bit different. Akebono is the one on top, Raybestos is below it.
Untitled by Michael Wan, on Flickr
4) Chamfers and pad shape - Akebono has a much more "aggressive" chamfer, but fewer slots (1 vs 2) and a different pad shape. Raybestos has a smaller chamfer (maybe more noisy?), two wide slots and a pad shape that seems to be purposely different.
Untitled by Michael Wan, on Flickr
Untitled by Michael Wan, on Flickr
5) Pad Boxes
Untitled by Michael Wan, on Flickr
Based on these initial pictures, which pads would you be more inclined to use?
Last edited: