NRS vs Akebono vs aftermarket vs OEM pads

[Mav123]

Hello,

What are your experiences/recommendations regarding the break pads, NRS vs Akebono vs aftermarket vs OEM pads. Just listed to this explanation and it made sense.
It may be an "overkill" for my applications but still why take chances. I have a 1999 Honda Civic, 2010 Ford Explorer and 2011 Toyota Camry. Some of my cars do not have OEM so an aftermarket is the only option


Thank you

 

[John105]

Been using Akebono ProAct for 15+ years on Nissan, GM, and Lexus. They never have any noise and they seem to be decent for wear. The only car I don't use them on is the BMW since they are semi metallic and prone to noise and dust. I stick with OE likely unnecessarily.

 

[Donald]

Been using Akebono ProAct for 15+ years on Nissan, GM, and Lexus. They never have any noise and they seem to be decent for wear. The only car I don't use them on is the BMW since they are semi metallic and prone to noise and dust. I stick with OE likely unnecessarily.

+1 - I typically get Akebono ProAct ceramic whenever I do brakes on my own vehicles. No experience with NRS. Akebono is the supplier for several OEM brake pads. But they may or may not sell those same pads aftermarket.

Spend your money on quality brake pads and then just get decent rotors. No need for racing brake pads unless you frequent the track

My 2¢.

 

[Sayjac]

I've pretty much exclusively used Akebono Pro Act ceramics as replacement pads on Hondas. I have absolutely no idea how they are attached to the metal backing, but do know that 'in my experience' they have performed equally well to the OE pads. So, I've been satisfied with the performance and the price. Beyond that, nothing else to add about Akebono.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Akebono makes quality pads

While EBC is known for their performance/track pads (Greenstuff, Redstuff, Yellowstuff, etc), their most underrated pads are their entry level OE replacement pads, the Ultimax2 aka Blackstuff.

And of course, that video is sponsored by NRS

 

[Pablo]

None of those were EBC that I could tell.

I also know nothing of NRS.

He makes a good point. Solid. BUT the far right of the chart is not confidence building for any of them. I mean yes sure, we all can see a difference, but even 600°F doesn't seem that hot to me for a friction surface. And if any and all pad material itself will let go..........


What's that smell?

 

[Dave9]

I get Autozone Duralast Gold when available, ceramic but would get semi-metallic if I were hauling loads. Lifetime warranty including wear, so buy once, get free brake pads for the life of the vehicle. They've worked fine, no complaints.

 

[Mav123]

Thank you so very much for the feedback. What is your take on the DOT liquid the OEM (for Honda, at least is 3, DOT 3)? Scotty Kilner advocates for DOT 5.1. If I'm bleeding the brakes on Honda, Ford, and Toyota, would you recommend switching over to DOT 5.1?
Thank you

 

[KevinMalone]

Thank you so very much for the feedback. What is your take on the DOT liquid the OEM (for Honda, at least is 3, DOT 3)? Scotty Kilner advocates for DOT 5.1. If I'm bleeding the brakes on Honda, Ford, and Toyota, would you recommend switching over to DOT 5.1?
Thank you

DOT 5.1 has a lower viscosity and longer service life, and is fully compatible with DOT 3 and DOT 4. I use Bosch ESI6 in everything now

 

[KevinMalone]

Hello,

What are your experiences/recommendations regarding the break pads, NRS vs Akebono vs aftermarket vs OEM pads. Just listed to this explanation and it made sense.
It may be an "overkill" for my applications but still why take chances. I have a 1999 Honda Civic, 2010 Ford Explorer and 2011 Toyota Camry. Some of my cars do not have OEM so an aftermarket is the only option


Thank you

Interesting video even if sponsored. I'm guessing attachment method is mostly irrelevant for most normal users, and you will be fine sticking with a reputable brand.

 

[Mav123]

DOT 5.1 has a lower viscosity and longer service life, and is fully compatible with DOT 3 and DOT 4. I use Bosch ESI6 in everything now

Is Bosh better than Motul - 100951 Brake Fluid, DOT 5.1 (N-S)?

 

[thescreensavers]

My favorite pads were stoptech 309s but they are not available anymore. I have EBC Yellows but they don't handle heat well at all, fine for everyday.

 

[KevinMalone]

Is Bosh better than Motul - 100951 Brake Fluid, DOT 5.1 (N-S)?

There are differences on paper but they are likely to perform the same in practice. I'd get whichever is cheaper

Brand: wet boiling / dry boiling / viscosity / lifespan
Motul 5.1: 365 F / 522 F / 820 / 24 mo
Bosch ESI6: 360 F / 520 F / 685 / 36 mo

Sources:
https://azupim01.motul.com/media/motulData/DO/base/DOT_5.1_en_FR_motul_27400_20221020.pdf
https://www.boschautoparts.com/documents/647135/656981/ESI6 Brake Fluid Flyer.pdf

 

[Mav123]

There are differences on paper but they are likely to perform the same in practice. I'd get whichever is cheaper

Brand: wet boiling / dry boiling / viscosity / lifespan
Motul 5.1: 365 F / 522 F / 820 / 24 mo
Bosch ESI6: 360 F / 520 F / 685 / 36 mo

Sources:
https://azupim01.motul.com/media/motulData/DO/base/DOT_5.1_en_FR_motul_27400_20221020.pdf
https://www.boschautoparts.com/documents/647135/656981/ESI6 Brake Fluid Flyer.pdf

Thank you for the detail, I like the data. I'm more of a spreadsheet guy (finance) and trying to learn cars a bit to better maintain them. It seems that Bosch is thinner (which helps with better fluidity?) and a longer life. It is a bit better? Is Bosch DOT 5.1 ?

 

[Mav123]

Thank you for the detail, I like the data. I'm more of a spreadsheet guy (finance) and trying to learn cars a bit to better maintain them. It seems that Bosch is thinner (which helps with better fluidity?) and a longer life. It is a bit better? Is Bosch DOT 5.1 ?

Thank you for the tip/ your lead in regards to Bosch. Now just need to settle on the pads and boots. Thanks to all of your comments and John, Donal's referenced on Akebono. Which pads/boots do you use?

 

[Mav123]

What test (tools) do you use to check if you try to determine if the brake fluid needs replacement?

 

[Nukeman7]

What test (tools) do you use to check if you try to determine if the brake fluid needs replacement?

The search function is your friend...see Posts #14 & #20 in this thread:

BITOG Brake Fluid Thread

 

[97prizm]

Hello,

What are your experiences/recommendations regarding the break pads, NRS vs Akebono vs aftermarket vs OEM pads. Just listed to this explanation and it made sense.
It may be an "overkill" for my applications but still why take chances. I have a 1999 Honda Civic, 2010 Ford Explorer and 2011 Toyota Camry. Some of my cars do not have OEM so an aftermarket is the only option


Thank you

Go with ATE brake fluid, as it lasts long and has good pedal feel.

 

[John105]

Thank you so very much for the feedback. What is your take on the DOT liquid the OEM (for Honda, at least is 3, DOT 3)? Scotty Kilner advocates for DOT 5.1. If I'm bleeding the brakes on Honda, Ford, and Toyota, would you recommend switching over to DOT 5.1?
Thank you

I use Walmart DOT 3 (Super Tech) as it’s the cheapest on the planet, for 3 cars. For 2 mos my Walmart hasn’t had the 32 Oz. I paid $2 more for synthetic DOT 3 maybe Lucas not sure.

The BMW again likely irrationally, I order OE Dot 4 online. I once spilled it and no damage to paint (stupid forgot to remove fluid doing all 4 and it overflowed). Seen YouTubes where dot 4 is not corrosive like DOT3.

I like to stick with what came with the cars…

 

[KevinMalone]

What test (tools) do you use to check if you try to determine if the brake fluid needs replacement?

There are moisture test pens as already mentioned, but I'm not sure if the fluid in the reservoir (where tested) is in the same condition as the fluid in the lines and calipers.

Brake fluid is usually serviced on a time based interval as it absorbs moisture overtime. With that said, majority of people ignore it and just deal with a soft pedal. If you intend to keep the vehicle long term, I would try to change it every 3 years to prevent moisture in the fluid from damaging any components.