Trucks and 4×4’s are indispensable for heavy-duty tasks like towing, hauling, and transporting loads. If planning to put a vehicle to work, then brake rotors and pads that match up are a necessity. The stock brake components it comes fitted with may not be strong enough.
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Extra strain and payloads reduce the functionality of brake systems, perhaps even rendering these ineffective in an emergency braking situation. Costly damage to a vehicle’s components and accidents due to brake failure may result from not upgrading to an adequate set.
Quality, heavy-duty, durable brake pads should be a top priority for a driver, their vehicle, passengers, and other motorists’ safety. With this in mind, we’ve researched and selected the best heavy-duty brake pads for trucks and 4x4s for towing and hauling.
Trucks and 4×4’s, in general, can tow and haul. However, ensuring a vehicle’s load doesn’t exceed its tow rating is critical. Besides doing so, upgrading to a heavy-duty brake rotor as well as pads such as one of the options listed below is a necessity.
NRS Premium Friction
The NRS Premium Friction brake pad range offers superior stopping power and longevity. Its pads’ ultra-rough friction material helps your vehicle stop sooner and more effectively. Each pad is designed to minimize dust, offer superior cooling, and generally keep brake noise around 80 dB or below. These brake pads work at a variety of temperatures, from cold to hot.
Featuring a galvanized, hooked safety zone between the friction material and backing plate, they’re also designed to last longer. Minimal delamination results, meaning less frequent pad replacement and less noise and vibration. These pads are also environmentally-friendly, being 100% copper-free, recyclable, and meeting US environmental manufacturing standards.
The Premium Friction range comprises pads suitable for a wide variety of applications. However, the NRS Premium Friction Extreme Duty brake pads are the best option for heavy-duty use. These pads are designed for light to medium duty trucks, sport utility, and fleet vehicles—tow trucks, police vehicles, taxis, and ambulances, included.
Bosch Severe Duty Brake Pads
As the name implies, Bosch’s Severe Duty Brake Pads are designed to handle heavy-duty tasks. Created specifically for large payloads and stop-and-go applications, they’re ideal for hauling and towing in trucks and 4x4s. Overall, these pads excel when it comes to fit, noise reduction, and efficiency.
Featuring Advanced Aerospace Alloy Transfer Layer Technology in their formulas, these innovative pads offer top-class performance. With a copper-free formulation, they’re environmentally friendly and ultra-durable. Another bonus is how quiet these brake pads are, thanks to a few clever additions. The Severe Duty brake pads are designed with OE-replicate slots and chamfers, providing a better fit, therefore, less noise.
With equally well-designed OE-style multilayer shims, the pads are more resilient and corrosion-resistant. Each set includes pads for two wheels and a packet of lubricant to complete the application. Ceramic options and hardware are also available for or with select Severe Duty brake pad sets.
Wagner SD Severe Duty
Wagner SD Severe Duty brake pads are top-performers when it comes to heat and endurance. Each pad is designed to withstand extreme environments, temperatures, and demands. Ideal applications include Police Pursuit Vehicles (PPVs), fleets, taxis, 4x4s, trucks, and vehicles that are gear hauling, carrying heavy payloads, or frequently braking.
These brake pads don’t just claim to withstand demanding tasks but are also tested and certified to do so. They currently meet or surpass the stringent quality testing standards for most fleet and municipality vehicles. Featuring semi-metallic carbon-based friction material and durable stainless-steel hardware, they’re one of the most heavy-duty options in the Wagner range.
OE-style chamfers, shims, and slots also offer superior performance, noise-reduction, and fit compared to other aftermarket parts. These pads are also environmentally-friendly, featuring a proprietary Wagner OE25™ zero-copper friction formulation. Overall, an excellent upgrade choice or option for vehicles requiring heavy-duty brake pad replacement.
PowerStop Z36 Truck & Tow Brake Upgrade Kit
SUVs and 4x4s aren’t just heavy-duty vehicles. They are often car-owners’ regular vehicles, used for commuting and shopping just as often as off-roading and hauling. When it comes to versatility between everyday and heavy-duty driving tasks, the PowerStop Z36 Truck & Tow Upgrade Kit is a winner.
These proprietary, carbon-fiber reinforced ceramic brake pads offer the best of both worlds and don’t sacrifice usability for heavy-duty stopping power. The low-dust ceramic pads operate well in almost any condition, while the carbon-fiber reinforcement adds that extra strength and longevity. The pads’ durable, corrosion-resistant stainless-steel shims and chamfers also work to reduce braking noise.
Note that the Z36 Carbon-Fiber Ceramic brake pads are sold along with the other brake components in this upgrade kit. When paired with the drilled, slotted, zinc-plated rotors included, maximum heat-dissipation and cooling are achieved. The set also includes Hi-Temp brake lubricant and comes with a 36-month/36,000-mile warranty.
R1 Super Heavy Duty Series Brake Pads
R1 Concepts’ Super Heavy Duty range is a force to be reckoned with, designed for heavy-duty use and vehicles. Overall, this range is one of the best long-wearing brake pad choices for heavy-duty tasks. Trucks and SUVs hauling, towing, off-roading, and carrying heavy payloads can benefit from an upgrade to a set of these long-lasting brake pads.
Made from a semi-metallic, asbestos- and copper-free formula, these brake pads are both durable and eco-friendly. Besides being durable, they’re also designed to minimize brake rotor wear. Featuring OEM-inspired technology and manufacturing processes as well as rubber-coated steel shims, noise-reduction, vibration, and dust are reduced.
The brake pad’s friction material is scorched, positively molded, chamfered, and slotted, to further improve brake pad durability, efficiency, and cooling. Hooked backing plate technology reduces delamination, which generally leads to increased vibration and noise. Lastly, a thermal barrier underlayer keeps heat away from the caliper, lowering the risk of fluid boil.
There are many valid reasons to upgrade a brake system, including brake pads, to heavy-duty options. As heavy-duty brake pads are built to withstand larger payloads, they’re more efficient and safer compared to many basic stock options. Furthermore, whether planning to haul large loads or not, the value of a powerful braking system is undeniable.
Towing or hauling heavy trailers and loads can strain your vehicle, particularly if these loads are near its tow rating. Brake components will take a beating in demanding scenarios. It’s advisable always to tow loads and trailers within a tow rating. However, even if within limits, upgrading brakes is also recommended to improve safety and limit brake wear and damage.
When towing or hauling heavy trailers, vehicles, or payloads, this cargo also increases the strain on a vehicle’s brakes. A heavy-duty set of brake pads and discs is better equipped to handle the demands. Thus, reducing the chance of brake failure and potentially fatal or costly accidents for a driver and nearby vehicles, as a result.
Heavy-duty brake components are built for demanding jobs like towing and hauling. While stock brakes may be able to handle the task, there is no doubt that a heavy-duty system is better-equipped. Heavy-duty brake components increase the efficacy, including speed and sharpness of vehicle braking.
In order for brakes to work efficiently, brake rotors or discs need to be balanced. Though stock brakes generally are, adding unusually heavy or uneven loads may affect the equation. When upgrading brake rotors and pads to heavy-duty options, technicians can ensure optimum balance for larger loads.
Brake pads and discs will wear down faster under heavier loads. Heavy-duty components are usually thicker or hardier than stock brakes, increasing their lifespan comparatively. As a result, heavy-duty brake system components, including rotors and pads, need to get replaced less often. Carbon-fiber ceramic and semi-metallic brake pads are examples of longer-wearing, durable, heavy-duty components.
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Increased friction and heat often result from braking with heavier loads. Heavy-duty brake components, including rotors and discs, are custom-designed to offer superior cooling under these conditions. Some heavy-duty brake rotors and pads, for example, feature drilled holes or slots that cool by reducing the brake surface area and improving airflow.
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Worn-out brake pads are a risk most people are not willing to take, and rightly so. Luckily, replacing brake pads is pretty straightforward and should be done regularly to avoid hearing that screeching sound that alerts you that the brake pads are bare. Failing to replace worn-out brake pads can result in spending a lot more money replacing brake calipers and the pads and rotors.
Replace brake pads regularly to ensure safety on the road
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While brake pads cost far less than a lot of other replacement parts on a car, buying the right pair is imperative. Brake pads wear down naturally with continuous use and, depending on the model, should be replaced every few thousand miles.
Read our guide below to get a better idea of the different types of brake pads, including those that tend to last longer than others.
Here is a list of the best brake pads, followed by a buying guide to help you select the best brake pads for your needs.
Source the best brake pads from our below top picks, including organic, carbon-ceramic, and front or rear pads.
Scroll down to review our list of the best brake pads and read through helpful reviews from thousands of satisfied shoppers.
*Prices listed in this article were as shown in US$ on amazon.com (USA) and other online retailers as of November
Owners of cars who are looking for a reliable front disc brake pad will appreciate what the Brembo brake pad has to offer. These pads are specifically designed for cars in North America and fit dozens of vehicles such as the Subaru STI, BRZ, and Evo 7.
Made of alloy steel with friction material, the stopping power on these premium pads makes for less brake dust and smooth and quiet braking.
The braking components simply include a backplate, brake grease, and brake pads. One customer who raved about the quality of these brake pads described, “Stopping power at its best. Good product at an unbelievable price.”
Specifications
Material: Alloy steel
Position: Front
These organic brake pads from Carquest are an excellent choice for owners looking for a standard organic brake pad.
The shim on these organic pads is made of a single layer to reduce noise and vibration, while the friction material measures about half an inch to increase brake life. These brake pads come with a limited lifetime warranty.
One reviewer described, “This product works great because it doesn't squeal when you press the breaks, and they make the vehicle come to a stop more quickly and smoothly.”
Specifications
Material: Organic
Position: Rear
For easy installation of brake pads to your car’s brake system, look no further than these semi-metallic Wagner brake pads. These premium brakes are made of stainless steel with improved friction material and are engineered to have excellent stopping power up until being replaced.
Caliper assembly is straightforward due to the steel backing plate design that helps these front brake pads fit easily into the caliper.
One shopper explained, “Put these on a Ford Explorer. Couldn’t be happier. Comes with all hardware and with the low price and amazing super fast delivery.”
Specifications
Material: Stainless steel
Position: Front
As far as an addition to disc brake systems go, these metallic front brake pads from Callahan are top-notch. This set comes with an OE 5 lug, Brake Disc rotors, and four brake pads.
Unlike other types of brake pads, these metallic new brake pads don’t require a period of being worn in. In addition, despite being metal, the friction materials don’t reduce corrosion of the brake pedal after prolonged use.
“The pads and rotors were just as described,” raved one purchaser. “Have installed them on a 08' Jeep Liberty and are working great. Good deal for the price.”
Specifications
Material: Metallic
Position: Front
These front ceramic brake pads are Amazon’s choice for OEM brake pads. Designed for use with most Asian-made cars, these ceramic brake pads last long, don’t make noise, produce very little brake dust and have excellent braking performance.
In addition, these new brake pads come with a backing plate, brake fluid, and shim clips. Unlike some ceramic brake pads, these pads require no break-in time. Note that installing these brake pads was more difficult than most other ceramic pads.
One reviewer commented, “Akebono pads quality are pretty good. I never [had] any problems with them. They usually last very long as a daily driver and don't give out much brake dust.”
Specifications
Material: Ceramic
Position: Front
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Vehicles owners that require six-piston pads won’t be disappointed with these front Power Stop carbon-fiber ceramic formula brake pads.
The set comes with a brake pad for the left and right wheels, and many customers noted that as far as pads and rotors go in extreme weather, these won’t freeze together. Note that the friction materials on these carbon-ceramic pads also perform flawlessly in heavy downpours.
“Love these brake pads,” expressed one reviewer, who estimated that these brake pads have around 35–40,000 miles on them. “And not only is the mileage great,” they continued, “but even better is the fact these are virtually dust-free, meaning no more soiled wheels. And last but not least, they have great stopping power.”
Specifications
Material: Ceramic
Position: Front
These top-of-the-line TRW ceramic pads are perfect for car owners often in stop-and-go traffic; a situation that naturally increases brake pad wear.
These pads can be customized for a specific braking system, such as commercial vehicles, and owners looking for low-dust or low-noise pads. If you’re looking for a set of new brake pads, these premium brake pads last longer than most OE pads and have excellent stopping ability.
One customer described, “I replaced my original pads on my Ford Fiesta ST with these ceramic TRW pads… The stopping power with the TRW pad is still very good yet more progressive. I'm noticing less brake dust as well.”
Specifications
Material: Ceramic
Position: Rear or Front
Anyone looking for an affordable set of pads will find these rear Centric ceramic brake pads a steal. The set comes with four rear pads and shims.
Some customers suggested changing the rotors when changing the brake pad to reduce overall wear on the brake pedal. Before purchase, be sure to visit the Centric site for a list of compatible vehicles.
One satisfied buyer who reported that these brake pads got him 165,000 miles explained, “Very low to no dust. Good stopping power, no noise, good wear. They’re the only ones I use.”
Specifications
Material: Ceramic
Position: Rear
Car owners looking for a reliable set of brake pads won’t be disappointed with these highly-rated Bosch rear brake pads that have over 90% satisfied customers on Amazon.
These pads are made of ceramic and semi-metallic materials and are designed for a brake system that can handle extensive wear. The backing plate, clips, pads, and shims are included with this kit.
One happy customer clarified, “These brake pads are very well made and very high quality. The pads for my application were friction-rated ‘GG,’ which is very good. Everything that you could possibly need for pad replacement is included in the box: the new stainless slides/clips and silicone lube.”
Specifications
Material: Ceramic
Position: Rear
These Bosch brake pads have over 52,000 reviews on Amazon. Their superior braking power is due to their ceramic, aerospace alloy, and rubber shims, which reduces wear on the brake pedal and rotors.
Some customers noted that they had to purchase additional sensor cables for their specific vehicle separately (so keep this in mind when buying) but these pads are still a superior product.
One reviewer commented, “Bosch pads are known for their high quality, and these are no exception. The pads arrived in perfect condition, and the box also included the necessary clips and brake grease. I paired these with matching Bosch rotors, and I was very pleased with the stopping ability as well as how quiet and smooth they worked.”
Specifications
Material: Ceramic
Position: Rear
Nothing in the category got higher reviews for high-performance and long-lasting brake pads than the Bosch premium brake pads. The TRW pads are a good option for customizable brake pads that can handle heavy traffic conditions.
Understanding the types of brake pads, including OE and aftermarket brake pads, can help you when it comes to purchasing good brake pads for your particular vehicle. Brake pad manufacturers offer the best type of brake pads with the best friction materials that produce very little brake dust for specific car models.
We briefly cover the different brake pads available below.
These brake pads are simply the preferred brake pads decided by the car manufacturer for their specific car model, and usually the car’s own brake pads that come with the vehicle when you purchase it. Since manufacturers know the accurate and proper fitment and best brake pad brands for their models, some car owners go with OE pads to replace their worn-out brake pads.
Brake manufacturers choose their brake system based on optimal braking power, including stopping power, which produces less brake dust and noise, and brake pads that last the longest. OE brake pads work if car owners want less dust than metallic or semi-metallic pads.
These types of brake pad are also quieter and have better performance in cold weather, although an OE-type brake pad does not stop as quickly as an aftermarket brake pad.
Most brake pads cannot handle extended dirt and dust kicked up from driving on unpaved or dusty roads. Aftermarket brake pads are designed for vehicles that still require excellent braking performance even in dusty driving conditions.
Due to the corrosive compounds, using brake fluid often with these brakes is highly suggested. In addition, these brakes produce more brake dust than OE brake pads.
The most durable of all the types of brake pads, a ceramic braking system has the best braking performance of the different types of brake pads.
They produce minimal brake dust and don’t have some of the braking harshness associated with metallic brake pads.
Organic car brake pads used to be made with asbestos but, thankfully, are now made with several different compounds. These brake pads are the least expensive and most commonly used brake pads.
They create more brake dust due to the friction material and have increased brake pad wear than their counterparts, so changing these brake pads often is recommended
Semi-metallic car brake pads like metallic pads are made of different metals but are not necessarily 100% metal. Semi-metallic brake pads are very similar to metallic brake pads in the amount of noise and dust they produce.
Metallic brake pads can be made from various metals, and although they are louder and create more brake dust than other brake pads, they reduce heat on brake rotors that prevent brakes from overheating.
We hope our review of the best brake pads has been helpful and you found the ones you need so you’re equipped next time you need to change brake pads on your vehicle. For more suppliers of related products, including ceramic brake lubricant, NRS brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, brake shoes, brake blocks, brake lining resins, brake friction materials, consult our additional guides, or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform.
Regular brake pads are suitable for almost every vehicle under average driving conditions. For the average driver, these brake pads will work perfectly and are our most affordable option.
NAPA Proformer and NAPA QE Brake are both examples of regular brake pads. Most of them are ceramic brake pads or semi-metallic brake pads.
NAPA Proformer brake pads provide excellent quality for drivers on a budget. You’ll find that they work best on older and economy vehicles. NAPA QE Brake pads are engineered to aftermarket preferences to ensure proper fit and proven performance.
If you’re looking for longevity and factory performance in your daily ride, these brake pads are the ones for you.
If you’re managing a fleet that includes heavy trucks and buses, then you know exactly how much hard work it takes to guarantee that every component of these vehicles is working at optimal capacity. You surely employ a group of great drivers and keep an elite group of mechanics on your roster – perhaps you have even adopted a fleet tracking system to keep track of the movement, service appointments, and important warranty information that applies to these pricey assets.
But, just because you’ve taken steps to follow smart hiring practices and invest in automation doesn’t mean that all of your bases are covered.
Take the issue of air brake systems, for instance. Most managers and drivers have a general understanding of how these specialized friction brakes work, but not enough fully grasp the true mechanics of this important safety system.
To correct this, take the time to read through our list of the 5 basic components of elementary air brake systems.
Remember, the clearer your understanding on this topic, the better informed you will be when forced to make big decisions regarding your fleet.
An air compressor maintains the proper level of air pressure so that the air brakes and any other air-powered accessories operate safely and consistently.
Depending on the make and model of your heavy truck, its compressor is either gear or belt-driven and gets cooled by either air or an engine cooling system. The compressor(s) startup every time the engine is triggered, and the device loads and unloads air which is pumped in and out of the reservoirs and the other two-cylinder compressors.
Maintenance Tip: If the air compressor’s temperature is governed by an engine cooling system, it may have its own, separate oil supply. If this is the case, ensure that the operator and/or designated fleet team mechanic check the compressor’s oil levels before the truck hits the road.
Additionally, many compressors have their own filtration system, which also must be serviced on a regular basis.
In the case of heavy truck and bus air brake systems, it’s the reservoirs that hold onto a sufficient amount of compressed air, until the supply is required for braking. Note: drivers cannot control the amount of air that they use when the air brakes are triggered; the amount solely depends on how much has been circulated by the compressor.
In terms of design, reservoirs are pressure-rated tanks that feature special drain valves called draincocks. When the draincocks are in the ‘open’ position, they drain themselves of any moisture or pollutants that might compromise the integrity of the air.
Maintenance Tip: In order to guarantee that your reservoirs are in top shape, each must be drained entirely at least once a day when in service.
The foot valve, otherwise known as the treadle or the brake pedal, is the tool that determines the volume of air pressure used. In this case, the volume is determined by how hard the operator presses their foot on the foot valve.
When the compressed air is released through the brake system, it takes time for it to be produced again through the compressor function (described above). That said, if too much pressure is released in a short period of time, the entire system could fail.
Maintenance Tip: Supply your operators with proper training of the air brake system before they are allowed to join your team. If they are not properly educated on brake maintenance (i.e., they press and release the brakes often and unnecessarily) the air brake system can incur permanent damage.
Brake chambers, otherwise known as brake pots, are the devices that turn the compressed air into mechanical force. It is through this mechanism that the brakes are triggered and the heavy truck or bus is able to safely halt.
Each one of the brake chambers comes equipped with a specific pushrod stroke adjustment limit. The chamber itself is held together by a clamp assembly that is specially made to regulate the compressed air that is released into the chambers.
Maintenance Tip: Regular maintenance must be performed directly to the brake chambers as dictated by the truck’s manual. This required maintenance is to guarantee that the pushrod stroke is operating within normal range. If this maintenance is not performed, the entire air brake system could fail.
By making use of friction, the brake shoes – or pads, depending on the make and model of the truck – are forced outwards, thus initiating the air brake system.
A special brake lining material is attached to the brake shoes to help promote consistency. If the type of lining is a good fit, it should also regulate heat that is created from the friction.
Maintenance Tip: Always replace the aforementioned lining when necessary. Also, make sure that your mechanic frequently services other possible over-worked areas. These issues include distorted drums, poor adjustment, or dirty linings.
Understanding the critical components of an air brake system is essential for maintaining the safety and efficiency of heavy trucks and buses.
The five fundamental elements include
Regular maintenance of these components is vital to prevent system failures and ensure optimal performance.
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