Brake Question - Replacement Rotors & Pads

Soon, I will be replacing my rotors and brake pads.

Does anybody have thoughts and/or replacement recommendations?

Specifically, should I just go with OEM replacements or are there better aftermarket options that offer improved overall performance as it relates to stopping power?

I have a 2019 TRD Pro with a Westcott lift and 285’s on factory wheels.

Thank you!

 

I have aftermarket stuff and I vote OEM. The extra cost just isn't worth it in my opinion.

This is specifically in reference to direct OEM fit components, not big brake kits or other custom fab setups.

 

You're going to see divided response.

There will always be the OEM camp. OEM brake pads, oil filters, air filters etc.

Autozone's ceramic brake pads have served me well for the last decade.

 

I should have added - this is my daily driver and I travel about “70” miles per day round trip for work.

I’m in in the PNW and while I don’t consider myself an aggressive driver I deal with rain and a lot of high speed highway stop-n-go due to traffic, etc.

Anything, within reason, to improve braking would be welcomed…

 

What are you looking to improve? If it’s durability, or stopping power, OEM is hard to beat.

In my experience, there are some aftermarket options that will be as good as OE, but the price will be close to the same.

The fit of the parts is pretty much guaranteed with OE, which makes it a lot nicer when you are doing it yourself.

 

I was rotating the tires every year .. then inspect the brake pads . also clean the brakes .my 2016 runner is around 40K miles and the brakes are not much wear pads . also bleed the brake fluid .
you are probably not doing the runner maintenance ...

 

Do you need rotors.
If thre in good condition I believe pads only will serve you well

 

the brake pads are removed .. new brake pads ... then the sand paper is 220 ....rotate the rotor brake disc area rotation ...clean the mineral spirits then wipe it off and then do the job ..brakes working .. if the rotors are damaged distortion then the new rotors ..

 

I do all maintenance ahead of schedule including rotating the tires every 4K to 5k miles.

Just wanting maximum stopping power / performance for safety purposes and peace of mind so if that means sticking with OEM I won’t question that…!

I just assumed I’d replace the rotors and pads at the same time…

 

the rotors are distorted and you are the brake pedal is doing the heavy pedal ...

 

any rust on caliper piston? periodic cleaning of calipers, front and REAR!!!, mitigate most brakes problems. "distortion" of rotors are easily to check by dial gauge on lockable magnetic base.

 

As others have said if rotors are good clean calipers of any rust and replace both front and rear pads, make sure new pads are lubed correctly when installed. I use Akebono ceramic pads on our vehicles for zero fade and good brake feel when mountain driving and minimal brake dust. Akebonos are made in Japan and said to be the oem manufacturers for some Toyota vehicles and maybe some years of 4runner.
Check brake fluid moisture content with Brake Fluid Tester pen, I usually change fluid when it gets around 2% moisture content, some change at 3% or more. Brake Fluid Tester Pen costs about $10 and can last a lifetime.

 

Upgrade the pads when running heavier tires. Porterfield R4S are great, just bed them properly and they won't chew up your rotors. Expect some increased dust and watch your first cold stop as they need a little heat in them

 

OEM. Just bed in the pads correctly.

 

Powerbrake...big "boy" brake kit has my vote. I know expensive and maybe flashy...but seems like they don't disappoint on performance. I don't run these but wish I could.

 

I've always had good luck with OEM.

 

OEM New Rotors and TRD Pads. Best combination for me. I had EBS Rotors with Hawk pads, OEM rotors with Hawk pads, EBS rotors with OEM pads and many other combos over last twenty years. New OEM rotors well made (still made in Japan) and affordable around $60 each. If you don't mind trading brake dust for superior braking performance expressed in killer initial bite, then TRD pads will not disappoint.

 

What's the part # for TRD front and rear pads? Can't find any listed for 2021 4R. Thank you fellas.

 

Do you have the part number for these? I put Akebonos on my wife's BMW and for the minimal dust alone, they were worth it.

 

Akebonos

 

Powerstop is usually priced well. I just installed Powerstop Rotors and pads on the front and rear. They feel great! I got mine from Rockauto.