During towing operation, the ability to come to a stop in the right place and at the right time make all the difference. Because of that, once it comes to hauling heavy loads, there is one thing that everyone must keep in mind: braking power.
The braking power of towing setups depends on a lot of factors but few prove as influential as brake pads.
Designed to squeeze the disc brake rotor when people apply the brake, brake pads play a key role in slowing vehicles. You want to make sure that you could bring your towing setup to a halt in times of need? Then it’s strongly recommended that you equip your towing vehicle with the best brake pads for towing.
The best towing brake pads for trucks today:
- Best Overall: ACDelco 14D785CH
- Best Value: Bosch QuietCast BC905
- Editor’s Choice: Akebono ProACT ACT787
- Wagner SevereDuty SX756
- Power Stop K5874-36
- Hawk Performance HB302Y700 LTS
- Power Stop K6268-36 Z36
- Wagner ThermoQuiet QC465A
- Motorcraft SuperDuty BRSD756
- Brembo P83024N
The Basics About Brake Pads For Towing
What Is A Brake Pad?
In layman’s terms, the brake pad is one of the components that make up disc brakes in towing vehicles. Each disc brake rotor in a vehicle requires two brake pads which is why brake pads usually come in sets of four (for one axle).
As time passes by, brake pads would be worn down so it’s essential to pick up replacements at intervals. If you neglect the brake pads, it’s only a matter before brake fading becomes a problem.
How Do Brake Pads Work?
The moment you hit the brake, the calipers of the brake system immediately clamp brake pads onto the spinning rotor. As the brake pads heat up, they should transfer a small amount of friction material onto the disc.
With friction material present on the brake pads as well as the disc, everything eventually “sticks” to each other. That is the way brake pads help vehicles come to a stop.
Benefits Of Having Brake Pads For Towing
- Safety: With a solid set of brake pads for towing around, you would be able to stop your towing setup effectively and efficiently when a need arises. That is going to minimize the odds of accidents during towing operations.
- Noise: It’s uncommon for the brake system of towing vehicles to get loud in use. Still, if you install high-quality brake pads in your ride, you should have an easy time keeping the noise level down as you engage the brake.
- Maintenance: Assuming that you manage to get your hand on good brake pads, you don’t need to worry too much about brake dust. With brake dust no longer a big concern, you may spend more time on traveling and less time on brake maintenance.
- Longevity: Generally speaking, all components in the brake system would break down one day. However, if you own robust brake pads, it’s possible to keep calipers, rotors and so on in top shapes for years to come. You don’t have many opportunities to grab new components for the brake system of your ride? In that case, you should be thorough as you assess towing brake pads on the market.
- Money: Since brake pads extend the replacement interval for components of the brake system, you could save a couple of bucks for more pressing needs. That is advantageous if you wish to cut down expenses in the long run.
Types Of Brake Pads For Towing
At a glance, the market contains an assortment of towing brake pads but only three types of models exist: organic, ceramic and metallic.
- Organic Brake Pads: As the name suggests, organic brake pads make extensive use of organic materials so they cause no harm to the environment. In addition to that, the softness of models of the type result in quiet operation. Because of that, organic brake pads receive countless compliments from those that desire peace of mind while hauling heavy loads. On the downside, brake pads made from organic materials wear out quickly and they create more dust than other models.
- Ceramic Brake Pads: Versatile and flexible, ceramic brake pads give a good account of themselves in multiple towing setups. Since the use of ceramic accelerates the dissipation of heat, models of the type perform consistently even after repeated stops. Moreover, brake pads that incorporate ceramic only create a small amount of dust which eases maintenance. Ceramic brake pads don’t exactly come cheap though so it’s widely advised that you take your wallet into account.
- Metallic Brake Pads: Incorporating copper, steel, graphite and so on, metallic brake pads outmatch their competitors in terms of resilience. Needless to say, models of the type usually hold together for years. It’s worth pointing out that metallic brake pads reach the market at reasonable prices too so they suit various shopping budgets. About shortcoming, metallic brake pads hurt fuel economy and their performance fluctuates in cold weather.
Top 10 Best Brake Pads For Towing
Now that you have grasped the basics of brake pads for towing, let’s dive right into our handpicked best towing brake pads for your trucks with in-depth reviews by Effortless RVing.
Among models available on the market today, these are top 10 units which stand out from the rest offering the best balance of all criteria and value for money.
#1. Best Overall: ACDelco 14D785CH Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set
Specifications And Features:
- Dimensions: 10.2 x 6.8 x 2.8 Inches
- Weight: 5.3 Pounds
- Shims, slots and chamfers
- No curing/machining required
- Low dust
Why This Is The Best Overall:
Dependable and reliable, ACDelco 14D785CH would increase the braking power of vehicles in all sorts of situations. Boasting shims, slots and chamfers, this brake pad could stop my towing setup while minimizing noise, vibration, etc. In addition to that, with zinc-coated plates, it’s less vulnerable to corrosive elements in the outdoors than its competitors. Therefore, in my opinion, this brake pad is one of the best brake pads for towing regarding all-around performance.
One thing I like about the brake pad made by ACDelco is that it’s usable out of the box: there is no need for curing, machining and so on. Thus, the setup process of this brake pad is a straightforward affair that involves little time and effort. If your brake pads fail and you need to find replacements in a hurry, it’s strongly recommended that you check out this towing brake pad. The universal compatibility of this brake pad allows it to fit quite a few arrangements.
In terms of maintenance, 14D785CH is a low-dust model so I don’t have to worry too much about dust build-ups. Assuming that I remember to schedule a cleaning session every now and then, the brake dust won’t give me and my vehicle a hard time. Also, it’s worth pointing out that this brake pad for towing lasts for a long time. Hence, with the extended replacement interval of this brake pad, I could minimize interruptions to my travel in most of the cases.
About price, ACDelco 14D785CH is an economical model so squeezing it into the spending plan is a breeze. The affordable nature of this brake pad keeps the replacement expense down as well. Because of that, by selecting this towing brake pad, I would be able to save a couple of bucks in the long run. The one-year warranty that accompanies it puts me at ease too.
Soon after I placed an order, the ACDelco brake pad arrived in excellent packaging. As a person that travels extensively, the quick shipping of this brake pad is a big plus.
Pros:
- Quiet
- High endurance
- Setup process is child’s play
Cons:
- Sporadic fitness issues
- Customer service could use some work
#2. Best Value: Bosch QuietCast BC905 Ceramic Disc Brake Pad
Specifications And Features:
- Dimensions: 4.9 x 4.1 x 3.4 Inches
- Weight: 3.2 Pounds
- Copper-free
- Protective transfer layer
- Powder-coated backing plate
Why This Is The Best Value:
Engineered with an emphasis on quiet operation, Bosch QuietCast BC905 won’t disturb everyone as it brings towing setups to a halt. Packing multilayered shim, this brake pad for towing not only reduces noise but also resists damages as my vehicle is in motion. Hence, I don’t need to replace my brake pads too many times and that is advantageous. Moreover, since this brake pad reaches the market at a reasonable price, the replacement expense suits my wallet.
Once it comes to composition, QuietCast BC905 features copper-free ceramic and semi-metallic formula. As a result, the amount of fiction that it could generate is more than enough to halt a wide range of towing setups in mere moments. Interestingly, owing to the composition, this towing brake pad even manages to maintain performance as outdoor temperature rises and drops. Needless to say, those that travel around the year with trailers in tow tend to hold it in high esteem.
The use of ceramic in the brake pad made by Bosch guarantees low dust build-up as time passes by. Additionally, equipped with the powder-coated backing plate, this brake pad is well-protected against humidity on the toad. It incorporates a protective transfer layer too so I could rest assured knowing the other components in the brake system won’t sustain damages. By using this brake pad for towing operations, I have no trouble avoiding tedious maintenance as well as expensive repair bills.
On arrival, Bosch QuietCast BC905 comes alongside a hardware kit that speeds up installation. Naturally, it didn’t take a lot of work for me to set up this brake pad in my towing vehicle. Once the installation concludes, this brake pad is going to work until the day it breaks apart while requiring minimal attention. The only thing that I have to do is to apply synthetic lubricant from time to time.
To reassure customers, Bosch offers everyone that picks up its brake pad a one-year manufacturer warranty. For those that like to stay on the safe side like me, it’s among the best brake pads for trucks at its price range.
Pros:
- Resilient
- Intuitive installation
- No-nonsense maintenance
Cons:
- Several units show up with missing clips
- Shipping requires improvements
#3. Editor’s Choice: Akebono ProACT ACT787 Ceramic Brake Pad Set
Specifications And Features:
- Dimensions: 6.4 x 3.7 x 3.2 Inches
- Weight: 4.1 Pounds
- No break-in
- Rotor-friendly
- Vehicle-optimized formula
Why This Is The Editor’s Choice:
Seek a trustworthy set of heavy-duty brake pads for towing that hold together throughout the years? In that case, you may want to spare a bit of time to see what Akebono ProACT ACT787 could do on the road. Designed with a vehicle-optimized formula, it’s capable of providing superb braking performance for a long time. As a result, by opting for this brake pad, you don’t have to worry about the fading of brakes while hauling heavy loads.
I appreciate the fact that the towing brake pad from Akebono is made to replace OEM brake pads (semi-metallic, low-metallic, organic, etc). That is why it proves to be a fantastic fit for the brake system of countless vehicles including mine. It’s noteworthy that unlike classic models on the market, there is no need to give this brake pad a break-in period. The moment the installation wraps up, this brake would immediately contribute to the braking power of towing setups.
As for the noise, I’m pleased to report that ACT787 stays quiet regardless of what is going on. Unsurprisingly, in terms of peace of mind, a lot of reviews deem this brake pad to be one of the best brake pads for towing. Aside from that, it’s rotor-friendly so the odds of this brake pad damaging the rotor tend to be low. If you care about the integrity of your rotor, you should add this brake pad to your shortlist.
Made from ceramic, Akebono ProACT ACT787 produces little dust which eases brake maintenance. Usually, with this brake pad, it’s possible to keep brake dust from causing health issues to people in the surroundings. Besides that, thanks to its outstanding strength, this brake pad easily handles a multitude of elements: heat, cold, water and so on. Thus, no matter the weather, it’s going to preserve the braking power of my rig.
While the Akebono brake pad is not exactly dirt-cheap, its purchase should cause inconsequential impacts to the spending plan. The accompanying one-year warranty is reassuring by all accounts as well.
Pros:
- Economical
- Long-lasting
- Simple to set up
Cons:
- Inconsistencies exist between units
- People sometimes complain about getting incomplete kits
#4. Wagner SevereDuty SX756 Semi-Metallic Disc Brake Pad
Specifications And Features:
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.2 x 2.5 Inches
- Weight: 6.2 Pounds
- Mechanical retention
- Premium stainless-steel hardware
- Carbon-based friction formulation
Why We Love It:
Possessing a tough construction, Wagner SevereDuty SX756 is among the best brake pads for towing operations in demanding conditions. Featuring carbon-based friction formulation, this brake pad is able to provide excellent braking power even with heavy loads. In addition, with this towing brake pad, the performance of my brake system remains the same as temperature in the outdoors fluctuates. Because of that, by taking advantage of it, I could maneuver my towing setup to a stop at my leisure.
To facilitate the setup process, Wagner distributes SevereDuty SX756 with premium stainless-steel hardware which saves me time and effort. The OEM-style design of this brake pad means it would smoothly take the place of stock brake pads while causing no issue with fitness as well. Also, with this brake pad leaving small amounts of dust over time, brake dust is not a big concern to me. Therefore, after I finish installing this brake pad, I only need to check it from time to time to see if replacement is necessary.
As proof of confidence, Wagner backs its brake pad for towing with a top-of-the-line lifetime warranty. If my brake pad fails due to manufacturing defects, I could claim a replacement free of charge.
Pros:
- Reasonable price
- Easy to maintain
- Outstanding post-purchase support
Cons:
- Reports of units showing up damaged pop up on occasions
- Packaging still leaves something to be desired
#5. Power Stop K5874-36 Ceramic Brake Pads
Specifications And Features:
- Dimensions: 14.0 x 14.0 x 12.0 Inches
- Weight: 78.8 Pounds
- Drilled and slotted rotors
- Carbon-fiber ceramic material
- Zinc plating
Why We Love It:
If you find the performance of the stock brake system of your vehicle to be less than ideal, take a look at Power Stop K5874-36. Consisting of rotors, brake pads and hardware, this kit helps me upgrade my brake system in a blink of an eye. With the universal compatibility of the rotors, I have no trouble setting them up in my vehicle. Furthermore, the drilled and slotted build of the rotors simplify the dissipation of heat as well as gas on the road.
Utilizing carbon-fiber ceramic material, the brake pad made by Power Stop is capable of maximizing the braking power of my towing setup in all situations. Noteworthily, as this brake pad for towing works to stop my vehicle, it’s going to keep the noise down too. As a result, regarding noise level, this brake pad is one of the best brake pads for towing money can buy. Last but not least, since it wears out slowly, I won’t need to dedicate a big chunk of my budget to brake pad replacement.
About resistance, K5874-36 integrates zinc coating that protects it from corrosion once exposed to water, moisture, etc. This towing brake pad leaves little dust behind as well so maintenance is a piece of cake.
Pros:
- Silent
- Braking power is marvelous
- Splendid delivery service
Cons:
- Steep price
- Certain pins don’t have a snug fit
#6. Hawk Performance HB302Y700 LTS Brake Pad
Specifications And Features:
- Dimensions: 4.0 x 9.0 x 2.0 Inches
- Weight: 6.2 Pounds
- Ferro-carbon formulation
- Rapid heat dissipation
- Superior fade resistance
Why We Love It:
Made for modern standards and built to last, Hawk Performance HB302Y700 is a good choice for the average towing operations. Thanks to the ferro-carbon formulation, this towing brake pad could generate friction to stop my towing setups no matter what. In addition, since this brake pad boasts rapid heat dissipation, it’s able to hold together as friction builds up. That is a big plus for those that have to deal with draw-out towing operations like me.
Once it comes to compatibility, HB302Y700 fits quite a few towing status including mine which simplifies installation. Needless to say, the setup process lasts mere moments and my toolbox contains everything I need. Following installation, this brake pad for towing would boot the braking performance for years to come. Finally, with the amount of brake dust that it creates, I don’t have to spend all day cleaning the brake system during maintenance.
Making minimal noise in the course of operation, the Hawk Performance brake pad never gives my ears a hard time on the road. If you have a sensitive sense of hearing, this brake bad is among the best brake pads for towing you can get.
Pros:
- Low noise level
- Maintenance is a snap
- Long replacement interval
Cons:
- Quality control is barely acceptable
- Mediocre customer service
#7. Power Stop K6268-36 Z36 Truck Tow Brake Kit
Specifications And Features:
- Dimensions: 4.0 x 9.0 x 2.0 Inches
- Weight: 6.2 Pounds
- Iron rotors
- Stainless steel installation hardware
- Improved braking performance
Why We Love It:
Packing everything that people need to achieve optimal braking power, Power Stop K6268-36 Z36 seldom fails to please. In use, the brake pads of this kit not only generate a large amount of fiction but also protect other components of the brake system. As a result, the need for repair and replacement of my brake system is manageable for most of the time. In addition to that, this kit includes iron rotors as well so could swap out the stock rotors at a moment’s notice.
Upon purchase, the kit from Power Stop is accompanied by Stainless steel installation hardware so the setup process is brief. The compatibility of the rotors and brake pads eliminates issues with fitness as well. Because of that, in terms of straightforwardness, reviews of the best brake pads for heavy towing tend to rate this kit above others. Finally, after the conclusion of installation, the rotors and brake pads work in a quiet manner.
At a glance, K6268-36 costs more than its competitors but the values it delivers match its price tag. It’s worth pointing out that the longevity of this kit saves a couple of bucks in the long run.
Pros:
- Sturdy and stable
- Undemanding setup process
- Post-purchase support is responsive
Cons:
- Complaints about warping appear every now and then
- A number of kits arrive with missing hardware
#8. Wagner ThermoQuiet QC465A Ceramic Disc Brake Pad
Specifications And Features:
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.3 x 2.0 Inches
- Weight: 3.1 Pounds
- Rotor protection
- Dispersed heat, sound and vibration
- Low dust
Why We Love It:
Despite the plain design, Wagner ThermoQuiet QC465A is a robust brake pad that gives a good account of itself in all sorts of arrangements. Owing to its unique formulation, this brake pad is capable of minimizing fading as time passes by. Therefore, with this brake pad for towing, the braking power of my towing setup stays the same even after tens of thousands of miles. Also, created with rotor protection in mind, it cuts down the expenses that go into my rotors on the road.
One interesting thing about ThermoQuiet QC465A is that it speeds up the dispersion of heat, sound and vibration. Thus, this brake pad simultaneously boosts the braking power of my rig and gets rid of distractions in towing operation. Unsurprisingly, it earns a shower of praises for its low noise level in use. Lastly, the low amount of dust that this brake pad for towing releases in the course of operation makes maintenance a cinch.
Since the brake pad from Wagner reaches the market at a price that everyone could accept, it’s popular among cost-conscious vehicle owners. It’s backed by a two-year manufacturer warranty that covers defects too.
Pros:
- Fantastic lifespan
- Rugged
- A breeze to install
Cons:
- People notice irregular drops in braking power
- A few units fail to fit snugly
#9. Motorcraft SuperDuty BRSD756
Specifications And Features:
- Dimensions: 6.3 x 21.8 x 14.2 Inches
- Weight: 6.4 Pounds
- Ceramic and semi-metallic
- Precise
- For direct replacement
Why We Love It:
Effective and efficient, Motorcraft SuperDuty BRSD756 is a wise investment for those who have to haul heavy loads from time to time. Made with precision in mind, this brake pad is able to fit quite a few towing setups nowadays. It’s noteworthy that this towing brake pad is designed for direct replacement as well so there is no need to worry about compatibility. Naturally, once it comes to replacing OEM brake pads, this brake pad is among the best brake pads for RV towing.
Unlike traditional brake pads for towing, the Motorcraft brake pad maintains a steady generation of friction as time passes by. Because of that, the braking power of my vehicle won’t degrade too much until the time to pick up replacements is around the corner. Moreover, the amount of dust that it releases into the vicinity in the course of operation is negligible. With this brake pad in the brake system of my vehicle, getting rid of dust build-ups is child’s play.
On arrival, SuperDuty BRSD756 is backed by a two-year warranty. That means if this brake pad acts up within the warranty period, I could expect Motorcraft to set things straight.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Minimal dust
- Braking power is consistent
Cons:
- Particular units show up in a used state
- A couple of vehicle owners report units squeaking on occasions
#10. Brembo P83024N Disc Brake Pad
Specifications And Features:
- Dimensions: 4.6 x 0.6 x 1.7 Inches
- Weight: 0.9 Pounds
- Anti-squeal shim
- Dust reduction
- Hardware included
Why We Love It:
If you have had enough with the brake pads of your vehicle squeaking on the road, Brembo P83024N is exactly what you need. Engineered from the ground up with anti-squeal shim, this brake pad for towing is good at keeping the noise down. That is why in terms of noise level, it’s one of the leading models available for purchase. In addition, this brake pad integrates an acoustic wear indicator so if it gets loud, all I have to do is to grab a new one.
About installation, the brake pad made by Brembo is accompanied by hardware so the setup process is a walk in the park. Similar to its competitors, this brake pad is capable of replacing stock brake pads in the brake system of many vehicles. Therefore, I don’t have to bother with compatibility while outfitting my truck with this brake pad. Finally, since this brake pad is rotor-friendly, it minimizes the odds of my rotors sustaining damages.
In terms of resistance, P83024N could deal with challenges of towing from temperature changes to high humidity. Needless to say, the replacement interval of this brake pad is longer than that of standard models. The affordability of this brake pad means the replacement expense is reasonable too.
Pros:
- Installation is instantaneous
- Smooth braking
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Quick accumulation of dust
- Customer service is not exactly responsive
How To Get The Best Brake Pads For Towing: Buying Criteria
People have all sorts of opinions about the best brake pads for towing but to make an investment that you won’t regret, remember these criteria.
Friction
To put it plainly, the amount of friction of brake pads generated in use dictate their ability to clamp to the rotor. As the friction increases, the time it takes for towing setups to come to a stop on the road drops.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to give friction some thought as you assess towing brake pads on the market. You should be able to grasp how much friction a model could generate by checking out its design, construction, …
Heat Dissipation
With braking involving so much friction in most of the cases, it’s only natural that heat dissipation requires special attention. If your brake pads dissipate heat well, the brake system of your vehicle is going to work smoothly.
On the other hand, if your set of brake pads is incapable of dissipating quick enough, components in the brake system would eventually start warping.
Thus, to preserve the performance of the brake system, you need to keep an eye out for models with fast heat dissipation.
Dust
All brake pads leave behind dust over time but a number of modes leave less dust than the rest. To prevent build-ups of brake dust from complicating the maintenance of the brake system, you should think about dust as you shop for brake dust.
Usually, you may tell whether a model would leave a lot of dust by inspecting its material. Still, to be thorough, to read several customer reviews and see what they have to say.
Compatibility
Different vehicles feature different specifications which is why if you seek the best brake pads for towing, it’s essential to consider compatibility. Having high-end brake pads means little if you cannot get the pads to work with your towing setup.
For good measure, refer to the owner’s manual of your vehicle, note down the details and use them as references. By doing so, you could remove incompatible models from your shortlist with relative ease.
Price
- $25 – $50: Being entry-level brake pads, models in the range lack fancy features but they perform well in quite a few arrangements. Furthermore, with excellent affordability, brake pads that cost from $25 to $50 prove popular among cost-conscious vehicle owners.
- $25 – $75: Available at reasonable prices while packing everything people expect from brake pads, models in the range rarely fail to please. Unable to spend big bucks on brake pads but still like to grab something of quality? In that case, you should prioritize brake pads with price tags between $25 and $75.
- Above $75: Designed to deal with all challenges of towing on the road, models in the range hold together well in use. In exchange for the steep price, brake pads with costs exceeding $75 last a long time so they could extend the replacement interval.
Best Brands Of Brake Pads
Towing brake pads on the market come from multiple brands but in terms of reputability, a couple of names stand out from the rest.
Wagner
Once it comes to automobile products, Wagner is the brand of choice of many people who care about consistency. Created with the preservation of braking power in mind, brake pads from Wagner perform well over time so fading is less of a problem.
Additionally, it’s noteworthy that Wagner releases models across the price points.
That means no matter how much money you intend to spend, Wagner could always provide you with a number of brake pads.
Bosh
As a long-established brand with plenty of experience, Bosh understands the characteristics of towing operations and designs its brake pads accordingly. All in all, regarding field performance, brake pads made by Bosh have few competitors at the moment.
To reassure its customers, Bosh willingly backs its models with warranties that cover manufacturing defects. Unsurprisingly, Bosh brake pads earn a shower of praises from people that want to play it safe.
ACDelco
By emphasizing innovation, ACDelco is capable of producing robust brake pads that remain competitive throughout the years.
Besides that, models from ACDelco usually leave behind less dust than other brake pads so they facilitate maintenance.
As a result, with ACDelco brake pads, people don’t have to worry too much about the accumulation of brake dust. Last but not least, models of ACDelco have long replacement intervals which is a big plus.
Hawk Performance
Thanks to the user-oriented approach, Hawk Performance brake pads tend to achieve high scores in brake pad reviews. Boasting no-nonsense installation, models of Hawk Performance require little time and effort to set up.
In addition, with outstanding compatibility, brake pads from Hawk Performance match numerous towing setups. Thus, you should have an easy time adapting Hawk Performance models to your vehicle.
FAQs About Brake Pads For Towing
1. Do brakes wear faster when towing?
Yes, the time it takes for brakes to become worn out shorten if people use their vehicles to tow things. For your information, one of the factors that influence the wearing rate of brakes is the weight of the vehicle. During towing operations, brakes must work extra hard to stop the towing vehicles as well as whatever they tow. Hence, it’s key to keep an eye on the brake system if you use your vehicle to haul heavy loads from time to time.
2. Are ceramic brake pads better for towing?
It depends. Ceramic brake pads dissipate heat well, create little dust and work in a quiet manner. Nonetheless, brake pads that integrate ceramic cost a lot so their replacement expense is high. If you opt to use ceramic brake pads, make sure that you have the money for them.
3. Which is the difference between ceramic or metallic brake pads?
The key difference between ceramic or metallic brake pads is material.
Made from ceramic, ceramic brake pads feature superb temperature tolerance so their performance is invulnerable to extreme heat and cold. Furthermore, with the low noise level, ceramic brake pads manage to maintain a low profile in the course of operation. Naturally, few people find ceramic brake pads making a ruckus when they hit the brake. Finally, since ceramic brake pads only produce a small amount of dust, maintenance is a walk in the park.
In the case of metallic brake pads, the incorporation of metal results in tip-top resilience.
Needless to say, brake pads made from metal work well in a multitude of conditions. Still, metallic brake pads may get kind of loud so not everyone likes using them. Also, while the metallic brake pads could hold their own, they exacerbate the wearing of other components in the brake system.
4. What is the best brake pad material for a truck?
Assuming that you have money to spend, you should select ceramic as the material for your brake pads. Ceramic brake pads not only help with the braking power of your towing setup but also let you avoid numerous hassles (noise, brake dust, etc). Of course, if your shopping budget is a bit tight, feel free to go for either metallic or organic brake pads. These brake pads should be adequate for standard towing operations so there is no need to hesitate.
5. How often should you change brake pads on a truck?
The replacement interval for brake pads changes from setup to setup but on average, you have to consider replacing the brake pads every 45,000 miles. Of course, you should still check up on your brake pads every now and then as a precaution. If you notice excessive wear on the brake pads, replace them at once.
6. When should you change brake pads and rotors?
Overall, it’s a good idea to purchase new brake pads and rotors for your vehicle if you come across these signs:
Noise: Worn-out brake pads usually make a lot of noises in the outdoors. In the beginning, it may sound like your set of brake pads is squeaking but as time passes by, it would make grinding noise. When the grinding begins, it’s important to replace the brake pads as soon as possible to protect the brake system.
Vibration: It’s not uncommon for vehicles to experience vibration the moment the brake is applied. However, in the case that you experience excessive vibration every time you hit the brake, it’s high time you replace your brake pads.
Time: If you detect an increase in the time the brake needs to bring your vehicle to a halt, two possibilities exist: worn-out brake pads and depleted brake fluid. An in-depth examination of the brake system should tell which one is true in your case.
Brake Warning Light: Various vehicles nowadays boast an integrated brake warning light on the dashboard that warns drivers of brake issues. By taking a look at the brake warning light, you could tell whether the replacement of brake pads is due.
Thickness: It’s possible to determine the condition of brake pads via visual inspection. For most of the time, if a brake pad is thinner than a quarter of an inch, you have to replace it.
7. Should you replace all 4 brake pads at once?
There are brake pads on each of your vehicle’s wheels. Most mechanics recommend replacing brake pads in the front or brake pads in the rear at the same time.
If one brake pad on the front axle is replaced, then all brake pads on the front axle should be replaced. This is because brake pads located on the same axle typically wear out at the same rate, so if one front brake pad needs to be replaced, the other one probably does, too.
The front and the rear car brake pads will not always wear out at the same rate. In fact, the front pads wear out much faster than the rear pads, so you may need to change brake pads in the front more often.
8. How much does it cost to replace all brake pads?
The cost of replacing brake pads varies between models but you should prepare to spend at least $450 for complete replacement.
Front Brake Pads:
With the front brakes doing most of the work (around 70%) when braking, front brake pads naturally wear out faster than their rear counterparts. Therefore, it’s highly likely that you have to spend a lot of money on the replacement of the front brake pads.
Rear Brake Pads:
Rear brakes also help with the braking of vehicles on the road but the percentage of their contribution is only around 30%. As a result, rear brake pads last longer than front ones but not by a considerable margin. If you notice that the front brake pads must be replaced, the replacement of brake pads on the rear is not far behind. Depending on the travel style, it’s wise to replace the front as well as the rear brake pads at the same time.
