You love your car and will become very attached to it. When your automobile needs new brakes, an essential part of the vehicle, what do you do? You could take it to the dealer, who will be pretty pricey. Do you want to take the risk of using aftermarket parts?
The original equipment manufacturer does not make aftermarket parts, but they will get the job done. We have done our due diligence for you and have made a list with all the trimmings. Take a look at the facts below to see the best aftermarket brakes that won’t put a squeeze on your wallet.
What Makes a Product the Best?
Whatever makes a product the best will be gauged by the person using it, along with the products’ value, reliability, and life span.
What might make a product the best according to the average consumer?
- Purpose – does it fulfill its use and work properly?
- Craftsmanship – is it made to work correctly and last?
- Price – is the price equal to the top of the line or the super saver model?
- Comparison – can you find a few products to compare manufacturer criteria?
The following are the best aftermarket brake pads and rotors. We will use the worst-case scenario and review the complete brake replacement with rotors and pads.
BOSCH 50011479 QuietCast Premium Disc Brake Rotor
This rotor is balanced for smooth operation and has good heat dissipation. This rotor has a long life due to the coating of Alutherm 80, which also provides a fresh look for the open-wheel concept of today. This rotor is available on Amazon for $ 80.50 for one rotor.
As you will see, these rotors are about twice the price of the ACDelco Silver. For now, let’s take a look at the brake pads.
Bosch BC1391 QuietCast Ceramic Disc Brake Pads
These pads provide remarkable stopping power, low dust, and quiet operation. They have a multi-layer shim which provides robust strength. They are copper free and have a protective layer that extends the life of the pad and the rotor. The pad comes with lubricant and hardware from Amazon for $ 43.78.
ACDelco Silver 18A1659A Front Disc Brake Rotor
This rotor is manufactured by General Motors for both foreign and domestic cars. Suppose you want to do the replacement yourself; know that you need to buy two rotors. They sell them on Amazon for $39.98 per pad.
They are made with multiple alloys to enhance heat dissipation. They are also milled and balanced, so there is no need to add weights to balance them. They are economically a good deal, and they are dependable. Now let’s get the brake pads.
ACDelco Gold 17D1367CH Ceramic Front Disc Brake Pads
This set of pads will effectively give you braking power without noise or vibration. They will provide breaking safety without premature wear. They are sold on Amazon for $ 64.04 per set.
Raybestos 96711 Advanced Technology Disc Brake Rotor
This name is a familiar one for quality brake parts for the aftermarket. This rotor is cast iron and suitable for the day-to-day driving that we all do. The rotor has an “S” groove space that helps with the contact of the rotor with the pads. This rotor is appropriate for both front and back wheels. It is available on Amazon for $ 36.39.
Remember, you don’t have to pair the same brand pads and rotors; however, you have to make sure that they are made for your vehicle.
Akebono – ACT1089A Ultra-Premium Ceramic
This is a premium ceramic brake pad, and it comes in a set. You will have some dust and noise during the break-in time. The pads are well made and are great for everyday driving. They are available on Amazon for $ 45.49.
Ceramic VS. Semi-Metallic Brake Pads
Ceramic or Metal, which one should you choose?
There are some pros and cons to both Ceramic and Semi-Metallic Pads.
| Brake Material | Pros | Cons |
| Ceramic Pads | Suitable for everyday driving in town, city, and highwayQuietLess brake dustLow wear on your rotorsLess expensive | Not great in cold or wet weatherNot suitable for towing or heaving loads |
| Metal Pads | Made for heavy braking, high mileage, and sportsMore efficient in several conditionsGood heat absorptionLast longer | NoisierDustyPriceyRotor wear down |
As you can see, they both have good and bad points; you will have to pick the pads for the driving you do and your vehicle type.
Conclusion
You will have many choices when you decide to have your brakes replaced. If you want to save some money, you could do this yourself. It takes some patience and time, but it is not difficult. Your other option is to have them replaced by a mechanic, but you will pay more for that.