Toyota Camry 1997-2011: Brake Pad Reviews

This article applies to the Toyota Camry (1997-2011).

Your brake pads are one of the most essential components to your braking system. They contain a friction compound that pushes against the brake rotor which eventually slows down your car. Aftermarket manufacturers are constantly investing in developing new compounds to provided better stopping power and reduced stopping distances. Today, whether you are looking for an OE replacement or a nice upgrade, there are tons of options available in the aftermarket. Use this guide to make an informed decision about which brake pad fits your needs and goals the best.

Brake Pads

Brembo Semi-Metallic

Price: $28

Material: Semi-Metallic

Performance: Daily Driver Use

Lifespan: 30k+ miles

Warranty: 30 days

The Brembo Semi-Metallic brake pads are born from the legendary Brembo lineage. As many of you know, Brembo brakes are found in nearly all performance cars including Ferraris, Corvettes, and Nissan GT-Rs due to their proven braking performance on the street and track. Although a Brembo Big Brake Kit is not in most people's budget, a Brembo brake pad can provide some of the performance and bragging rights associated with the brand. The semi-metallic pad, however, is a cheaper material than the competitors' ceramic compound and does not last as long. When used for aggressive driving, the metallic components in the brake pad compound are prone to scratching the rotor surface making these pads less popular in the Camry community. For a small investment, the competitors' provide a better tread compound and all-around performance. Recommended if you're looking for reputable pads for your daily driving.

Centric Posi-Quiet

Price: $41

Material: Ceramic

Performance: Daily Driver Use

Lifespan: 50k+ miles

Warranty: 90 days/3000 miles

If you don't plan on taking your Camry on the track or driving it hard, then the Centric Posi-Quiets make some of the best daily driver brake pads available on the market. The Posi-Quiet technology, including a precision cut backing plate and new shims, allow for some of the quietest and smoothest operating brake operation in the market. Due to a less aggressive compound, these pads produce little to no dust which keeps your Camry looking clean! Centric brake pads are known to install in a breeze and provide a modest improvement over stock according to Camry owners. If you are looking for a great brake pad to get to you from point A to B with no drama, check out the Centric Posi-Quiets. Recommended if you're looking for quiet, smooth, and less dusty brake pads.

Powerstop Z23 Evolution

.

Price: $39

Material: Ceramic

Performance: Spirited Street Driving Use

Lifespan: 50k+ miles

Warranty: 30 day/500 miles

Made for the enthusiast that daily drives their Camry, the Powerstop Z23 Evolution is an extremely versatile pad. These pads will do well whether you are doing a canyon run or daily driving through traffic. Most Powerstop owners find that these pads are easy to replace and provide a huge upgrade over the original brake pad. Powerstop ships their brake pads with new hardware to make sure you get the best experience out of their brake pads. This pad's versatility does come at a cost however. They will make slightly more noise and produce more dust than the Centric Posi-Quiets and will not perform as well on spirited drives as the EBC Red Stuff. For a bit outside of normal driving, don't overlook the Powerstop Z23 Evolution! Recommended if you're looking for versatile brake pads for different driving purposes.

EBC Red Stuff

Price: $89

Material: Ceramic

Performance: Street/Light Track Use

Lifespan: 40k+ miles

Warranty: 6 months/5000 miles

The EBC Red Stuff Brake Pad is an industry standard and a favorite among forum users. Due to patented technology, the Red Stuff Compound is up to 80% less than OE according to EBC. Unlike other brake pads that require a break-in period of intense braking and acceleration, EBC brake include the signature red brake pad break-in coating that properly breaks in your brake pads within 500 miles of normal driving. Unlike the Centric or Powerstop pads, these EBC Red Stuff brake pads are more resistant to brake fade and cracking making them more suited for performance driving use. Many EBC users have also claimed success with these pads on the race track due to their slightly aggressive compound. Although these aren't the best for a track-only car, they offer a nice compromise for those who still daily drive their Camry. Recommended if you're looking for brake pads that can withstand aggressive driving.

Related Discussions

• EBC Red Stuff- Summitracing.com
• Powerstop Z23 Evolution- Summitracing.com
• Centric Posi-Quiet - Summitracing.com