12 best brake pad companies
Top Asian Brake Pad Manufacturers
Despite the fact that the main market segment belongs to European companies, Asian brake pad manufacturers also do not complain about the lack of demand. This is facilitated by the prevalence of Japanese and Korean cars around the globe. As for purely technical characteristics, Asian brake pads, for the most part, have a good working life, coupled with a high degree of reliability, but the price level for the original is quite high.
4 Sangsin
Country: South Korea
Rating (2022): 4.6
The largest manufacturer of brake pads in Korea is a leader in supplying the domestic market, and has long been recognized worldwide in the external market. The composition of the friction material obtained from the exclusive developments of the engineering department meets international quality standards. Before the launch of the next model in the series, testing is carried out (hot, cold and sports braking, recovery after braking), and the results obtained as a result always exceed the requirements for the pads of a particular brand of car.
Providing most of the Korean auto giants with front and rear friction linings, Sangsin is represented on the consumables market by the Hi-Q product - Sangsin Brake. All manufactured products come in original packaging and are embossed by Sangsin Brake Industry.Using these pads in their cars, owners note a low level of noise during braking and dust settling on the discs. Also, in their reviews, they positively evaluate the presence of ceramic substances in the working layer - with it, the pads have good ductility, which significantly extends the life of the brake discs.
3 Nisshinbo
Country: Japan
Rating (2022): 4.8
A clear representative of manufacturers of brake pads for urban and sports use. To say that there are unique solutions in manufacturing technology is impossible: the development is carried out according to the world's leading quality standards using Ferodo material, suitable for any driving style (cautious, moderate or more aggressive). In addition, there is a convenient gradation according to the types of pads for certain groups of cars, which is the main "trick" of the company. Mostly owners of Japanese cars, such as Toyota Camry or Mitsubishi Lancer, resort to their use, but the range of supported cars is not limited to passenger models.
Advantages:
- pads have a clear gradation for certain types of vehicles (cars, SUVs, trucks);
- depending on the series, they differ in key characteristics;
- have a high degree of performance and durability.
Flaws:
- high price.
2 Hankook Fixra
Country: South Korea
Rating (2022): 4.9
One of the best manufacturers of car tires very quickly masters the market of brake systems.Hankook Fixra - namely, under this name, products are distributed on the territory of Russia - it is sharpened to create brake pads mainly for Korean cars (such as the Kia Rio or the same Hyundai Solaris), of which there are a lot on Russian roads. The main distinguishing feature of Hankook (and this is really a unique case here) is the use of Kevlar fibers in the production of friction linings, which significantly increase wear resistance and durability parameters.
Advantages:
- the use of Kevlar fibers that reduce wear on the discs and the friction clutches themselves;
- high durability parameters (almost for all models);
- from "non-Korean" cars, the pads go to Renault Logan, Lada Priora, Kalina and other platform brethren.
Flaws:
- high price.
1 Allied Nippon
Country: Japan
Rating (2022): 4.9
For the past year, Allied Nippon has been recognized as the world's leading brake manufacturer. Needless to say - the arsenal of the company is very large. Here you can find both pads for native Japanese or Korean cars (Honda Accord, Hyundai Solaris, etc.), as well as developments for the domestic VAZ (Priora, Kalina) and a number of European cars.
The entire line of brake pads is tailored to the urban rhythm - they easily withstand a mixed driving cycle, accompanied by constant acceleration and hard braking, thanks to the use of mineral metallic - ferrocarbon technology. However, the main advantage lies in the composition of the friction linings. The unique non-asbetic mixture NAM114 has a high service life and, according to this indicator, is able to leave analog developments from other manufacturers out of work.
Advantages:
- the presence in the assortment of pads for domestic cars (VAZ and GAZ);
- products are great for mixed driving;
- pads withstand short-term overloads, they remove heat well;
- asbestos-free clutch and Ferro Carbon technology.
Flaws:
- usually high cost.
The best European manufacturers of brake pads
Europe is one of the pillars of the auto parts market and a reliable supplier of top-end brake pads. Manufactured products are distinguished by high quality parameters and a working resource, but the pleasure of acquiring them requires very tangible costs. The main problem of European pads is forgery - very often on the domestic market you can find cheap analogues of brake elements from well-known companies, which, however, fail after a short use.
4 ATE
Country: Germany
Rating (2022): 4.5
The German giant in the production of brake systems, originating back in 1958. As in ancient times, innovation and pedantry inherent in the Germans are the fundamental concept for the production of pads, which are in consistently high demand among Russian motorists. Among the supported models are not only European cars: here you can find pads for the Solaris, and for the Kia Rio, and even for the brainchild of the infamous General Motors - the Chevrolet Lacetti and the Russian American Chevrolet Niva.
In the manufacture of an important element of the brake system, wear-resistant hard alloys of titanium, chromium, nickel, etc. are used, which guarantee durability and excellent performance of their direct duties.But the main asset of the company is ceramics - silent ceramic pads are widely used to complete supercars.
Advantages:
- a company with a rich history of production and extensive experience;
- use of new production technologies in pads;
- a large number of supported car models.
Flaws:
- consistently high cost.
3 Ferodo
Country: Great Britain
Rating (2022): 4.7
A British giant in the production of automotive components, known in Russia for its Ferodo Target series of brake systems. It was this company that developed a unique friction material technology (oddly enough, called Ferodo), which made it possible to achieve optimal parameters for wear resistance of friction linings and braking characteristics. For many car enthusiasts, the key reason for buying brake pads of this particular brand is the optimal cost (corresponding to quality), which other famous brands cannot boast of.
Advantages:
- very rare squeaks (more often due to single defects of individual models);
- friction linings do not contribute to intensive wear of the disks and do not generate dust;
- you can find pads for almost all running car models.
Flaws:
- not identified.
2 PILENGA
Country: Italy
Rating (2022): 4.8
Founded in 1947, Pilenga's main product today is brake pads and discs. Being the largest supplier of these products to the conveyors of automobile plants in the USA and Europe, the manufacturer carefully monitors the quality.Our own laboratory analyzes the chemical composition and structure of raw materials, tests parts for strength, monitoring all stages of the production of brake pads in accordance with international standards.
Made from a high quality alloy, Pelinga pads do not overheat and do not allow vibration during braking, ensuring minimal wear on the surface of the brake discs. In their reviews, car owners point out that with a fairly low coefficient of friction, the pads provide more than reliable operation of the car's brake system, without making extraneous sounds in the form of a squeak or squeak at all. With frequent operation and heating of the friction material, the performance of the linings is noticeably improved, which makes them the best choice for lovers of aggressive driving style.
1 Lucas/TRW
Country: UK\US
Rating (2022): 4.9
Under the European brand Lucas, the equally well-known American corporation TRW operates in Russia, which has firmly taken its place in the top five manufacturers of auto parts and components over the past five years. Conceptually, TRW does not bring anything new to the production of brake pads, however, it uses the available arsenal of tools to the fullest. That is why both the company and its products are so favored by domestic motorists. Prices are democratic, especially in comparison with some giants of the spare parts industry. One problem is a very high degree of counterfeiting.
Advantages:
- high quality of products;
- the ability to find pads for all running car models (for example, Renault Logan, Chevrolet Lacetti, Niva Chevrolet, Honda Accord, etc.);
- acceptable prices.
Flaws:
- The market is literally teeming with low-grade fakes.
The best Russian manufacturers of brake pads
The main advantage of Russian-made brake pads relative to others lies in the price level. This is one of the cheapest ways to equip a car with important brake elements. In general, their quality and resource cannot be compared with European or Japanese giants, however, individual models are able to impose a “fight” for the championship on the best, albeit purely in the realities of the domestic market.
4 EzATI
Country: Russia
Rating (2022): 4.4
The front and rear brake pads of the Yegoryevsk plant of asbestos technical products are deservedly popular with domestic motorists. Constantly improving production technology, the company offers the consumer a product with improved technical characteristics. In accordance with the new asbestos regulations, the company launched a series of brake pads free of this hazardous material along with traditional asbestos products.
To minimize fakes (there are quite a lot of counterfeits under this brand on the market), the manufacturer began producing pads, the body of which is painted blue using a special technology. The owners highly appreciate the products from Yegorievsk, which are comparable in characteristics to European products. In their reviews, they point to the high braking performance of "cold" pads. With frequent braking and heating, the friction coefficient decreases very slightly (tenths of a percent), which practically does not affect the braking efficiency.
3 Marcon
Country: Russia
Rating (2022): 4.7
A company whose products sell like hot cakes. In order not to overpay for expensive imported pads, users are increasingly looking for benefits in buying Russian-made goods. And often they do not regret it at all. The products of this company are not designed for high-speed driving and sudden braking from 100 km / h to zero, but they can withstand urban rhythm and moderate driving well. Due to the softness of the composition of the friction linings, the pads generate dust, but they do a good job of removing heat from the friction zone (which, it is worth noting, significantly increases the operating time of the discs). Some motorists note that when a fresh kit is installed, a creak begins, but after a certain period of operation it disappears. This situation arises from the fact that the geometry of the discs and the pads themselves do not always match, but in the process of use, all inaccuracies are leveled and rubbed.
Advantages:
- the possibility of repairing the pads at the factory (cleaning, painting, applying the friction layer "street" or "track" to choose from);
- good heat removal from the friction zone (affects the softness of the lining material);
- attractive price.
Flaws:
- some pad models are prone to squeaking.
2 RosDOT
Country: Russia
Rating (2022): 4.9
Brake pads of the RosDOT brand are among the best among domestic elements of brake systems. Users speak very highly of the braking performance, ergonomics and cost of the kit, comparing them with leading European products.It is known for certain that in the manufacture of the friction layer a special composition of anti-noise mastic is used (according to the Italian "recipe"), soft enough to suppress vibrations and prevent resonant vibrations at certain cut-offs of movement. Such pads are installed mainly on domestic cars, such as Lada Kalina, Priora or Grant, as well as co-platformers Renault Logan, Nissan Tiida and similar ones.
Advantages:
- The optimum ratio of price and quality;
- in addition to the above-mentioned cars, the assortment includes pads for Korean and Japanese cars (the same running Solaris and Kia Rio, Honda Civic and Accord);
- the grinding process is fast.
Flaws:
- individual models of pads do not withstand operational loads.
1 STS
Country: Russia
Rating (2022): 5.0
A worthy representative of the Russian production of brake pads. The STS firm closely cooperates with the German companies that causes the high quality of let out production conforming to all European standards. Obviously, the production priority is pads oriented to models of the Renault-Nissan concern (Renault Logan, Renault Duster, Renault Kaptur) and co-platforms from VAZ (Lada Priora, Lada Kalina, etc.). d.). However, among the wide range you can find components for both Korean and American-Russian cars: Hyundai Solaris (Elantra), Toyota Camry, Kia Rio (or Optima), Chevrolet Niva, Chevrolet Lacetti, etc. This is the very case when the quality of Russian production breaks the established stereotypes.
Advantages:
- brake pads meet all quality standards;
- support for a wide range of vehicles;
- good braking performance and durability.
Flaws:
- not detected.
How to choose the right brake pads?
In order to choose the optimal model of brake pads, it is necessary to pay attention to a number of characteristic parameters:
Pad type. There are currently four types of brake pads: semi-metallic (noisy, temperature-dependent, less wear-resistant, but more durable), organic (less noisy, less resistant to wear, creates a lot of dust), low metal (improved heat transfer, increased dust separation and noise), ceramic (low noise, high wear resistance).
Price. Parameter depending on the type of pad supply. The most expensive (and highest quality) are shipped straight from the factory. Average in terms of characteristics go to the spare parts market. The cheapest ones are exported in “packs” to developing countries. For the average consumer, the first two options are acceptable.
Working temperature. For everyday driving on city roads or fast driving on the highway, pads with an operating temperature of 300 - 350 ° C are enough. However, if you are the owner of a sports car, you cannot avoid buying pads operating at a temperature of 800 - 900 ° C.
Appearance of the product (and packaging box). In order not to purchase a fake, you should carefully examine the packaging and the product itself. The first must be neat, corresponding to the value of the product, and contain the ECE R90 (R-90 or 90R) mark of compliance with European production standards in the marking.In turn, the product should not have cracks, chips and bends in the metal base, and the friction linings should fit snugly against it.
Pay attention to the accompanying documentation (its availability) and the quality certificate indicated on the box, and then you are guaranteed to have an original brake pad in your hands, which will become a worthy component of your car.