Inside the wheels are the brute force parts of your vehicle’s braking system. The Brake Shoes or Pads work with the rotors or drums, respectively, to stop the wheels from turning. At first interaction with your brake system—when you press your foot down on the brake pedal—the shoes or pads at the very opposite end of that system are only fractions of a second f... Read More

Brake Pads & Shoes Information

Why are Brake Pads & Shoes Part(s) Important

Inside the wheels are the brute force parts of your vehicle’s braking system. The Brake Shoes or Pads work with the rotors or drums, respectively, to stop the wheels from turning. At first interaction with your brake system—when you press your foot down on the brake pedal—the shoes or pads at the very opposite end of that system are only fractions of a second from being engaged.

The process varies per the sophistication of your brake system but typically hydraulic pressure makes its way from the master cylinder to your brake cylinder (for drums) and/or caliper (for discs). The shoes push out against the inside walls of a wheel drum while the pads are pressed together, sandwiching a rotor in between them; both result in friction causing drag against wheel rotation. In turn vehicle momentum is slowed or halted.

Demystifying the Brake Pad and Shoe

• Brake pad and shoe replacement

• Gauging brake pad thickness

• Comparing brake pad material

• Diagnosing failing brake pads

Performance Brakes

If you've done anything to increase the performance of the vehicle and haven't considered performance brakes, we would implore you to give it a think. In the effort of going really fast, the value of being able to stop really fast can not be overstated. Condescending tone aside, performance platforms require high performance brake pads and rotors to maintain effectiveness at the vehicle speeds and disc temperatures they are capable of reaching.

If you drive in the mountains or carry heavy loads you should upgrade your pads and shoes as well. Likewise, any racing application with disc brakes could benefit from an upgrade to Powerstop Street Performance Brake Pads

Premium Brakes

Using upgraded pads and shoes can slow down the wear in addition to increasing braking performance. Premium quality pads and shoes improve on OEM shortcomings where possible while conserving the traditional measurements to ensure easy OEM-style installation. Premium brake pads, like Akebono's Ultra Premium Ceramic Brake Pads, tend to have more durability under heat which increases their lifespan and performance.

OEM Brakes

Original Equipment replacement pads and shoes are designed to give your vehicle the same braking performance as when the vehicle was new. OEM brake pads and shoes are very often the most economical and stock option available in the automotive after market. EBC's Ultimax Brake Pads provide an economical option that will completely restore brake pad performance.

Brands

Brands within Brake Pads & Shoes

Akebono	ATE	Auto7	Beck/Arnley	EBC
FAP	Hawk Performance	Monroe Brakes	Omix-ADA	Power Slot
PowerStop	Raybestos	Stainless Steel Brakes	Wagner Brakes