I am getting all sorts of advice on "best" pads for my 2003 Honda Accord EX. What type should I buy? I have been told composite up to ceramic. Front and back set from $40-120. The job itself seems easier than picking the right pads! What would you recommend? I plan on keeping the car for at least another 5-6 years. Thank you.

 

Just did the complete job. Front, rears rotors and fluid.
Brembo rotors all around, $83 for fronts and $62 for rears.
PBR/Axxis Ultimate (The PBR Axxis Ultimate brake pads feature a special Kevlar« and ceramic-strengthened formula with a high co-efficient of friction and excellent high temperature wear and fade resistance.) All around as well, $60 for fronts and $40 for rears.
Bleed the entire system to change out all the old fluid since it hadn't been done since new (148k miles).
Results were fantastic. Even my wife noted the difference and she's the type to put the key in and go. Car stops on a dime and can do it all day long without problem. I would recommend these for anyone! The pads may seem a bit aggressive for the street but that is where the unexpected happens.

 

The higher end Brembo stuff is nice, but if your more tight with your money and dont want the "expensive rotors and pads" on your ride, the Wagner Thermoquiet is what I run on my 96 Accord and they stop just fine with the new rotors I put on. I have no brake noise at all.

 

Every ones choice is the best and of course even if they arent the best...no one would admit it..

WheelBrokerAng

 

Brake pads recommendations is like asking what oil do you like.

The wagner thermoquiets are good pads. I would probably not go cheap on the rotors. I would probably get OEM or Brembo rotors. It seems that the cheaper rotors can warp easier.

You might want to find out if your current rotors can get machined to get a smooth surface. Is the car shaking when you are braking right now?

 

The Centric Premium E-coat rotors that they sell at Tire Rack are very good, I have them on the front, and some no name on the rear, and I can tell you that after 9 months the Centric are smooth as glass and the no names are less than perfect, and have corrosion on the Hat and around the edge.
I also have the Wagner TQ pads Front and Rear, I like them but the rear is starting to make a small squeak when I back out in the morning.

 

When getting new pads you have to ask a few questions like do you like to clean your wheels? There are a lot of good products. OEM pads that work well but but dust everywhere. Metallic pads that have better stopping power and resist fading but can develop a squeal after a awhile. Or ceramic/ kevlar pads that stop very well that resist fading and don't put out much dust but can eat cheep rotors.
I stated earlier what I used and for about $250 total I have a braking system that works better than when the car was new. To me the cost was well worth it as now I have a renewed confidence in the car's ability to stop. But obviously everybody budget is different and cost has to be factored in.

 

I just installed Warner ThermoQuiet front pads on my 2005 Accord LX. I decided on the ceramic models due to the modest price difference and claimed extra performance. OEM pads were organic friction material. After 1,300 miles the brakes are "dead" quiet and perform great - as well or better than as the OEM pads. Good performance whether hot or cold. No brake dust on the wheels either.

A couple of installation tips:
- resurface rotors and wash with soap and water before reinstalling to get rid of metal dust from machining process.
- do not re-use the stock OEM shims with these pads -they're not needed
- use brake lube on the the pad guides/"ears" but not the back of the brake pad (putting grease on the back of the pads may void the warranty)
- my pad set came with new hardware guides that clip to the caliper - nice addition to enhance even pad wear - lube the area that make contact with the pad guides - use high-temp brake lube
- break the pads in with about 10-15 stops at slow speed before driving in traffic

I'm optimistic about the continued performance and longevity of these pads.

hausbeck