akebono brake pads review

Akebono Brake Pads Review: All You Need to Know!

Driving a vehicle of any kind requires that you take care of and maintain all of the mechanisms and features that come with the vehicle. This encompasses a wide range of different elements such as the tires, rear-view mirrors, ignition, spark plugs, and brakes just to name a few.

All of these various elements combine to allow you the ability to get those wheels to turn and stop while out on the road. Like with all things that are mechanical, auto parts will eventually break down over time and require that you repair or replace them.

My Top Pick
Akebono ProACT Ultra-Premium Brake Pad Set | Advance Auto Parts

Our top recommendation is the Akebono ACT787 Ceramic Brake Pad Set because it's virtually for every vehicle and it helps enhance the performance of your brake rotor!

Check Price Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

There are several different brake parts on vehicles which break over time however others are more predisposed to giving out than others. One of these most common vehicle parts are brake pads.

Brake pads are used and engaged every time your brakes are active. Over time, they will begin to lose their ability to provide the necessary braking power that your vehicle needs in order to keep you safe while out on the road.

When they begin to lose their overall grip and traction, it’s important for you to replace them as soon as possible if you plan on avoiding any serious injuries or accidents while operating your vehicle. When it comes to replacing your brake pads, there are several different options on the market for you to choose from.

To ensure that you’re selecting the correct brake pads for your vehicle, you need to consider it’s specific make and model in addition to the sizing of your wheels and the compatible brake configuration.

brakes

One of the top brake pad brands out on the market right now is Akebono, Akebono produces a wide range of different vehicle brake options and models. All of their brakes are designed to provide you with enhanced stopping-power and an increased level of traction control.

Since they offer a wide range of different brake selections for you to choose from, it’s important that you understand and become educated about what the different selections provide in terms of benefits for your vehicle’s mobility and overall braking performance.

If you’ve been looking for a reliable pair of brake pads but haven’t been able to find the right pair of car brake pads for your vehicle, you’re in luck because in this guide we’re going to go over all of the most important features and facts that you need to know about Akebono brake pads and how you should approach choosing the right fit for your specific vehicle make and model.

To begin, let’s take a look at some of the brief history behind the company and how it came to be the world’s leader in brake pad options currently on the market.

History Behind the Company: Akebono

akebono logo

Akebono was started in 1980 when it first launched its brake sales department facility in Chicago, IL. Later, the company was opened by the Akebono/Delphi partnership venture manufacturing operations which were located in Elizabethtown, KY where operations would first begin in 1988.

In 1989, the North American Brake Systems Engineering Center would open in Farmington Hills, Michigan. In 1994, the Akebono/Itochu partnership manufacturing operation opened in Glasgow, KY where later the Akebono distribution facility would open in Munfordville, KY. Later in 1998, the company would form the Akebono Corporation North America incorporated until 2002 while also opening its manufacturing facility in Springfield, KY.

2006 would be a highlight year for the company because it is when the AMBRAKE Corporation was fully acquired by the Akebono Manufacturing operation. In 2009, Akebono purchased the Robert Bosch North American foundation brake department which would lead to the company developing into an international brand that many car owners and repair specialist know today. 

With over 85yrs of experience in the industry, Akebono is a trusted supplier and manufacturer of brake pad selections designed to enhance the braking performance of virtually any vehicle.

The company is committed to providing its customers with consistent innovation and quality product control standards that translate to real-world performance and stability while on the road.

It is one of the world’s leading OEM auto parts manufacturers who make brake pads for a wide range of different vehicle brands and classes including Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Audi, Chrysler, GM, and more. They also produce a wide range of different friction material that go into the production of brake discs calipers, drum brakes, and much more.

Now that we’ve gone over some of the brief histories behind the company, it’s time to take a look at all of the different brake pad options offered by Akebono.

Brake Pad Options: Akebono

akibono pads

Akebono offers three different distinct brake pad options all of which are designed to provide specific performance enhancements and benefits to drivers. Before you decide to make a final purchase decision about which set of brake pads are right for your vehicle, it’s important for you to become educated and knowledgeable about exactly the type of vehicles they were made for and who will gain the most benefit from using these brake pads.

In the following section, we’re going to take a look at all of the different brake pad options offered by the company so you can make the best decision about which model is right for your specific vehicle type. Make sure you read this entire section in full so that you can ensure you’re selecting the best configuration for your vehicle.

Akebono Pro-Act Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pads

Akebono Pro-Act Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake PadsThe Akebono ProAct Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pads are designed for replacement OEM installation; these brakes are crafted from carefully sourced materials that are highly powerful and capable of reducing the amount of brake dust that is produced when you engage them.

They are designed to provide your vehicle with consistent braking power and smooth stopping action regardless of what type of driving conditions you’re in or how you decide to engage the brakes when needed. The Pro-Act brakes pads are disc brake pads that require no break-in and have an ultra-low dust rating which enables you to maintain cleaner and more efficient tires.

These brakes are highly resistant to fading and provide a solid braking feel every time you engage the system. They have a very low rating for the amount of vibration and noise produced when the brakes are engaged which make them powerful yet not intrusive to your driving experience.

These brakes are rotary-friendly and have been proven to provide extended rotor life to your wheels and braking system in general. They provide an incredible amount of stopping power for vehicles of all sizes and models which is what makes them so robust and versatile in terms of their useful functions.  They have vehicle-optimized formulas that enhance their ceramic material performance and effectiveness.

My Top Pick
Akebono ProACT Ultra-Premium Brake Pad Set | Advance Auto Parts

Our top recommendation is the Akebono ACT787 Ceramic Brake Pad Set because it's virtually for every vehicle and it helps enhance the performance of your brake rotor!

Check Price Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Akebono Euro Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pads

 

Akebono Euro Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pads

The Akebono Euro Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pads were designed for enhanced performance response and vehicle control. They also maintain pristine advanced brake pedal feel specifically for European vehicles, these brakes come with an integrated friction formula that is designed for very specific vehicle makes and models.

European vehicles that are released in America already have a low probability of producing large amounts of brake dust during use. These brakes use innovative ceramic brake pad technology that provides more stopping power than most competing options currently on the market.

All of this braking technology provides a nearly dustless experience while driving. These brakes can be used as an upgrade to your existing low-metallic or semi-metallic brake pads that are currently on your vehicle. They are compatible with a wide range of different vehicle types including SUVs, light trucks, and cars which make them very versatile and powerful. See how Ceramic vs Semi-Metallic Brake Pads Compare.

These brakes are the standard for European replacement brake pads in the United States as they have a very high durability rating to ensure that they provide performance to your vehicle over an extended period of time.

Akebono Euro Ultra-Premium Ceramic Disc Brake Pads | Amazon
$102.35

These EURO Ultra-Premium Disc Brake Pads, designed & formulated to address the needs of European car owners: optimal performance, cleanliness & rotor compatibility.

Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
03/11/2024 12:26 am GMT

Akebono Performance Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pads

 

Akebono Performance Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pads

The Akebono Performance Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pads were designed to take on rough terrains and driving conditions with ease. These brake pads are rated for high amounts of stopping power in addition to performance specifically geared towards fleets, SUVs, and trucks.

These brakes follow the standard protocol for Akebono brakes as they offer little to no noise production when being engaged and minimize the amount of vibration experienced during use as well. This set of brake pads provide effective and smooth braking action that makes it easy for you to stop quickly at any given moment.

These brakes are equipped with technology that minimizes the amount of noise and vibration experienced by drivers while out on the road. They have what is known as maximum friction capabilities for enhanced braking function in addition to its longer rotor life rating which reduces the odds of you having to replace your brakes on a regular basis.

These brakes will also provide you with a nearly dustless experience in terms of keeping your wheels clean during operation. These brakes are specifically designed for law enforcement and military use and assuring that they will be very powerful and capable.

Akebono Performance Ultra-Premium Ceramic Disc Brake Pads

An Akebono Brake essentially eliminates noise, vibration and harshness.

Buy at TireRack.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Now that we’ve gone over all of the various brake pad options offered by this company, it’s time to take a look at exactly who their brakes are designed for.

Who are Akebono Brake Pads for?

akebono pads

Akebono brakes are designed for vehicle owners that want a reliable and trusted pair of brake pads to install on their vehicle. Given the fact the company produces OEM brake pads for a wide range of popular vehicle makers already, replacing your brake pads with one of their premium selections is the best way to ensure that your vehicle is protected and operating at maximum performance.

Their brake options are designed to provide a simple and easy-to-use solution for virtually any vehicle owner. These brake pads provide minimal noise output, clean wheels, high amounts of stopping power, and much more to make your ride that much more reliable and safer during travel.

They are also designed to minimize the amount of noise, vibration, and harshness that you experience when engaging your brakes. They are great for replacing OEM brake pads that were already installed on your vehicle in addition to switching when your existing brake pads go out. Let’s take a look at some of the most important pros and cons that you’ll experience when using these pads for your vehicle.

Pros & Cons: Akebono Brake Pads

akebono 3 pads

Like with all brake pad solutions and options currently out on the market, Akebono brake pads come with their own set of pros and cons that you’ll have to consider before making your final purchase decision. In the following section, we’re going to take a look at all of the main pros and cons that you should expect to see when using any brake selection from this company.

You’ll be able to use this section to get an overview of this particular line of brake pads so you can see if they provide you with the right amount of stopping power you’re looking for or not. Make sure you read this section in full to ensure that you’ll be able to make an educated decision.

Pros

  • Low dust production rating which ensures that your wheels and tires remain clean while in use
  • Quiet braking operation which provides less intrusion and harshness to the overall braking function that you experience
  • Very durable and long-lasting which means that you’ll be able to utilize your selected brake model for an extended period of time without having to replace them
  • Very low rotary wear and damage impact during use which means that your rotors will last for a much longer time than the standard if you used a different brand of brakes
  • Great for driving on highways and freeways during normal to moderate weather conditions

Cons

  • Not optimal for cold roads or extremely Icey driving conditions
  • Heat dispassion and management capabilities are much lower than those found on semi-metallic brake options

These are all really important factors that you’ll want to consider before making your final decision about which brake pad options are right for you. Consider your personal vehicle make and model to ensure that you select the right variation for your vehicle’s braking needs.

Akebono offers a wide range of different braking options and configurations for you to choose from on the market, because of this you always need to consider your individual needs as they pertain to the type of vehicle you drive on a daily basis so you can be sure that you’re purchasing a pair of brake pads that will last a long time.

Now that we’ve gone over some of the main pros and cons of the brakes produced by this company, it’s time to take a look at the core features that come with all of the brake pad options offered by this company.

Core Features: Akebono Brake Pads

akebono pads for nissan

Regardless of what specific model of brake pads you get from Akebono, some things will remain the same. Most of those factors relate to the type of material used in the production of the brake options produced by the company. They also include things such as the overall feature capabilities they are rated for in terms of dust production and noise.

In this following section, we’re going to cover some of the core features that you can expect to see when using any pair of these brake pads from Akebono.

Formula

Every brake pad option offered by Akebono is made using a specialized formula that enhances the overall braking power of the brake pads without impacting your vehicle’s mobility or performance.

Each brake pad that you buy from the company is made using a formula specific to certain types of vehicle’s braking needs, that essentially means that every brake pad you buy is personalized to meet the needs of your exact vehicle make and model for enhanced performance.

This is one of the main reasons why their brake pad options are trusted by such a variety of vehicle owners and parts suppliers. It’s also important to understand this feature when purchasing a pair of brake pads so that you will choose the right option for your particular vehicle.

Stopping Power

Each brake option offered by the company comes with its own stopping power and rating which will determine the amount of force applied when you engage the brakes for any reason.

All of them vary in terms of their maximum stopping power which will depend on the specific type of vehicle the brakes you choose are designed for. They all range from stopping power rated for regular vehicles to stopping power rated for law enforcement vehicles and fleets.

This provides a wide range of different uses for the various brake options provided by this company. Virtually any vehicle has a fit when it comes to the amount of stopping power offered by the line of brakes this company provides.

Vehicle Compatibility

These brakes all come in different designs and styles which makes it easy for you to gain access to the right fit for your specific vehicle in no time. That means that whether you have an SUV, truck, or car, you’ll be able to find the right fit for your vehicle in on time with Akebono brake pads. They come in various models and configurations all designed for very specific types of vehicle braking needs and performance enhancements to ensure that every driver has a reliable pair of brake pads to use on their car.

NVH (Noise, Vibration, & Harshness)

All of the brakes provided by this company are designed for decreased noise production, vibration, and engagement harshness. That means that you’ll always experience premium performance when using a pair of these on your vehicle.

These design elements separate the brake pad options offered by this company from many other selections out on the market. If you’re in the market for a high-quality pair of brake pads, these are the ones to go with.

Now that we’ve covered all of the main components that you can expect to gain access to when using these brake pads, it’s time to take a look at some of the alternative recommendations you can also choose from.

Alternative Recommendations

If after reading all of the information above you still don’t think that these brakes will provide your vehicle with the proper amount of stopping power and responsiveness that you’re looking for.

There are a lot of different brake options and selections that you can choose from on the market currently. Keep in mind that all of these brake bad options will be made using different material types, design elements, and other key features.

You’ll still want to make sure that you consider your personal needs and vehicle type before making a final purchase decision to ensure that you get optimal results when using any one of the alternative recommendations we list.

#1 ACDelco 17D1367CH Professional Ceramic Front Disc Brake Pad Set

 

ACDelco 17D1367CH Professional Ceramic Front Disc Brake Pad Set

The ACDelco 17D1367CH Professional Ceramic Front Brake Discs Pad Set has been designed to pass SAE J2784 safety compliance standards. These brake pads are designed for maximum quiet operation and stability while driving in addition to brake harshness minimization.

These brakes are also designed to withstand extended periods of use which make them perfect for replacing your existing brake pads with a reliable set of pads that will last a long time and garner maximum performance. They have been assured for wear safety and longevity so you don’t have to worry about them breaking down while in use any time soon.

They use a combination of semi metallic, ceramic, and organic brake pads material combinations which provide you with a solid pair of brake pads that will last as long as you drive your vehicle.

They are rated and integrated with premium slots, shims, and chambers to reduce the overall noise and vibration of the brakes while in use. They also come with integrated friction materials which provide an extra layer of stopping power to the brakes overall performance.

These brakes also come with stamped backing plates that facilitate the perfect movement of the pads while in use with your brake’s function. All of these components are integrated into these brakes inside of the caliper assembly which helps reduce the amount of brake pulsation and vibration while engaging its mechanism during use.

ACDelco Ceramic Front Disc Brake Pad Set | Advance Auto Parts

Their durable ceramic formulation uses less metal, providing high quality braking power in a quiet and low-dusting package.

Check Price Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

#2 Bosch Brake Pads BC905 QuietCast Premium Ceramic Disc Brake Pads

Bosch BC905 QuietCast Premium Ceramic Disc Brake Pads

The Bosch QuietCast BC905 Premium Ceramic Disc Brake Pads are made out of advanced aerospace alloy materials which provides a superior performance brake pads experience when compared to other brake pad options out on the market right now.

These brakes also have a protective transfer layer to extend the overall life of your rotors and pads. These car brake pads also come with an enhanced design integration that makes these brakes perfect for individuals who are looking for a copper-free, semi-metallic and ceramic formula which meets all compliance standards of the 2025 copper-free legislation that regulates brake pad functionality and design.

They are also rated for exceptional stopping power and can minimize the amount of dust production that occurs during operation of your brakes.

Bosch BC905 QuietCast Brake Pad | Amazon

Bosch introduced Antilock Braking technology to market, as well as Electronic Stability Control systems. Now Bosch brings over 70 years of OE braking expertise to the aftermarket with Bosch QuietCast Premium Disc Brake Pads.

Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

#3 Wagner ThermoQuiet QC1324 Ceramic Disc Pad Set

Wagner ThermoQuiet QC1324 Ceramic Disc Pad Set

The Wagner ThermoQuiet QC1324 Ceramic Disc Pad Set provides up to 35% more stopping power than other brake pad options out on the market, they also operate much cleaner than most other brake pad options, which ensures that your wheels stay clean throughout the whole time of operation.

These Wagner Brake Pads also provide up to 15% more stopping power than most brake pad selections in their same class, they provide long-lasting performance and operation on a consistent basis.

Now that we’ve gone over all of the alternative recommendations that you can choose from, it’s time to take a look at what our honest opinion about all of these brake pad options is.

Read our full Wagner Break Pads Review.

Wagner ThermoQuiet Pads QC1324 Ceramic Disc Pad Set | Advance Auto Parts

Wagner® ThermoQuiet® brake pads feature Wagner OE21 low copper technology, setting new benchmarks for our ceramic brake pad performance.

Check Price Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Our Honest Opinion

After our assessment of the various brake pad options offered by Akebono, they’ve definitely proven to be one of the leading brake pad manufacturers in the country. All of their brake pad selections provide distinct benefits and advantages for specific vehicle models. If you’re looking for a pair of reliable brake pads for your vehicle, you can definitely count on them.

FAQ’s About Akebono Brake Pads

Do Akebono pads come with hardware?

Even though some brands sell hardware along with brake pads, Akenobo pads do not come with one, so this is something you will have to purchase separately at an additional price.

Where are Akebono pads manufactured?

Akebono is a well-established brand that has been around for 85 years, and it’s because they provide USA made parts for all kinds of vehicles that customers always turn to them when they need a part for replacing.

Are ceramic or semi-metallic pads better?

Semi-metallic brake pads are always a better option for sports vehicles, trucks or sedans because they increase the performance of your vehicle and also have better resistance to hot temperatures.

Conclusion

We’ve covered all of the most important facts and features that you need to know about when it comes to choosing whether or not Akenobo has the right brake pad options for you. Use all of the information we’ve included in this guide to help you make an educated purchase decision.

My Top Pick
Akebono ProACT Ultra-Premium Brake Pad Set | Advance Auto Parts

Our top recommendation is the Akebono ACT787 Ceramic Brake Pad Set because it's virtually for every vehicle and it helps enhance the performance of your brake rotor!

Check Price Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Scroll to Top