In this Wagner Brake pads review, we’ll delve into finding out how good these brake pads really are.
The review will include the brake pad’s shortcomings, selling points, user reviews, and of course alternatives that give Wagner Brake pads a run for their money, answers to some selected frequently asked questions, before culminating in a parting shot that will tie all the features, pros and cons together.
We start off with a sneak peek of the Wagner Brake Pads.
Table of Contents
Wagner Brake Pads
Wagner is a renowned aftermarket manufacturer of automobile brake parts that is based in the US. This manufacturing company has been in the manufacturing industry for decades now and is credited with producing some groundbreaking technologies.
Key among them include the one-piece Integrally Molded insulator in the early 1990s and high boiling point brake fluid (read our brake fluid review) released in the 1950s.
Its line of brake pads, Wagner brake pads, come as either ceramic or semi-metallic and are customized to match each vehicle’s unique needs. The technology they use is made to dampen and reduce noise, offer a large surface to provide a maximum contact surface with rotors, reducing friction as well as dust.
They also have the brake pad materials adhered together preventing delamination of the various components.
The main Wagner brake pads include:
- Wagner Thermoquiet Ceramic Brake Pads
- Wagner OEX Brake Pads
- Wagner Quickstop Brake Pads
- Wagner Severe Duty Brake Pads
- Wagner Thermoquiet Semi-Metallic Brake Pads
Application-specific design and a unique laser-shaped friction spreads out heat, sound and vibration to reduce noise opportunities.
New Wagner OEX brake pads provide patent-pending, customized braking designs for pickups, SUVs and CUVs that consistently deliver optimal stopping performance in all conditions while reducing rotor wear and extending pad life.
Enhance your vehicle’s stopping power and stop it up to 50 feet sooner than the competitors with Wagner Brake Pads. All Wagner Pads dampen vibration and provide a quieter braking experience.
Wagner SD brake pads are specifically designed and tested to provide durable performance for fleets, police-pursuit and vehicles driven in demanding conditions such as frequent stopping, gear hauling and heavy loads.
Wagner ThermoQuiet brake pads feature Wagner OE21 low copper technology, setting new benchmarks for our ceramic brake pad performance. Our brakes feature Integrally Molded Sound Insulator (IMI) that dissipates heat and vibration.
Key features of Wagner brake pads
One-Piece Design
Brake pads come as either multi-piece or one-piece. Wagner brake pads exist solely as one piece. One-piece pads have some competitive advantages over their multi-piece counterparts. This includes an extra contact material for the disc that contributes to stopping power. And, reduced wear on piston bores due to better pad alignment.
Based on the Integrally Molded Insulator technology that they first introduced in 1990, the Wagner brakes have the backing plate, friction material and insulator integrated into a one piece brake pad. This makes them last twice as long as the multi-piece as well have superior stopping power.
Durability
To bring a vehicle to a halt, brake pads apply friction and pressure against the discs or rotors. This is made possible by clamping against the wheels to gradually or suddenly bring them to a halt. This consistent friction and pressure gradually wear the pads down. The wear and tear however are determined by the frequency of use, the speed when braking, and the type of brake pad material.
The implication of this is that the wear and tear of brake pads are inevitable. However, the rate of wear is largely hinged on the material used in the braking pad. And that is why Wagner Brake pads use superior formulation designs that increase the longevity of the pads. These include galvanized steel as well as premium materials that can withstand constant abrasion.
Patented design
The functioning of a brake is ideally the conversion of kinetic energy into thermal energy. To be able to perform efficiently, the heat generated ought to be dissipated fast enough to minimize overheating which hastens wear and tear. For this to occur, the brake pad should allow for efficient air circulation to carry off as much heat generated as possible.
The Wagner brake pads feature the OEX patented design, a cutting-edge technological design that features slots and vents on the pads. These openings are designed in such a way that they allow for unhindered and free flow of air to help dissipate heat generated. Additionally, the design minimizes rotor wear and tear.
The end result is a brake that lasts for miles and offers superior performance, as seen in their aggressive capabilities that can bring the vehicle to a halt by 50-feet sooner. This design is especially pronounced in Wagner OEX Brake Pad.
New Wagner OEX brake pads provide patent-pending, customized braking designs for pickups, SUVs and CUVs that consistently deliver optimal stopping performance in all conditions while reducing rotor wear and extending pad life.
Proprietary Material
As a result of the excessive heat generated whenever brakes are applied, the overheating that results may make the brake pad materials delaminate. Additionally, the rotor is bound to rapidly wear and necessitate replacement.
To save you on all this trouble, Wagner brake pads make use of galvanized brake pads, shims, Ceramic Blends with a Novolac resin base, and keflar flaps.
The Novolac resin is thermally stable and is able to hold the various components of the brake pad in one piece even under extreme heat conditions. This is so unlike the paints and inconsistent adhesives that some brake pads.
Further, the pads have Kevlar flaps, the same material as that used in making bulletproof vests, that have excellent heat absorption and retention capabilities. This means that regardless of how extensive the heat generated is, the pads are more than prepared to absorb the heat, retain and gradually dissipate it through the vents and slots.
To get the best of both galvanized and ceramic materials, Wagner walks a thin line between them. It is able to exploit the quiet features and superior heat-resistant capabilities of ceramic, as well as infuses the lasting nature of galvanized steel.
Quiet Performance
To minimize the characteristic squeaking noise produced by new pads, Wagner brake pads use an application-specific design.
The design, unlike OEM brake pads with dual riveted design only, has an extra five shim layers.
The shims form a barrier, thick enough between the rotor and caliper, to sufficiently absorb noise as well as dampen the vibrations produced.
In addition to this, the pads are also uniquely designed to take the shape of a laser-shaped friction surface. This offers a larger surface for spreading out heat generated, deadening sounds, and deamplify the vibrations leading to a no-noise performance.
Cleaner Wheels Formulation
In the course of friction, fine metallic particles are produced. The amount of these metallic dust particles is significantly high in new pads, it however gradually decreases with use. To deal with this problem, Wagner perfected the Integrally Molded Insulator technology which is most prominent in the ThermoQuiet Ceramic Brake pads.
With this technology, a one-piece five-layer brake pad is produced. The outermost layer has an exterior coating covering the IMI underlayment, beneath it is a durable steel plate, then another underlayment which is followed by another ceramic top layer.
The ceramic material used is derived from different hardened thermoplastics, giving it longevity not seen in many pads, plus, it produces little to no dust when under friction.
Application-specific design and a unique laser-shaped friction spreads out heat, sound and vibration to reduce noise opportunities.
Carbon Based Friction Material
With frequent and extreme braking comes brake fade; a significant reduction in the stoppage powers of the brake pads. To lengthen the duration between the first installation and the first appearance of extreme brake fade, Wagner makes use of carbon-based friction material.
The Wagner brake pad that prominently features this technology is the Wagner Severe Duty SX series. In this technology, the semi-metallic brakes are made of materials with excellent heat resistance capabilities and are adhered together through a reinforced friction bond.
The end result is an extremely durable pad able to withstand fractures, with little to no brake fade, and can be able to bear tons of loads across varying temperatures.
Wagner SD brake pads are specifically designed and tested to provide durable performance for fleets, police-pursuit and vehicles driven in demanding conditions such as frequent stopping, gear hauling and heavy loads.
Comprehensive Coverage
Wagner brakes are made to be compatible with over 99% of all vehicles in operation (VIO) within the US. The brake pads are also within the quality systems (QS) ranges of original equipment meaning that all their pads will fit almost any vehicle in operation.
Additionally, being within the standards of OE, their performance will match or supersede OEM performance.
Zero/Low copper formulations
The tiny metallic particles produced as brake dust find their way into water bodies. It was for this reason that legislation was passed to put a limit on the levels of copper acceptable in brake pads.
In strict adherence to this law, Wagner brake pads opt for premium ceramic materials that have superior heat conduction capabilities and are similar to those found in copper but are more environmentally friendly than hazardous copper.
Corrosion Resistant
The constant exposure of steel to road salts and moisture will most definitely lead to rust and corrosion. With rust, comes wear and tear that hastens reduced stoppage power, increasing squeaking and if not checked in time, may affect the rotors.
To minimize such unfortunate eventualities, Wagner uses superior galvanized steel plates and premium stainless- steel hardware. This offers superior corrosion resistance as well as makes the brake pads more durable.
Main Features of Wagner Brake Pads
- Uses Ceramic Blend with a Novolac Resin base and Kevlar flaps
- Patented design
- Improved airflow due to the vents
- Has galvanized steel plates.
- Application-specific designs cover almost all VIO in America.
- Reduced vibrations and noise levels.
- Has shims, slots, and chamfers.
- Zero/low copper formulations.
- Integrally Molded Insulator One-piece design
- Premium stainless steel hardware
- Laser shaped brake pad to heat and friction surface
- Proprietary material that reduces brake dust
Pros of Wagner Brake Pads
- Cleaner wheels as the brake pads don’t produce any dust.
- Produce little to noise.
- Constant performance in varying temperatures.
- They are easy to install.
- Made in the USA
- Have slots that reduce rotor wear
- Compliant with low copper formulations
Cons Of Wagner Brake Pads
- Front ceramic wheels are slightly longer for some vehicles.
- The brake pads usage is restricted in some countries.
- The OEx pads are slightly expensive.
Reviews Of Wagner Brake Pads
Most of the users that have had a chance of using the Wagner brake pads were impressed with how easy they are to install, the cost as well as the fact that they come with all hardware. They further note that their performance is as good and in some instances better than the OEM pads.
Other positive reviewers noted that the pads produce little to no brake dust, fit well into a majority of their vehicles as well as are environmentally friendly.
Those who have registered their disappointment in the Wagner Brake Pads note that the brakes squeak sooner than promised, have a thick coat of paint that hinders proper fit as well produce excessive brake dust that necessitates cleaning after every few days.
Alternatives to Wagner Brake Pads
Bosch Brake Pads
Bosch is one of the aftermarket suppliers of brake parts for OE for the automotive, domestic among other industries.
Its brake pads have slots and chamfers, which in addition to the many layers of shims, dampen and minimize the noise produced by brake pads. The shims are made of a rubber core that is designed based on the Nu-LOK technology that further enhances noise neutralization and cancellation.
The chamfers are designed to offer as much contact surface as the noise-producing contact points resulting in a quiet noiseless pad. For friction reduction and enhanced heat absorption capabilities, the chamfers are constantly lubricated using synthetic lubricants bolstering their heat resistance and overall brake protection.
For better fitting and minimal incompatibility across different VIO in America, Bosch brake pads are produced in a process that is similar to that used by original equipment manufacturers. During this process, Direct Molding Pressing Process, the pads are aligned and precisely fit to the bonding plate to minimize cracks and delamination during use.
You can check our detailed Bosch Brake pads review here or buy a pair from where we bought ours.
Exactly what you would expect from the worldwide leader in braking technology, Bosch QuietCast takes aftermarket brake pad technology to a whole new level.
Akebono Brake Pads
Akebono has three main categories of brake pads that are made for SUVs, CUVs, among other vehicles. The Akebono brake pads, just like the Wagner brake pads, have zero or low copper formulations making them clean and environmentally friendly.
Their pads are made to either replace conventional brake pads or upgrade them for that ultimate responsive performance.
To guard against rapid wearing out of the rotor, the brake pads are designed to be rotor-friendly by protecting them against wear and tear. The Brakes are also designed to virtually eliminate noise, vibration, and harshness.
The Akebono brake pads are made for diverse vehicle models that include Mazda, Isuzu, Nissan, and Silverado (Skip to best brake pads for Silverado) among other family and luxury vehicles. You can read our detailed Akebono review here or proceed to buy Akebono Brake pads here.
As a pioneer of ceramic friction technology, Akebono is proud to manufacture 100 percent of its aftermarket brakes in the USA. Enjoy a smoother ride and clean wheels with Akebono Brakes.
Duralast Brake Pads
Duralast brake pads, just like Bosch and Wagner, are majorly ceramic-based. For protection against rust and corrosion, the Duralast brake pads are coated with a powder identical to that used by original equipment manufacturers.
To ensure they outlast the rotors and discs, the brake pads are taken through rigorous tests before being marked safe for use.
For that quiet road performance, Duralast has three layers of shims to dampen noise and absorb any vibrations produced. The noise reduction is further enhanced by slots and chamfers that are integrated into the brake pad.
To be better adapted to the prevailing weather and road conditions, the brakes are taken through simulated weather and road conditions. For more about Duralast brake pads proceed to our detailed review here or simply buy them here.
Duralast brake pads, rotors, and calipers provide OE design and formulation to get every vehicle braking better than before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How long do Wagner Brake pads last?
Answer: The front wheels can last an average of 40,000 miles to 60,000 miles. The rear brake can last up to 80,000 miles. However, the mileage is entirely dependent on the vehicle model, towing capacity, frequency of use as well as the terrain and temperatures of use.
Question: Where are Wagner brake pads manufactured?
Answer: All Wagner products are produced from factories that are headquartered in the USA.
Question: Are Wagner Brake Pads better than OEM brake pads?
Answer: Wagner brake pads are aftermarket brake pads. Despite being cheaper than OEM brake pads, they are much better than the OEM brake pads that are exclusively sold by dealers and are way too expensive than the aftermarket pads.
Final Thoughts: Do they Offer Value for Money?
As one of the oldest automobile parts manufacturers, as well as a supplier of OEM, Wagner has made a name for itself as a go-to producer of brake pads. Over the past few years, however, they have rapidly launched a series of brake pads that are virtually indistinguishable.
Despite this rapid expansion, their quality still stands way above their competitors. So if you are out to get new brake pads, or you simply want to upgrade, here is our take.
The diverse range of Wagner brake pads are gradually graduated and this is reflected in their pricing. The pads are durable, compatible with close to 99% of VIO, are easy to install and feature cutting-edge technology with excellent heat dissipation capabilities that rival OEM brake pads.
The pads however have some shortcomings that include being pricey, some types wearing sooner as well as producing some brake dust.
Our overall recommendation, based on our experience and features discussed above is that the pads are worth your money. Caution though, ensure that the Wagner brake pad you choose fits your vehicle and purpose. You can buy the Wagner Brake Pad here.
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