[Skylo Blu]

Hello, I read the massive thread about "which brake set is the best?" and it was a great forum. Major help for anyone looking at new brakes.

I've come to the conclusion that aftermarket brakes can provide better stopping power for the first 10-20k miles but then quickly give out.Most people got near 50k miles out of their stock set up. As soon as they introduced after market pads and rotors the life seemed to be cut down a bit.

I also read in the forum that if you have bigger tires/more weight you may need a performance upgrade that has more bite than the OEM kit.

My question being, should I just get OEM replacements or try a Raybestos set up? That seems to be the highest recommendation for aftermarket set ups.

Also, already know I need to change the fluid and bleed the system to provide a real benefit.

 

[AlbatrossCafe]

I bought my X at 54k miles. My OEM brakes were changed at 90k. For all I know, they were the original brakes. They last a long time.

I replaced with OEM and have 35" tires. Braking definitely got worse with that tire size. I can't get close to engaging ABS on dry pavement like I might be able to with stock size highway tires. But I can't say if aftermarket would make it any better or not. That is something I would like to know as well for my next experiment....

I will say though, it was not bad with 33s. Only when I went to 35s did it really start to feel more sluggish.

 

[Charlie_Roam]

My OEM brakes went 70k, I ended up replacing them with the Advance Auto Gold line bc the rear passenger pad was warped and causing irregular steering when braking downhill. I run 33’s now and everything seems ok, I do think whatever causes that rear passenger pad warping is coming back though bc I’m noticing the vibration again, that has nothing to do with the tires though bc it happened with stock sized tires and the 33’s


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Just a Hunter]

Factory pads are designed around a number of factors which include safe braking, noise, pad life and brake dust.

There is basically a balance met between these factors.

For example, if you want better braking you may sacrifice pad life due to the pad compound providing more friction. With this being said, your likely to also have a pad which produces more brake dust than oem.

I would probably follow the factory idea of keeping a balance regarding my brakes.
The Raybestos Element3 EHT pads are (imo) an upgrade over stock while being low dust and quiet.

There are other options which may provide better stopping power, but they may shorten the life of your braking components noticeably.

 

[Skylo Blu]

Factory pads are designed around a number of factors which include safe braking, noise, pad life and brake dust.

There is basically a balance met between these factors.

For example, if you want better braking you may sacrifice pad life due to the pad compound providing more friction. With this being said, your likely to also have a pad which produces more brake dust than oem.

I would probably follow the factory idea of keeping a balance regarding my brakes.
The Raybestos Element3 EHT pads are (imo) an upgrade over stock while being low dust and quiet.

There are other options which may provide better stopping power, but they may shorten the life of your braking components noticeably.

Yes this was the set up I was looking to buy. I guess it doesn't hurt to try out an aftermarket set up and see how long it'll last. I personally was just not liking the idea of changing break sets every 15-20k miles. Especially if they cause problems with other break system components as you stated. Do you have Raybestos? If so, How many miles with them and is there any damage to other break parts?

 

[Peak Performance]

Funny I was due for new fronts. Factory lasted 60,000 since then I have been burning them up quickly. Decided to buy kit on rock auto for power stops that upgrades to tow/lift package. 418 total with new calipers. I’m currently at 122,000 on my 2010 with 33s 2 inch lift 70 back on return of core for calipers.

 

[Just a Hunter]

2014 Nissan Xterra 4x4
265/75-16 Falken Wildpeat AT

Tow a trailer with ATV's on a regular basis.

I swapped pads at apx 60,000.
I was surprised to find the original pads still had plenty of life left.
To be honest, I probably could have driven my X another year on the OEM pads.

Yes, I swapped my pads for the Raybestos EHT element 3 pads and I would do this again.

 

[mojavedesertman]

I find the OEM brakes kinda weak even just on 265/75 r16 load range E tires with skid plates. I just upgraded my fronts to the powerstop heavy duty truck and tow pad and rotor kit from rockauto and the difference is incredible. Gonna get the matching rear kit soon as well.

 

[Skylo Blu]

2014 Nissan Xterra 4x4
265/75-16 Falken Wildpeat AT

Tow a trailer with ATV's on a regular basis.

I swapped pads at apx 60,000.
I was surprised to find the original pads still had plenty of life left.
To be honest, I probably could have driven my X another year on the OEM pads.

Yes, I swapped my pads for the Raybestos EHT element 3 pads and I would do this again.

I'm going with the Falkens as well. How to you like the 265? I was reading that a lot of people regret not getting 285's. And as far as brakes go, you've convinced me, Raybestos it is.

I find the OEM brakes kinda weak even just on 265/75 r16 load range E tires with skid plates. I just upgraded my fronts to the powerstop heavy duty truck and tow pad and rotor kit from rockauto and the difference is incredible. Gonna get the matching rear kit soon as well.

Yeah I guess I will give the aftermarket route a try.

 

[Skylo Blu]

@Just a Hunter Do you happen to know your exact part numbers for the brakes and rotors?

 

[GeolJon]

Stock pads were more than adequate for me on 33" tires. When I replaced the pads at ~10 years and 120k miles, the last 75k running 33" KO2s, there was plenty left. I don't drive like a maniac, but I have towed a few thousand miles.

 

[Just a Hunter]

Skylo blu.

I'm perfectly pleased with my choice to upgrade to a 265/75-16 rather than a 285 series.
Yes, the 285 would have provided apx 1/2 inch greater ground clearance and nearly 20millimeters in tire width, but the downside would have been a heavier tire and more rolling resistance.

For me, the 265/75-16 was the perfect balance between looks and functionality.
My days of serious off-roading are pretty well over. Im more than happy riding trails, logging roads and hunting club property rather than something serious such as boulder hopping. The Falken Wildpeak in the size listed above increased my ground clearance and provided a tread pattern which works well with the mud and red clay I'm most likely to encounter.

Obviously, what works well for me may not fit your own needs at all.

In regards to the pads I purchased, I cannot remember the item numbers. However, I purchased these pads from Rockauto.com and it should be easy enough to find them when your ready.

Ps: I checked my rotors and felt they were all in good condition. With this being shared, I did not replace my rotors but rather did a pad swap.

 

[Skylo Blu]

Skylo blu.

I'm perfectly pleased with my choice to upgrade to a 265/75-16 rather than a 285 series.
Yes, the 285 would have provided apx 1/2 inch greater ground clearance and nearly 20millimeters in tire width, but the downside would have been a heavier tire and more rolling resistance.

For me, the 265/75-16 was the perfect balance between looks and functionality.
My days of serious off-roading are pretty well over. Im more than happy riding trails, logging roads and hunting club property rather than something serious such as boulder hopping. The Falken Wildpeak in the size listed above increased my ground clearance and provided a tread pattern which works well with the mud and red clay I'm most likely to encounter.

Obviously, what works well for me may not fit your own needs at all.

In regards to the pads I purchased, I cannot remember the item numbers. However, I purchased these pads from Rockauto.com and it should be easy enough to find them when your ready.

Ps: I checked my rotors and felt they were all in good condition. With this being shared, I did not replace my rotors but rather did a pad swap.

Sounds good. I don't plan on doing any major offroading either. I will have to really think that over and make the decision.

Also i have looked but there seems to be multiple number options but I will do the research to find the correct ones. As far as rotors go i think ill try matching the pads with Raybestos rotors but again, have to research which rotor line is best.

Thank you!