I have a 2003 Sedan with a question about the original brakes. I know they had an extended warranty for a while. After the extended warranty, I switched to some akebono brake pads. While these pads weren't quite as good in stopping power, they were a lot less dusty. I was wondering about switching back to the OEM pads. A while back, there were some rumors about Infiniti changing the formulation of the pads so they would be less dusty. Did Infiniti ever change the formulation on the original pads? Are still very dusty? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

I doubt they could do much about it since the dustiness is associated with a soft, lower temp pad that makes the car stop better with smaller rotors/calipers. If you go to a less dusty pad, you end up with lower stopping power and thus longer braking distances, like you have experienced. It's the unfortunate result of the engineering decision made at the time - i.e. make up for smaller brake equipment through softer, grippy pads.

That being said, I have heard good things about the Satisfied OEM pads on Tire Rack. Cheap and supposedly as good as OEM with perhaps a bit less dust.

 

Thanks for your reply. I just talked to an Infiniti service person and they said that the pads have not changed and they will still be very dusty. They finally made a change for the 2005 models. Oh well, looks like I will stay with the aftermarket pads!

 

For the 2005 models, they not only changed the pad composition, but they upsized the rotors and calipers too. That is another option for you to consider as well - i.e. swapping to a 2005 setup. Look in the classified section - I'll bet you can find a used set.

 

I finally got rid of my OEM pads a few years ago after I was totally disgusted with the brake dust and having to replace them every 13-14,000 miles. I now have the Akebono Pro Acts and couldn't be happier! There is almost no dust, no brake squeal and I have 15,000 miles on them and they look the same as the day they were installed. The stopping does not have quite the bite of the OEM but I would not go back to them if you paid me. They were horrible and they were not kind to the rotors either. I couldn't say enough about the Akebonos other than I would never use anything else.

 

thread jack:

how much should oem brake pads cost with installation? i would install them myself but i dont have time with finals coming up, and i have to make a long drive home right after. im going to an unfamiliar dealership and dont want to get ripped off. thanks for any help/advice

 

When i do it for friends and family, i usually charge $50. A dealership might try for $100-200 (labor) or so, and most will only use their parts. Might have to try an independant shop.

Of you can do it yourself. It can be done in an hour or so

 

If I can remember correctly the dealer charged me around $300 to resurface the rotors and new pads. This was a few years ago. I can double check when I get home tonight...