The Toyota Tacoma is one of the best trucks you could ever own but it would also be useless without a functional braking system.
You see, brake pads will ensure that your car stops when you need it to so that you can consequently avoid road fatalities.
Okay, so how do you go about picking the best brake pads for Toyota Tacoma in case you ever need to replace yours?
This review is dedicated to helping you with that so you may want to stick around.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table of Top 11 Tacoma Brake Pads
This is going to be a comprehensive review – which is a good thing but what if you do not have the time to read everything? Worry not. We have put together the following comparison table to help you make a quick and informed choice.
| Rank | Product Name | Brand | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Akebono GREY, Ultra Premium Front Brake Pads | Akebono | 3.8 pounds |
| 2 | Genuine Toyota Disc Brake Pad Kit, Front | Toyota | 4.2 pounds |
| 3 | Atmansta Front Brake kit with Drilled/Slotted Rotors and Ceramic Brake pads | Atmansta | 49.9 pounds |
| 4 | Bosch QuietCast Premium Disc Brake Pad Set, Front | Bosch | 3.2 pounds |
| 5 | Wagner QuickStop Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set | Wagner QuickStop | 3.5 pounds |
| 6 | KFE Ultra Quiet Advanced Premium Ceramic Brake Pad FRONT Set | KFE Brake Systems | 3.3 pounds |
| 7 | QuickStop Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set by Wagner | Wagner QuickStop | 3.53 pounds |
| 8 | BC976 QuietCast Premium Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set by Bosch | Bosch | 4.75 pounds |
| 9 | KFE976-104 Ultra Quiet Advanced Premium Ceramic Brake Pad FRONT Set by KFE Brake Systems | KFE Brake Systems | 4.64 pounds |
| 10 | Bosch Blue Disc Brake Pad Set, Front | Bosch | 4.45 pounds |
| 11 | Brake Pads 4pcs Front Ceramic Disc Brake Pads Kits for Toyota Tacoma | ECCPP | 3.72 pounds |
Best Brake Pads for Toyota Tacoma Reviewed
Are you now ready to begin picking the perfect Toyota Tacoma brake pads? Here is where the rubber meets the road.
We have rounded up some of the top-rated options in the market to help you make the right choice.
1. Akebono ASP976 Ultra Premium Brake Pads for Toyota Tacoma
To begin with, we have these brake pads from the Akebono stable that is known for producing high-quality auto parts.
You get to enjoy reduced noise levels with this unit simply because they are ceramic. They are also easy to install something that you will find extremely useful especially if you are a beginner.
However, what we loved most is that you get value for your money when you purchase this product simply because it is reasonably priced even with all its features.
What Could Have Been Better
Several users have complained that this product does not come with installation hardware that could further simplify the installation process. The manufacturer should have considered including the hardware.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Low noise
- Easy installation process
Cons
- Could use installation hardware
Also Check: Best Quality Running Boards for Toyota Tacoma
2. TOYOTA Genuine Disc Brake Pad Kit for Tacoma
With these brake pads, you get a first-rate braking technology system that you will be hard-pressed to find in similar products. That gives you great stopping power and less friction.
Another great thing about these pads is that they are built to offer longevity so you will not have to worry about replacing them any time soon.
What we loved most about them however is that these pads are practically dust-free and what that means is that you do not have to clean them constantly. How cool is that?
What Could Have Been Better
Users have expressed disappointment over this product not coming with disc pads and other accessories as a kit should. We feel that the manufacturer should have simply included the parts to make the package complete.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Highly functional
- Brand new
Cons
- Did not come with accessories
3. Atmansta QPD10046 Ceramic Brake Pads and Rotors for Toyota Tacoma
As you can deduce from the title, this product comes as a set. One thing that caught our attention, in particular, is that its rotors are slotted and cross-drilled. This promotes airflow to ensure that your brakes remain cool even when driving under harsh conditions.
Since the brake pads are ceramic, you will have less dust and noise to worry about and we believe you will appreciate that.
What we found most appealing nonetheless is that the brake pads in this kit are ready to install out of the box. You won’t have to do any modifications.
What Could Have Been Better
Some users have complained that they couldn’t reach anyone for queries or clarifications and we feel that the manufacturer could have done better with their customer care.
Pros
- Ready to install out of the box
- Low noise
- Great stopping power
Cons
- Could use a customer care contact
4. Bosch BP976 QuietCast Premium Toyota Tacoma Brake Pad Set
As a brand, Bosch is dedicated to engineering premium automotive parts and this brake pad set is not an exception. You are assured of remarkable stopping power as well as low dust and quiet operation. What more could you ask for?
Anyway, the manufacturer used a protective transfer layer in the making of this product and we applaud them for that because that works to extend the pad and rotor life.
Another thing about these pads is that they come with chamfers and slots to facilitate airflow as well as drainage whenever they come into contact with water. We love that about them.
What Could Have Been Better
Some users have complained that these brake pads tend to produce squeaky noises and we feel that the manufacturer should have put a mechanism in place to counter that.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Comes with lubricant
- Premium quality
Cons
- Could be quieter
5. Wagner ZD906A QuickStop Toyota Tacoma Brake Pads
The design of these brake pads is in such a way that you get even and consistent braking for a long time. You will also get to enjoy reduced vibration hence less noise.
The manufacturer also used application-specific materials in the construction of the pads and this works to meet the special needs of your car application.
We love that this product comes with all the hardware you need for the installation process. That makes things easier if you ask us.
What Could Have Been Better
Although the product description states that these brake pads fit the Toyota 2005 sienna, users have come out to say that they do not. We feel that the manufacturer should have been truthful with that to avoid customer mistrust.
Pros
- Reduced vibration
- Comes with installation hardware
- Consistent performance
Cons
- Misleading product description
6. KFE Ultra Quiet Advanced Premium Ceramic Brake Pads for 1995 – 2004 Tacoma & Toyota Pickup
Looking at the product description of this brake pad set, you will see that they feature dual rubber shims that dramatically reduce vibration hence less noise while braking.
The manufacturer also employed a Thermo Scorched process to help reduce break-in time. This allows your car’s engine and transmission to adjust to each other. It also helps with fuel economy and you can’t tell us that you wouldn’t want that!
You will also realize that these brake pads come with chamfered and slotted edges to reduce noise, improve brake bite, and extend their life. We love that about this product.
What Could Have Been Better
Several users have complained that their packages arrived with scratches and dents. We feel that the manufacturer could have packaged the product better to avoid that.
Pros
- Extended life
- Increased brake bite
- Reduced break-in time
Cons
- Packaging could be better
7. Wagner ZD799 QuickStop Ceramic Brake Pads Compatible with Tacoma
With this product, you get an OE fit and form design. What that does is to deliver even and consistent braking for the entire time you will be using the brake pads.
The manufacture also used application specification materials in the construction of these pads to ensure that they meet the unique needs of your Toyota Tacoma.
We also love that this product comes with all the hardware required for the installation process making it easy even for beginners.
What Could Have Been Better
These brake pads appear to be quite flimsy, as some users have reported that they fell apart after a short time. We feel that the manufacturer should have made them with durability in mind.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Even performance
- Low vibration
Cons
- Not as durable
8. Bosch BC976 QuietCast Premium Ceramic Brake Pad Set for Toyota Tacoma
If you are looking to get a Toyota Tacoma brake upgrade, you have to consider this set from Bosch. This is because the brand is known for producing exceptional auto parts. With this one, you can expect great stopping power.
As if that is not enough, you will also get low dust and less noise because the pads come with a rubber core shim to provide insulation against noise.
Another thing we love about this unit is that it comes with a protective layer to prolong the life of your pads and rotors. Surely, can it get any better than this? It can! This is also one of the most reasonably priced units even with all the mentioned features. That translates to value for money.
What Could Have Been Better
Unfortunately, these pads are quite heavy according to some users and that tends to compromise the ease of the installation process. We feel that the manufacturer should have used lighter material in their construction.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Sheer
- Durable
Cons
- Could be lighter
9. KFE Ultra Quiet Advanced Premium Ceramic Brake Pads Compatible With Tacoma
We can assure you that these brake pads will fit your Toyota Tacoma perfectly and that is something you should value as a driver because it translates to a hassle-free installation.
Aside from that, the pads feature dual rubber shims that dramatically reduce vibrations thus leading to low noise when braking.
We love that the brake pads come with chamfered and slotted edges to increase brake bite, reduce noise, and extend the life of the brake pads.
What Could Have Been Better
According to some users, these brake pads are slow to grab which could compromise the braking process. We feel that the manufacturer should have made them with that in mind.
Pros
- Quiet
- Chamfered edges for improved brake bite
- Attractive warranty
Cons
- Could grab faster
10. Bosch BE976H Toyota Tacoma Brake Pads with Hardware
These ceramic brake pads feature advanced, platform-specific material that will guarantee optimal performance as far as stopping power.
You will also experience superior noise dampening as this brake pad set comes with OE-style shims that reduce vibrations. The product comes in great packaging as well to ensure that it does not get damaged during shipping.
We love that the brake pads are coated as well to prevent rust. This way, you won’t have to worry every time your brake pads come into contact with moisture. The set also includes synthetic lubricant to reduce resistance on sliding contact points.
What Could Have Been Better
Judging from reviews, some users have reported receiving their packages with missing parts. We feel that the manufacturer should have checked to see that the product was complete before releasing it to the market.
Pros
- Rust-protection
- Great packaging
- Built for longevity
Cons
- Missing parts
11. ECCPP D906 4pcs Ceramic Brake Pads Kits for 2005 – 2014 Toyota Tacoma
We can assure you that you will get outstanding stopping power, less noise, and a host of other benefits when you purchase this kit that will convince you that you made the right choice.
Although the kit is not for newer models, it is among the best investments you can make for your Toyota Tacoma. These ceramic pads come in a slotted design that disperses any dust produced effectively.
The slotted design also guarantees increased friction, faster, and even heating. It also facilitates improved ventilation and drainage. We love that about this product.
What Could Have Been Better
These brake pads tend to overheat and we feel that the manufacturer should have put a mechanism in place to dissipate heat effectively to avoid overheating.
Pros
- Comes with safety features
- Slotted design for ventilation
- Corrosion protection
Cons
- Tends to overheat
Buying Guide – Choosing the Perfect Brake Pads for Toyota Tacoma:
Picking brake pads for your Toyota Tacoma is not going to be the easiest job. In that regard, we want to talk about some factors that you need to consider before making your purchase.
Vehicle Match
Perhaps you are not aware of this, but different vehicle models require different brake pads. As such, brake pads designed for the Toyota pickup will not fit your Toyota Tacoma.
Be sure to go through the product description to find out if the brake pads you intend to buy are specifically designed for your vehicle model.
Quality of Material
The ideal brake pads for your Toyota Tacoma should be made of high-quality material and this also depends on several factors like the terrain you frequent and the climate.
For instance, ceramic pads are not designed for rough terrain or cold climate while metallic ones tend to scratch your rotors and heat up fast.
The secret lies in finding the perfect balance and picking something that works for you.
The Fit
You want to go for brake pads that match original equipment measurements to fit right into your car. This is because even the slightest difference in measurement can prevent your brake pads from fitting.
Not only will you have wasted money on a mismatched part, but you may also end up causing long-term damage to your truck.
Ventilation and Drainage
Your braking system needs to breathe or it will overheat and ultimately malfunction. To that effect, you want to go for brake pads that come with ventilation and good drainage.
This will prevent them from jamming when wet as well as help you avoid road mishaps.
Toyota Tacoma Brake Pads FAQ.
You probably have several questions that have to do with Tacoma brake kits or pads and we are up to the task. Granted, we may not answer all of them here but the few commonly asked ones we have addressed should be of help.
How much will it cost to get brake pads for my Toyota Tacoma?
Well, this depends on the brand and model of the car. However, the average cost for replacing Toyota Tacoma brake pads is between $233-$266.
Here’s how. If you intend to have them professionally installed, the labor costs will be anything between $87-$110 while the parts go for $145-$155.
What brake pads are best for trucks?
We would say that ceramic composite brake pads are perfect for general everyday performance because they are long-lasting and deliver the friction required to achieve great stopping power.
You may also want to note that this is the most popular kind of brake pads for that reason as well.
How long will brake pads last on my Toyota Tacoma?
That should be anything between 30,000 and 70,000 miles depending on the terrain you frequent and your driving habits.
Our Top Pick
The Akebono brake pads ASP976 for Toyota Tacoma make it to be our top pick on this list. First, Akebono is a leading manufacturer of auto parts so you can be sure that you will be getting a high-quality product when you purchase this unit.
Moving away from that, you will enjoy less noise with these brake pads just because they are ceramic rather than metallic. You also will not have to worry about rust with these.
They are also easy to install and we believe you will appreciate that especially if you are a beginner. What we found most appealing however is that this product is reasonably priced thus giving you value for money.
Conclusion
Brake pads play a major role in getting your car to stop whenever you need to. It, therefore, makes sense to get a high-quality unit if you want to replace your damaged or worn-out ones.
You may find it hard to pick the perfect ones for your Toyota Tacoma but that is why we put together this review. Use it to make an informed choice.