Brake Pad Brands/Recommendations

[22RAMAlazan]

Hello all, I am starting to hear the wear indicator on my front brake pads. Any recommendations on brands/material? I see Docs Diesel has brake pads but was wondering any of you have any other recommendations?

 

[Cseybert]

OEM if you’re happy with the originals, I would just go with the originals.

 

[Wags1986]

Did you end up with replacing the pads at the dealership or do it yourself? I was at the dealership for my 30K service, bought it cert pre-owned with 26K on it back im March of 2025. They said most likely before next service it will need front brakes, they are about 3 to 4MM left. Said might be able to just do pads, but if it needed pads and rotors it would be about $1700. To me that is on the high side, this was for OEM equipment so just wanted to see what others may have paid for similar service, I am in NJ, thank you

 

[johnmyster]

I can put new OEM calipers, Powerstop Z36 pads, and good rotors on both axles for $1700 and still have a nice steak dinner or ten.

Perhaps DIY. Either they're lying to you, or you should learn how to replace a set of $60 powerstop pads yourself and clean the slider pins (new silicone grease) while you're there.

 

[Wags1986]

Thanks for the thoughts, and yes I can DIY as i have been doing so for greater than 45 yrs. so no offense taken.

 

[Beldin]

Thanks for the thoughts, and yes I can DIY as i have been doing so for greater than 45 yrs. so no offense taken.

I don't know about you, but DIY hurts more as I have gotten older.

 

[Wags1986]

Beldin, yes it has! I am 61 now and things go just a bit slower and a bit longer it seems, however the knowledge is still there!
I certainly appreciate what johnmyster had to say as no one wants to spend more than needed. I am now looking at the Power Stop Z36 pads and system he suggested.

 

[johanh13]

I my first Ram 2500 CTD I had 60,000 miles on it and the rotors and pads looked like brand new (did not measure the thickness of the pads, but looked like close to 100%). On my current Ram, i have over 112k on factory rotors and pads, pads look like 75% (did not measure)... I think OEM is pretty good

 

[unclelala]

.. I think OEM is pretty good

Same here.

 

[johnmyster]

Beldin, yes it has! I am 61 now and things go just a bit slower and a bit longer it seems, however the knowledge is still there!
I certainly appreciate what johnmyster had to say as no one wants to spend more than needed. I am now looking at the Power Stop Z36 pads and system he suggested.

I'd start with just the pads and do them at next tire rotation. Two slider pin bolts on each side and the caliper lifts from the frame.

 

[Brutal_HO]

Hello all, I am starting to hear the wear indicator on my front brake pads. Any recommendations on brands/material? I see Docs Diesel has brake pads but was wondering any of you have any other recommendations?

I can't see myself buying anything from Docs. It's all chicom lowest bidder.

OEM or Powerstop pads.

Also hard to believe your pads are worn that far unless you're not using the EB and/or lots of brake applications. You didn't indicate mileage.

 

[Crusty old shellback]

I've done the power stop Z36 kit on my '04 Chevy 1500, '01 F250 and '21 Power Wagon. All with oversize tires. Never an issue and work great.