Hi all, I just thought I'd post this, in case others are looking to change out their factory pads with something else. I will also preface to say that I'm sure there are many systems (brake kits) that are superior than stock; however I just wanted to post what recently transpired.
NOTE: Previous pads/rotors were Toyota OEM pads/rotors - installed new at the time of purchase, from the dealer I purchased from - 2.5yrs ago, 35k miles.
The reason I did the change isn't because they HAD to be done, I could have waited a few months, but the brakes were noisy and I wanted something quieter.
I have (on past vehicles) used Napa brake parts, and was impressed with the Silent Gaurd pads, presumably because they are very quiet, and (in the past on other vehicles) have seemed to do a decent job. I tried them on my 2008 LX. Purchased/installed end of October 2024. I did the recommended break-in method (Checked with Napa AND Toyota) - just used Toyota's version they recommend at the dealer. I did NOT replace the rotors since they were still decent, and figured I'd do a new pad/rotor change next time around.
Well well... Upon installI I immediately noticed less braking pressure upon applying the pedal - it must have taken 25% more braking input to match the same level of performance the original OE pads had. NOTE: I did not swap out the rotors at the time, so perhaps that had something to do with it (Napa/napa vs Toyota/Toyota).
Anyway, Napa took back the pads under warranty with a full refund, and I just installed Toyota OE pads (including new rotors this time around). Feels just like it did when I purchased it. Hopefully they'll be a bit quieter than the original set I had, however I really value the added stopping power - it's important if you have the entire family and are driving fast under load. WAY better performance.
Just wanted to post that in case someone here is considering Napa SilentGuard pads. I would steer-clear. Not worth it.
NOTE: Previous pads/rotors were Toyota OEM pads/rotors - installed new at the time of purchase, from the dealer I purchased from - 2.5yrs ago, 35k miles.
The reason I did the change isn't because they HAD to be done, I could have waited a few months, but the brakes were noisy and I wanted something quieter.
I have (on past vehicles) used Napa brake parts, and was impressed with the Silent Gaurd pads, presumably because they are very quiet, and (in the past on other vehicles) have seemed to do a decent job. I tried them on my 2008 LX. Purchased/installed end of October 2024. I did the recommended break-in method (Checked with Napa AND Toyota) - just used Toyota's version they recommend at the dealer. I did NOT replace the rotors since they were still decent, and figured I'd do a new pad/rotor change next time around.
Well well... Upon installI I immediately noticed less braking pressure upon applying the pedal - it must have taken 25% more braking input to match the same level of performance the original OE pads had. NOTE: I did not swap out the rotors at the time, so perhaps that had something to do with it (Napa/napa vs Toyota/Toyota).
Anyway, Napa took back the pads under warranty with a full refund, and I just installed Toyota OE pads (including new rotors this time around). Feels just like it did when I purchased it. Hopefully they'll be a bit quieter than the original set I had, however I really value the added stopping power - it's important if you have the entire family and are driving fast under load. WAY better performance.
Just wanted to post that in case someone here is considering Napa SilentGuard pads. I would steer-clear. Not worth it.
