Brake pads: anyone have experience with Bosch, Raybestos, or Akebono?

I'm looking to get some new front brake pads for my 3rd gen and I have 3 choices.

First we have Akebono ProACT, this is the safest option because they are associated with and partially owned by Toyota and even supply parts. But this is the most expensive option at $42 and it doesn't even include mounting hardware. This pad is ceramic like all the options I'm considering.

Next option is Asbestos, I mean Reybestos Specialty Truck Ceramic. Aparently the "specialty" refers to designed for longer life than regular versions. This is the cheapest option at $25 and it comes with hardware. I don't have any experience with this company, but I hear good things about them.

The last option I'm considering is Bosch Quiet Cast. This comes with hardware and is $29. I know Bosch is a big company, but I don't know what sort of reputation they have for brake pads.

Does anyone have experience with any of these companies brake pads? I want what everyone wants, a pad that matches or gets close to the OEM pad while costing way less.

 

I've run Akebono on multiple vehicles with zero complaints. Like you said, these are a Toyota OEM supplier. Would not hesitate to run them, they're pretty much a no brainier.

That said, I actually purchased the Raybestos pads you mentioned for the front of my 5th gen. I saw a member here have good things to say about them, and Raybestos has a long history with brakes so I trust the name. I haven't gotten around to installing them yet though.

As far as the Bosch, also a good name, but the quiet cast seems to be a budget offering and reviews are so so. I attempted to give the rear rotors a shot, they looked nice enough, however the fitment guide was incorrect and the ones I received did not fit my 4Runner. I think they were for a 4th gen. I didn't realize till after I installed them, the center bore taper was off a tad, and they didn't fit 100% flush. Everything bolted back together ok, but I realized something was off as soon as I started to drive it. Had to run to O'Reilly's to get the correct parts.

Not sure if that fitment error was a Bosch mistake or an Amazon mistake. Either way, I won't order parts like that from them again.

 

Can’t go wrong with akibono. I had planned on getting those installed and even ordered them in advance of dropping my vehicle off but they didn’t arrive and my time was limited. I went with the Raybestos as the shop had them in stock and I didn’t want to reschedule my brake replacement appointment. I’ve probably got 4-5000 on them and I’ve got no complaints. Yet. Ha ha

 

I used to be in parts sales, I would go with the Akebono, and avoid the others you mentioned, they will squeak. Sent out many pairs only to have them come back for an OEM style pad.
I know others will have a different opinion.

 

Were those with their semi-metallic pads or just in general?

 

They sell 2 versions of Akebono for my 4runner, the ACT611 ($42) and the ACT436 ($52). Someone on Amazon guessed that one was intended for the larger rotors equipped on 16" wheel 4runners. Does anyone know if that's true? The descriptions on Rock auto are word for word the same. Akebono's website doesn't make much distinction either, only a little note next to ACT "OE pad material is ceramic".

 

These are the Akebono pads I use on my 2019.

ASP 976 front pads
ASP 606 rear pads

 

Used to use Bosch nothing wrong with them but I just didn't want to wait for shipping.

This round just went with Napa's Adaptive One's and pretty damn happy with them.

 

I’ve used Akebono on multiple vehicles in the past with no complaints.
I just put Raybestos EHT element 3 pads a few weeks ago on my 5th gen and they are super quiet and offer great stopping power.