Euro4x4parts aftermarket brake pads: fitting and field testing on a Toyota HDJ 80 4x4

(journaldu4x4.com partner article)

Please note: Euro4x4parts publishes this information for the benefit of clients but cannot be held responsible for any use or misuse of this advice.

Performance at least as good as genuine parts!

Brake pads: HDJ 80 field test - journaldu4x4.com partner article

The brake system is the most important safety feature on a heavyweight 4x4 such as the Toyota HDJ 80. It's a simple task to propel the 2.2 tons of 4x4, but slowing down and stopping can be a different matter.

Up until now we've nearly always only had faith in "genuine" parts supplied direct from the vehicle manufacturer.

In the past, our various tests on aftermarket pads were never very convincing despite the obviously attractive prices. Even worse, one of our tests was interrupted due to the wholly inadequate braking that the pads gave.

Four disc brakes

The Toyota HDJ 80, like all modern 4x4 vehicles, uses four disc brakes (the drums on the rear wheel are only used for the handbrake).

The mechanism is very straightforward.

A disc, fixed to the wheel hub, rotates between two pads held in place by a caliper.

When braking, the pads push up against the disc via the action of a piston activated by hydraulic pressure.

The brake pedal activates the hydraulic pressure. Increased action on the pedal results in the disc being pinched increasingly harder by the two pads.

Each caliper features a single piston that pushes against one pad, whilst the other is moved by the sliding caliper carrier.

Choice of pad material

The brake pad comprised of two parts. The first part is the metal backing plate that ensure precise positioning in the caliper. The pad part is a composite material bonded to the backing plate. Fibre glass has been used since the use of asbestos was banned. This material differs according to vehicle manufacturers and sub contracted parts manufacturers. The degree of resistance to abrasion is calculated according to the quality (strength) of steel used in the disc.

If a brake pad is too soft it will offer excellent braking but an unreasonably short life span.

Conversely, too hard a pad will result in diminished performance and ultimately ineffective braking.

In some cases too hard a pad can result in damage to the disc itself.

The choice of replacement pad is therefore not to be taken lightly!

Equivalent to genuine

With no laboratory or measuring equipment it is obviously difficult to test brake pads. The following article is therefore completely subjective - these are our impressions based on our experience.

Encouraged by advice from Georges Graciet, we chose to replace our pads with "aftermarket" pads part n° BPL1217 from Euro4x4 Parts.

Being identical in shape and thickness to the original pads we didn't encounter any issues when fitting these "aftermarket" pads. The only issue was the lack of anti-rattle springs in the pack, so we just re-used the existing springs.

As with every brake system service we ran in the new pads over about 300km.

In practical terms, this period means driving with more restraint than usual, allowing for greater braking distances and avoiding sudden, hard braking. This of course is exactly what you should do with genuine pads too!

Once over the 300 km limit, we returned to normal driving style.

Positive results

In all honesty we couldn't detect any difference in braking distance.

In fact if anything, we felt that these new pads offered better, more progressive braking performance - perhaps due the material being softer than the originals.

Similarly, we didn't experience any brake squeal or other extraneous noises.

Calipers are very exposed, especially in rain when passing through puddles. Pads can offer slightly reduced performance in damp conditions.

However, once again, we didn't notice any major difference and take our word for it our careful wet weather driving was far from the potential of these brakes!

Having covered over 20 000 km in all conditions, the pads show significant wear but have still not reached the minimum 5mm thickness. The discs themselves show no sign of abnormal wear.

To sum up, we are impressed by the quality of these parts.

Costing only half as much as the original parts stamped Toyota, they offer comparable braking performance and longevity.

Fitting is well within the reach of the home mechanic.

First, set the vehicle on axle stands

Then remove the front wheels.

Remove the safety spring from the pins

Use a tool to withdraw the pins.

Push the pistons in using a large screwdriver.

Remove the brake pads one by one.

Fit the new pads reversing these steps

Use the same method for the rear wheels.

These parts must be checked every 20 000 km.

Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir.

On average, brake pads last for about 30.000 to 35 000 km according to driving style. Front brake pads absorb 70% of braking effort and therefore wear more rapidly than those at the rear.

Good braking is vital for safety so always remember to regularly check the brake pads. This is an easy task even for a non professional.

Easily find the right brake pads for job!

We offer brake pads for every 4x4 make and model: Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Land Rover, Jeep, Suzuki / Santana, UMM...

Choose the parts directly, according to your needs, within the following sections:

Of course if you need any help or advice just, contact us!

Euro4x4parts, all the parts you'll ever need - just grab a wrench!