Brake Pads and Fuel Filters

[AlabamaDan]

Ok guys I have some questions about aftermarket vs OEM parts. Yes I've searched and learned some things, but they didn't exactly answer my questions.

I need Brake Pads for my 94 Q45. I know "OEM tried and true" and I've stuck to that for years. OEM Parts vs the Best Bendix Pads at Advance Auto Parts (AAP) are close to the same price. Of course AAP is a little cheaper and they have a Warranty against normal wear. I was thinking that since I plan to keep the Q45 forever this might be good for me. I realize they may wear faster, but would they have a significant decrease in stopping power?

I do realize that AAP pads don't have the sensor, but the guy said they do have the hole and clip and all for it. I'll just have to change pads before I get into the OEM sensor so it can be reused.

Now I have the same question about my 98 QX4. Since the QX4 isn't quite built to the same standards, isn't as heavy, etc. Would your answer vary for them. The pads for the QX4 at AAP is about 1/2 of what they are at infiniti of scottsdale.

How about fuel filters? Are they about the same, OEM vs AAP?

Thanks guys!

[qsiguy]

I may get flamed for it but I have used Autozone pads for years, whichever pad is the best price with the lifetime warranty. I guess unless I tried the OEM pads or whatever the "suggested pad" is I wouldn't know the difference but my brakes always work great and I can stop as fast as I ever need to. I like the wear warranty, they are counting on people not keeping their cars that long I guess but I keep my cars for a long time. I have changed my pads on my Q about 3 times for free and on my other cars about 2-3 times each. Only pads I've purchase are the first set.

The come with the sensors too. Occationally it won't be in the box but they check another box and get the sensor from that one. Keep in mind that it's only the passenger side that has the sensors and if you had not sensors they can easily be bypassed.

[maxnix]

It really comes down to formulations. OEM are specifically formulated for the car. Generic (Chinese?) pads are a best guess blend for a bunch of cars.

Read Q45tech's posts on pad composition.

[AlabamaDan]

Maybe you're right. I've always had OEM, but maybe I shoudl try some high quality aftermarket and compare. I can always go back to OEM later.

[maxnix]

The only reason to change formulations on the brake pad is because of change of use. If you are tracking the car or driving in mountainous regions, a harder pad may be indicated.

As far as filtering material, when you read the testing, very few do as well as OEM. For the price from Joe, there is little reason to change. The only item I change is the oil filters. I prefer M1 from Joe to the superceded thimble sized ones originally designed for the V6 from Nissan.

[qsiguy]

...For the price from Joe, there is little reason to change....

Well, unless they are free from Joe I'll keep using my aftermarket ones from Autozone that I get for free for as long as I keep this car.

[maxnix]

Well, unless they are free from Joe I'll keep using my aftermarket ones from Autozone that I get for free for as long as I keep this car.

"Member's standards vary." - Q45tech

[Q45tech]

When ever anyone brings up pads I always refer them to:http://www.nlectc.org/pdffiles...0.pdf

This 202 page test of oem vs common easy to get brands on Furd and Chevy [equivalent to Q weight] with similar brakes at least in Police car versions.

Detailed pad and rotor temperature for each brand....they had 3 of each car and 3 different professional drivers and did multi hundred measurements on each pad.

All about balancing heat between front and rear rotors, some obviously didn't get it right.

NAPA brand were consistently the worst while a few got close to oem.