Top 5 Best Brakes For Toyota Tundra (2020 Review)

Are you currently searching for the best brakes for Toyota Tundra pickups?

If so, you are in the right place.

In this PopularMechanic.com guide, you will learn the following:

  • What do Brakes Consist Of?
  • How Do Brakes Work? 
  • What are the Different Types of Brakes?

And More!

Top 5 Best Brakes For Toyota Tundra (2020 Review)

Below is a quick list of all our top products. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose the best brakes for Toyota Tundra.

Image Product

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Akebono ASP1303 Performance Ultra-Premium Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Kit
  • No break-in period necessary
  • Low noise and vibration
  • Very low dust output
  • No break-in period necessary
  • Low noise and vibration
  • Very low dust output
View on Amazon

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Power Stop Z36-1303, Z36 Truck & Tow Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Front Brake Pads
  • Pads are chamfered and slotted for quietness
  • Powder-coated backplate to extend life
  • Carbon fiber reinforced ceramic lining
  • Pads are chamfered and slotted for quietness
  • Powder-coated backplate to extend life
  • Carbon fiber reinforced ceramic lining
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EBC Brakes Series Greenstuff Truck and SUV Brake Pad
  • Edge chamfered and slotted for quiet operation
  • High friction for increased stopping
  • Superb stopping even under load
  • Edge chamfered and slotted for quiet operation
  • High friction for increased stopping
  • Superb stopping even under load
View on Amazon

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Hawk Performance HB589Y.704 LTS Brake Pad
  • Superior fade resistance
  • Ferro Carbon Formula to minimize stopping distances
  • Free of harsh vibrations
  • Superior fade resistance
  • Ferro Carbon Formula to minimize stopping distances
  • Free of harsh vibrations
View on Amazon

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Brembo P83107N Front Disc Brake Pad
  • Quiet use
  • Premium shims dampen vibration
  • Less dust than most
  • Quiet use
  • Premium shims dampen vibration
  • Less dust than most
View on Amazon

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

(updated 7/31/2020)

Our number 1 pick for the best Toyota Tundra brakes is the Akebono Performance Ultra Premium Brake Pads.

These pads are known for their high level of efficiency, and notably even distribution of stopping power.

Akebono Performance Ultra-Premium Brake Pads also perform with little brake noise and dust.  

If you are currently searching for the best brakes for your Toyota Tundra, be sure to check out Akebono’s Performance Ultra-Premium Brake Pads.

We have compiled all of the necessary information to assist you in making an informed decision when purchasing Toyota Tundra brake pads.

The Tundra is well known as the largest truck within Toyota’s current lineup and is built to handle any task thrown its way. 

From towing to highway cruising, there are very few tasks that the Tundra is not well equipped to handle.

This level of diverse, yet robust functionality places an even greater emphasis on the importance of only purchasing aftermarket brakes which are of the highest quality. 

This is precisely why only those brakes which offer the most efficient braking possible, have been included on the list that follows.

Top 5 Best Brakes For A Toyota Tundra

What Do Brakes Consist Of?

Everyone is probably pretty familiar with what brakes do. We all know that brakes bring your vehicle to a stop on command. But do you know what components make up your truck’s braking system?

If not, you are far from alone, as many vehicle owners are not aware of the specifics regarding brake system operation. That is what we are here for, as the following will serve as an expedite brakes 101 course.

Your braking system consists of several main components. These include components within the fluid delivery side of the equation, such as the master cylinder, brake lines, and brake hoses. 

Also included in the braking system are foundation components such as calipers, brake rotors, and brake pads in disc brake layouts. In drum brake systems, these components include wheel cylinders, drums, and brake shoes.

These components work together to deliver the needed force to bring your vehicle to a halt, even under demanding circumstances.

Read More >> How Do You Repair A Brake Line Yourself?

Did you know: Typically, brakes need to be changed on a vehicle every 50,000. However, if you hear grinding, squeaking, or other concerning noises while braking, it might be time to get them fixed a bit sooner than that.

How Do Brakes Work?

Okay, so now that we have hashed out the components that you can expect to find in your vehicle's braking system, how does the system work? 

While the overall process can seem quite complicated, the concept behind a brake system’s operation is not overly difficult to grasp.

When you press on your vehicle’s brake pedal, a push rod extends and depresses a plunger within your vehicle’s master cylinder. When this occurs, brake fluid is forced out of the master cylinder’s ports and through the attached brake lines. 

This fluid travels through each individual brake line, creating hydraulic force which acts upon the brake caliper or wheel cylinder located at each wheel location.

As this fluid pressure acts upon these components, the pistons within push outward on their corresponding brake shoes or brake pads.

This outward motion of the brake pads or brake shoes causes them to come into contact with the brake drum or disc which they are positioned against. 

Depending upon the type of brake system that your vehicle is fitted with, either the included drums or rotors are slowed due to the friction created by this braking application.

As such, these drums or discs, which are attached via studs to each individual wheel, cause a vehicle to slow.

For a more detailed description on how brakes work, check out this article.

What Are The Different Types Of Brakes?

When most individuals speak of replacing their vehicle’s brakes, they are referring to replacing brake pads, though rotors often need to be turned or replaced as well. 

At times, consumers opt for the use of an all-encompassing brake kit if the replacement of multiple components is required. These kits can be purchased in economy packages or as a high-performance tow brake kit for vehicles that are regularly used for towing. 

Many of these high-performance packages include added bells and whistles such as multi-piston calipers and slotted rotors.

Brake pads are considered consumable parts, meaning they are not intended to last for the entire life of a vehicle, and will require eventual replacement.

Most often, worn brake pads are first noticed when braking times become increased, brake noise becomes audible, or lower than normal brake fluid levels are observed in the master cylinder mounted brake fluid reservoir.

However, when brake pad replacement becomes necessary, multiple options exist, and it pays to have a working knowledge of the different types of new pads available.

Organic Brake Pads

Organic brake pads have been the industry standard for many years. However, they have changed in composition from their original form. 

Organic brake pads were originally composed of asbestos fibers. This is a practice that has since been discontinued due to the negative ramifications of unintentional inhalation of such matter. 

Today, organic pads consist of rubber, carbon, glass, fiberglass, Kevlar, and other similar materials bound together in resin.

Brake pads of an organic composition tend to provide notable stopping potential, at a low price point.

These pads also are relatively quiet in relation to other pad times, and impart minimal wear on rotors. However, organic brake pads are known to be the least durable of all brake pad types.

Ceramic Brake Pads

Ceramic brake pads have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. These pads consist of a hard ceramic compound, as their name would imply. 

Ceramic brake pads also include many embedded copper fibers, which assist in heat and friction distribution. The blend of these two properties provides consistent braking upon every pedal application.

Pads of a ceramic nature tend to be ultra-quiet in operation, and offer an efficient stopping power under nearly any set of circumstances. 

However, ceramic pads also impart a higher level of wear and tear on other brake system components, such as a vehicle’s rotors.

In relation to organic pads, ceramic brake pads can be slightly more expensive.

Metallic Brake Pads

Metallic or semi-metallic brake pads are a favorite of those that demand the height of efficiency in braking. 

These pads consist primarily of a mixture of copper, iron, steel, or other composite alloys. These metals are then blended with a resin to fill out the remainder of the pad.

Pads of a metallic nature are known for their efficiency. The bulk of high performance and racing vehicles feature this style of pad, as little can replicate their overall stopping ability. 

The trade-off to this is that metallic pads can be rather noisy, and are harsh on brake rotors. Metallic pads are generally priced at a moderate point, often commanding an expenditure that is somewhere in between that of organic and ceramic pads.

For a more in-depth look at brake pads and the different kinds, check out this article.

Top 5 Best Brakes For A Toyota Tundra

Akebono Performance Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pads are ideal when searching for a quick and efficient brake upgrade. 

These pads are easy on rotors, yet offer substantially decreased stopping distances, due to their excellent heat dissipative properties. 

No break-in period is required in order to achieve maximum performance. Simply install and enjoy.

Brake noise and vibration are also of no issue with the use of Akebono Performance Ultra-Premium Ceramic Disk Brakes. 

This is made possible through the use of Akebono’s proprietary shims, which help in suppressing noise, and eliminating aggravating squeaks and squeals. This allows you to focus on what lies ahead.

Pros

  • No break-in period necessary
  • Low noise and vibration
  • Very low dust output

Cons

  • Some consumers had issues with clips

Power Stop Truck & Tow Carbon-Fiber Brake Pads are just what any performance-minded chevy truck owner needs to bring their workhorse to a halt in a moment's notice. 

These front brake pads employ the use of carbon-fiber medium material to reinforce the already robust stopping potential of traditional ceramic pads. This results in next-level braking performance.

In addition to robust stopping power, the Power Stop Carbon-Fiber Ceramic pads offer virtually noise-free operation. This is made possible by the pads’ thermal scorched surface and chamfered slot design.

Pros

  • Pads are chamfered and slotted for quietness
  • Powder-coated backplate to extend life
  • Carbon fiber reinforced ceramic lining

Cons

  • Consumers complain of increased brake dust

EBC Greenstuff Brake Pads offer braking efficiency beyond that of many similar aftermarket options. These pads feature a unique coating that is integrated into their linings, which conditions brake rotors for rapid break-in. 

This provides notably improved braking from the time of installation.

Another point of value pertaining to EBC Greenstuff Brake Pad use is the notable quiet manner in which they operate. 

This is made possible through the pads’ chamfered and slotted design, as well as the inclusion of high-grade shims.

Pros

  • Edge chamfered and slotted for quiet operation
  • High friction for increased stopping
  • Superb stopping even under load

Cons

  • Higher priced than most competitors

If you are currently seeking a more efficient way to bring your Titan to a halt, look no further than Hawk LTS Performance Brake Pads.

These pads use a proprietary Ferro-Carbon formula to minimize stopping distances and provide a braking experience free of the harsh vibrations that often accompany similar market offerings.

One of the most impressive characteristics of the Hawk Performance LTS Brake Pads, is that they accomplish this outstanding level of performance without producing any audible noise or notable amount of brake dust. 

Pros

  • Superior fade resistance
  • Ferro Carbon Formula to minimize stopping distances
  • Free of harsh vibrations

Cons

  • Higher priced than competitors

If you know brakes, you know Brembo.

This company has been a mainstay high-performance brake industry since the 1960s. 

Now consumers far and wide can experience the superior braking characteristics provided by Brembo pads, no matter the vehicle. 

Brembo Front Brake Pads provides responsive and reliable braking, under any number of circumstances.

Brembo Front Disc Brake Pads also operate in absence of excessive noise. This is made possible through the use of premium shims, which dampen brake vibration and chatter. 

These pads also produce significantly less brake dust than many OEM equivalents.

Pros

  • Quiet use
  • Premium shims dampen vibration
  • Less dust than most

Cons

  • Consumers had issues with clips

My top pick for the best Toyota Tundra brakes is the Akebono Performance Ultra-Premium Brake Pads.

These pads are known for their high level of efficiency, and notably even distribution of stopping power for the duration of the pedal application. 

This results in smooth, yet capable braking, no matter the road conditions or circumstances encountered.

Akebono Performance Ultra-Premium Brake Pads also operate in relative absence of annoying brake dust or brake noise.

This elevates your driving experience to the next level and eliminates unnecessary hassle of cleaning wheels or re-lubing brake system components.

 If you are currently searching for the best brakes for your Toyota Tundra, be sure to check out Akebono’s Performance Ultra-Premium Brake Pads.

About Your Mechanic

About Josh Boyd

I’ve been an ASE Certified automotive/heavy equipment technician since 2010. I began my career performing basic automotive maintenance at a service center before working as a Toyota technician at my local dealership.

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