2011 TRD Brake Pads: Recommendations

I am at 45k on my 2011 Tacoma TRD. I drive in stop and go traffic here in the DFW and within the last few weeks have developed a "squeak" at low low speeds on my brakes. Looked at a couple of videos and swapping brake pads seems a damn breeze.

My question to you all is what brake pads do you recommend? Should I go ahead and swap rotors too (I think they are fine), have them turned, or do nothing with them? No shake when braking.

 

Hate to bump this, but 60 viewers and no recommendations? Looking to order today so I can get them done on Saturday.

 

You should always have your rotors turned and have the thickness checked to make sure they are still with in specification the minimum size will be stamped on the back side of the rotor. You don't want to put new pads on grooves that were were made by the old pads, the surfaces won't fit together and your braking will suffer.

As for brake pads, I don't have any suggestions.
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I am doing my own homework on this too.. I have 40k on my 2011 Taco and drive in Atlanta traffic. However, I seem to have a warped rotor (at least 1) because I have bad shaking under braking. I concur with the previous statement that you should have your rotors inspected before replacing pads because you can have very strange wearing of pads on non-new rotors.

 

I disagree with ALWAYS having your rotors turned. If there is little to no scoring, and no vibration, then I leave them alone and never have I had an issue. To each his own though.

OP, you might have changed them already, but, are you sure the squeal is the front? Back brakes on these trucks are notorious for doing it. Also, I like the stock OEM pads. They don't put out a ton of dust, and hold up well IMO.

 

x2 on the OEM pads

 

Well add me to this group. My '11 has developed the slightest of squeaks, just when coming to a stop (from like 2MPH to dead stopped). I think it is coming from one of the rears, so I likely just need to shoot the drums with brake clean.
It did get me thinking though. How hard are brake jobs on these trucks? I have never done brakes on any of my vehicles, but I am mechanically inclined. Given a step-by-step I can get through anything. Anyone have a step-by-step guide posted anywhere? Looked around, couldn't find anything on here. I have the 2005+ FSM, does that pretty much cover the 2011? Can't imagine brakes changed much (if at all) on the second gens from year to year. OP Mentioned a video for pad swapping, got a link to that?

 

Not sure about a write up for the rear, but there is one for the fronts I know for sure, well atleast there used to be. Fronts on the these trucks are some of the easiest I've ever changed. I'd definitely would say save yourself money by doing your own front brakes. As far as drum brakes, those are tricky without a little practice, but can be done.


Edit: here ya go: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/38025-diy-front-brake-pad-change.html

 

For what it's worth...some great brake advice I picked up a few years ago.

If you can lock your stock brakes or engage ABS with a good mash of the pedal, you don't need to upgrade pads/rotors because the grippiest brakes in the world aren't going to help you. You'd be better off with a sticky tire. If it takes a great deal of effort to actually do that, then there may be a benefit to looking into different compounds.

That being said, if you are experiencing issues with brake fade, then you can look into different pads/fluid to try and alleviate the problems. However, if you're just doing normal stop and go driving and aren't doing track time or heavy towing, it's not really as much of an issue. Things like stainless lines will improve braking feel, but it won't necessarily improve your braking distance.

As far as pads, I'm not too up on brands for these trucks, but I'd look at something for longevity / low dust.

 

Great Advice!