Akebono Brake Pads: Do They Include Shims?

When it comes to maintaining the safety and performance of your vehicle, few components are as critical as your brake pads. For many Toyota owners, the decision often boils down to choosing between the familiar original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and high-quality aftermarket alternatives like Akebono. A key consideration in this choice, beyond just the pad material and performance, is whether the brake pads come complete with the necessary shims. This can significantly impact both the overall cost and the ease of installation, particularly when comparing the value proposition of Akebono against Toyota's own Sumitomo pads.

Do Akebono Brake Pads Come with Shims?

One of the most frequent questions asked by drivers considering Akebono brake pads is whether they include shims. The good news for most consumers is that, yes, Akebono brake pad sets typically do include the necessary shims and sometimes other hardware like clips. Akebono, being a premium aftermarket manufacturer, understands the importance of providing a comprehensive solution for a complete brake service. Their packaging is generally designed to ensure you have all the essential components for a straightforward installation, which often means the shims are pre-attached or included in the box.

However, it is always prudent to double-check the product description or packaging details when purchasing, especially if buying online. While the vast majority of Akebono Pro-ACT, Ceramic, or EURO Ceramic pad sets come with shims, minor variations can occur depending on the specific vehicle application or seller. This contrasts sharply with many OEM offerings, where shims are frequently sold separately, adding both to the cost and the complexity of ordering parts.

The Crucial Role of Brake Shims

Before delving deeper into the comparison, it’s essential to understand why brake shims are so important. Shims are thin plates, often made of multiple layers of metal and rubber, that fit between the brake pad backing plate and the caliper piston or caliper body. Their primary functions include:

• Noise Reduction: Shims act as a damper, absorbing vibrations that cause brake squeal and chatter. They prevent direct metal-on-metal contact between the pad and the caliper.
• Heat Dissipation: They help to insulate the brake fluid from the heat generated during braking, preventing fluid boil and maintaining consistent pedal feel.
• Vibration Damping: By providing a stable interface, shims reduce unwanted movement of the brake pad within the caliper, contributing to a smoother braking experience.
• Wear Prevention: They protect the caliper from direct wear caused by the brake pad's movement.

Without properly fitted shims, or with worn-out shims, you risk experiencing annoying brake noise, reduced braking performance, and accelerated wear on your braking components. This is why their inclusion with a new set of pads is a significant advantage.

Akebono vs. Toyota OEM (Sumitomo): A Comprehensive Comparison

The user's specific scenario highlights a common dilemma: choosing between aftermarket Akebono pads and Toyota OEM Sumitomo pads, particularly concerning cost and the inclusion of shims. Let's break down the key differences:

Manufacturer Background

• Akebono: A global leader in brake technology, Akebono is a Japanese company with a long-standing reputation for manufacturing high-quality braking components. They are often an OEM supplier to various car manufacturers worldwide, including some premium brands. Their aftermarket pads, particularly the Pro-ACT Ceramic series, are renowned for low dust, quiet operation, and excellent stopping power.
• Toyota OEM (Sumitomo): While Toyota designs its vehicles, it relies on various suppliers for components. Sumitomo is a well-respected Japanese industrial group, and its brake division often supplies Toyota with original equipment brake pads. These pads are designed to meet Toyota's exact specifications for fit, function, and performance, ensuring the 'factory feel' that many owners appreciate.

Performance Characteristics

• Noise: Akebono ceramic pads are widely praised for their exceptionally quiet operation. They are specifically engineered to minimise brake squeal and chatter, making them a popular choice for drivers sensitive to noise. Toyota OEM pads are also generally quiet when new and properly installed, but ceramic formulations like Akebono often have an edge in sustained quietness over their lifespan.
• Dust: This is where Akebono ceramic pads truly shine. They produce significantly less brake dust compared to semi-metallic pads (which some OEM pads might be, though many modern OEM pads are low-dust ceramic). This means cleaner wheels and less frequent cleaning, a definite aesthetic benefit.
• Braking Feel: OEM pads are designed to replicate the original factory feel precisely. They offer a predictable and consistent pedal feel. Akebono pads, while providing excellent stopping power, might offer a slightly different pedal feel due to their ceramic composition – often described as smoother or more progressive, rather than an aggressive initial bite. This difference is usually subtle and easily adapted to.
• Longevity: Both Akebono and Toyota OEM pads are known for their durability. The lifespan of brake pads depends heavily on driving style, environment, and vehicle weight. Generally, both brands offer comparable longevity under similar driving conditions.

Material Composition

Most modern Akebono aftermarket pads are ceramic formulations. Ceramic pads are made from a dense, ceramic material embedded with copper fibres. They are known for their quiet operation, low dust, and stable friction coefficient across various temperatures. Toyota OEM pads can be ceramic or a low-metallic hybrid, depending on the specific model and application, but many newer Toyota vehicles use ceramic-based OEM pads for their balance of performance and quietness.

Cost Analysis and Value Proposition

The user's experience highlights a significant cost disparity: Toyota OEM Sumitomo pads are roughly £30-£40 more per axle, totalling at least £80-£100 more overall after factoring in the separate purchase of Toyota shims. This is a substantial saving that warrants close consideration.

Let's consider the value proposition:

1. Initial Purchase Price: Akebono pads are often more competitively priced than OEM pads from the dealership, even before considering shims.
2. Shims Inclusion: As discussed, Akebono typically includes shims, whereas Toyota OEM pads often require purchasing shims separately. This immediately adds to the OEM cost.
3. Convenience: Buying a complete kit (pads + shims) from Akebono means fewer separate parts to order and less chance of forgetting a crucial component.
4. Shipping to Canada: Purchasing Akebono pads online and shipping them to Canada is a viable option and often the most cost-effective way to acquire them, especially when compared to dealership pricing which might have regional markups. One must, of course, factor in potential import duties and shipping costs, but the base price difference often makes this worthwhile.

Comparative Table: Akebono vs. Toyota OEM Brake Pads

Installation Considerations

Regardless of which brand of brake pads you choose, proper installation is paramount for safety and performance. If you're undertaking the job yourself, ensure you have the correct tools and knowledge. Key steps include:

• Inspecting Calipers: Check for any signs of leaks or seized pistons.
• Cleaning Components: Thoroughly clean the caliper bracket, hub, and any contact points for the pads and shims. Old brake dust and rust can lead to noise or uneven wear.
• Lubrication: Apply a high-temperature, silicone-based brake lubricant to the caliper guide pins, the points where the brake pad ears slide in the caliper bracket, and the back of the shims where they contact the caliper piston or body. This is crucial for smooth operation and noise prevention.
• Rotor Condition: Always inspect your brake discs (rotors). If they are worn beyond minimum thickness, warped, or severely grooved, they should be replaced or machined (if within tolerance) to ensure optimal braking performance with your new pads.

Even though Akebono pads typically include shims, it’s still good practice to clean the caliper thoroughly and apply a thin layer of brake grease to the contact points of the shims and pads, as recommended by the manufacturer. This ensures maximum noise reduction and smooth operation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Akebono brake pads good quality?

Yes, Akebono brake pads are widely regarded as a premium, high-quality aftermarket option. They are known for their advanced ceramic formulations, which provide quiet operation, low dust, and consistent braking performance. Many car manufacturers even use Akebono as an OEM supplier for their vehicles.

Will using Akebono pads void my vehicle's warranty?

Generally, no. Using aftermarket brake pads like Akebono will not void your vehicle's warranty, provided they are installed correctly and are not the direct cause of a system failure. Vehicle manufacturers cannot force you to use only their OEM parts for warranty coverage. However, if a brake system failure is *directly* attributed to a defect in the aftermarket pads or improper installation, then that specific repair might not be covered. It's always best to check your vehicle's warranty terms or consult with your dealership if you have specific concerns.

How long do Akebono brake pads typically last?

The lifespan of Akebono brake pads, like any brake pads, varies greatly depending on driving habits, vehicle type, and driving conditions. However, Akebono ceramic pads are designed for durability and often provide excellent longevity, comparable to or even exceeding many OEM pads. On average, you might expect them to last between 30,000 to 70,000 miles, but this is a rough estimate.

What's the main difference between ceramic and semi-metallic brake pads?

Ceramic pads, like Akebono's primary offering, are known for being very quiet, producing minimal dust, and offering stable performance across a range of temperatures. They are generally gentler on brake discs. Semi-metallic pads contain metal fibres (steel, iron, copper) and are known for their aggressive bite and excellent stopping power, especially in heavy-duty or performance applications. However, they tend to be noisier and produce more brake dust.

Is it always worth paying more for OEM parts?

Not necessarily. While OEM parts guarantee an exact fit and the original factory feel, high-quality aftermarket brands like Akebono often offer comparable or superior performance in specific areas (e.g., less dust, quieter operation) at a more competitive price. The decision often comes down to budget, desired performance characteristics, and whether the 'factory feel' is a critical factor for the driver.

Do I always need new shims when replacing brake pads?

It is highly recommended to replace shims whenever you replace brake pads. Shims can wear out, corrode, or lose their dampening properties over time. Reusing old shims can lead to increased noise, vibration, and potentially compromise braking performance. The fact that Akebono pads typically include new shims is a significant benefit in this regard.

Conclusion

For Toyota owners looking to replace their brake pads, Akebono offers a compelling alternative to the more expensive OEM Sumitomo pads. The critical advantage of Akebono is not just their reputation for quiet, low-dust ceramic performance, but also the frequent inclusion of shims and other necessary hardware in their kits. This simplifies the purchase process and provides a significant cost saving, as highlighted by the user's situation of saving at least £100 per vehicle. While OEM parts offer the comfort of an exact factory match, Akebono provides a high-quality, often superior, and more economical solution for maintaining your vehicle's braking system effectively.

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