HOW DO I KNOW WHAT BRAND DO I HAVE?
You will probably not know unless you have detailed maintenance records, with the brake pad receipt or a brake job invoice. If you pull the pads out, a few brands might have the name printed on the back. But many do not.

WHAT ABOUT SHIMS?
Get them!!! Some of the inexpenseive pads from discount auto parts stores do not include anti-squeal shims. Better yet, purchase a high-quality set of brake pads with the anti-squeal shims included.

WHAT BRAND TO BUY?
There is no single "best" brake pad type to buy. You message stated: "There is a lot written about pad brands, but nobody agrees." True, there is a variety of Brickboard opinion on the best brand of brake pad, rotor, shock/strut, engine oil, filter, spark plug, etc.. But when researching a specific part or repair job, you will usually find A CONCENSUS OF WHAT BRANDS ARE GOOD, WHAT BRANDS/TYPES SHOULD BE AVOIDED, AND WHY. To me, this information is priceless. Base your decision on the majority view, not just the statement of one person who claims success with an alternate that others say to avoid... This includes my opinion, too!

Here is what I have found:
- The Brickboard generally views brands such as Volvo OEM and PBR Deluxe as good "general-purpose" brake pads. PBR on sale is great!
- For any specific brake pad brand, the "metallic" version will last longer and provide more consistent stopping power (good for racing!) than the same brand's "regular" version. However, metallic pads tend to cause the brake rotor to wear faster.
- Cheap discount auto store brand pads generally do not perform as well as premium brands like PBR and Volvo OEM. Many will SQUEAL terribly. In a financial pinch, they are OK. But in the long run, they are not recommended.

Last month, I posted a message stating that "The Brickboard is always right!" In one example, I mentioned brake pads that I purchased ON SALE at the local auto parts store. I decided to go against conventional Brickboard wisdom, save some money, and get a "Lifetime Guarantee". The brakes did not feel any more responsive than before, despite a meticulous brake bleeding process, and they started SQUEALING within 4 DAYS of installation! The pads are wearing evenly and the rotors are smooth... but I do NOT want a lifetime of brake squeals! It's driving me insane! During my next maintenance weekend, I am going to pull these new pads and replace them with PBR pads.

Please get a decent set of pads, as suggested by your own Brickboard research. You will find that some guys prefer Brand-X for racing, Brand-Y for no brake dust, and Brand-Z for long life. There is no single "best" type to buy. As another person told me: "The Brickboard may not always agree, but it is always right."

[[ southern fried volvo '91 240 131k mi - if you see me on the road, get outta my way! I'm still riding with cheap brake pads!!! ]]

Your replies are what I expected. Buy the best price for your application.

Having worked in manufacturing for many years, I am always amused by comments promoting one brand over another. It is usually true that one manufacturer produces product for a number of brands. For example, a "Big Name" shock absorber company made for Wal Mart.

Thanks for the comments.

The extended life pads, the kind that come with lifetime warranties squeal like crazy, especially on the rears. OEM's (or other soft types) are better in that regard, but won't last as long only getting about 35K on the front. But for $20.00 you can't really generate an argument against life of the pads.

I'm pretty much with Beatle29. I buy Beck and Arnley but that's because that is what the store sells by me. I have locked them up in an emergency already. so I know they are capable of that. For the average Joe, I can't see getting nuts. At 40 MPH just how much braking distance will be reduced from the worst pad to the best? Not enough to measure considering everyones reaction time is where the savings will be.
--
'75 Jeep CJ5 345Hp ChevyPwr and two motorcycles: it wasn't Volvos safety , it was Longevity that sold me

There are a lot of valid opinions about brake pads. I personally use only Volvo oem pads. You will pay a little more and they seem to generate a little more brake dust but IMHO they provide the best stopping power. They come with shims and are nearly always quiet. We even use Volvo pads in our ProRally car. On a racetrack you might want metalic but that's not what you asked for.

Skip
'93 850GLT
'89 765T
'83 242TI Flathood

I don't think the brand of brakes you have on your car matters. When you replace them get the ones you can afford. The more expensive brands don't mean they are better.

Charles 1985 245ti 134K