Acura TL 2009-2014: Brake Pad Reviews

Aftermarket brake pads can offer a lot more than your Acura TL's stock ones. Read on to learn about the different brake pads available.

By Bassem Girgis - April 29, 2016

This article applies to the Acura TL (2009-2014).

When you're buying brake pads for your Acura TL, you will be faced with various promises and compromises. There is more to brake pads than just friction. Whether you want brake pads that will ensure your rims stay clean and dust-free, you want pads that will ensure your stopping is quiet and peaceful, or you want performance pads that are aggressive and can last a long time in the canyon roads, the options are numerous. The guide below will shine some light on the aftermarket brake pads for the Acura TL, so if you're in the market for new pads, read on to pick the best ones for your needs and budget.

Brake Pads


Wagner
Hawk
EBC Greenstuff
Power Stop
Price
$40 $75 $60 $55
Dust
Low Medium Low Low
Noise
Low Medium Low Medium
Performance
Medium High Medium High
Warranty
1 Year Limited Lifetime Limited Lifetime 3 Years
Best Quality: Hawk

Best Value: Wagner

Wagner

Price – $40

Dust – Low

Noise – Low

Performance – Medium

Warranty – 1 Year

The Wagner brake pads are designed mainly for the customers who want a quiet ride and cheap price. If you head to your local auto parts store and ask for replacement brake pads for your ride, more often than not, you'll end up with Wagners. Some drivers complained that these pads wear out rather quickly and, even though they are quiet and low on dust, they wear out before you can enjoy the peace of mind. They fit directly where your OEM pads used to go without any headaches. Recommended if you're looking for quiet pads without spending too much money.

Hawk

Price – $75

Dust – Medium

Noise – Medium

Performance – High

Warranty – Limited Lifetime

The Hawk brake pads are considered performance pads. They are designed for aggressive driving and high temperature tolerance. So if you're heavy-footed, these might be a good investment. The company ensures these pads will increase your stopping power tremendously at the expense of noise and being a bit more harsh on the rotors. Some people complained that these pads do produce a lot of dust, but others may argue that you can't have it all. However, if you don't mind a little bit of dust, you will benefit from great, consistent stopping power. If you want top notch brake pads that will feel completely different than the original ones, these pads are definitely a high contender. Recommended if you're looking for an entry-level performance brake pad.

EBC Greenstuff

Price – $60

Dust – Low

Noise – Low

Performance – Medium

Warranty – Limited Lifetime

These pads feature low dust, low noise, and good performance. You can say these are really well made brake pads. EBC color codes their brake pads in relation to their temperature range and intended use. The Greenstuff pads are replacements for OEM brake pads, offering great rotor life, low dust, and excellent wear. EBC Greenstuff claim they will eliminate 80% of the brake dust, as well as lengthen your brake pads' life. However, if the customer is always right, then expect a little more brake dust than what the company promotes. A lot of customers turned their attention away from the brake pads and onto the rotors, claiming these pads are very gentle on the rotors, which is quite an investment. These are great pads, but the question is: can you live with green pads flashing through your rims? Recommended if you want good, complete pads and you don't mind the bright green color.

Power Stop

Price – $55

Dust – Low

Noise – Medium

Performance – High

Warranty – 3 Years

These pads are not designed to be pretty like the EBC Greenstuff's. They're not designed to be quiet either. Rather, these pads are designed to work, and work hard. The company highly recommends you replace the brake rotors to Power Stop ones, but there is no surprise here. These pads are highly recommended by everyone. They last a long time, produce a decent amount of dust and, even though they are a bit louder than some, make up to it with great stopping power. There have been a few claims that these pads didn't fit in certain owner's Acura's who say they were too big and defective. However, the majority of owners praise the pads, even the installation process. In fact, some drivers reviewed these pads, saying that they would never try another brand again. Recommended if you want great stopping power and you don't mind the noise.

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