A Guide to Replacing Disc Brake Pads on Your 2007-2018 Jeep Compass
Choose the right aftermarket brake pads to stop safely and quietly without overpaying.
- For most drivers, a quality 'Daily Driver' aftermarket brand like Bosch, Wagner, or Centric offers the best balance of price and performance.
- Always replace brake hardware (clips and shims) with the pads, and strongly consider replacing rotors at the same time for best results.
- Listen for squealing as an early warning, but if you hear grinding, stop driving as soon as safely possible to avoid more costly damage.
- Check for open recalls on your vehicle, as several brake-related recalls have been issued for the 2007-2018 Compass.
Is It Time for New Brake Pads?
Brake pads are designed to wear out, but they usually give you warning signs before they fail completely. Ignoring these signs can lead to more expensive repairs, like needing new rotors or calipers. Listen and feel for these common symptoms when you use the brakes.
🎬 Watch: See and hear these common bad brake pad symptoms.Warning Signs of Worn Brake Pads
- Squealing or Screeching: Most brake pads have a small metal tab called a wear indicator. When the pad material gets low, this tab scrapes against the rotor, making a high-pitched noise.
- Grinding Noise: A loud, metallic grinding or growling sound means the friction material is completely gone. This is a critical warning, as it's now metal-on-metal contact, which quickly destroys your brake rotors.
- Vibration or Pulsing: If you feel a pulsing or vibration in the brake pedal or steering wheel when you brake, it could mean your brake rotors have been warped by heat from worn pads.
- Longer Stopping Distances: If your Compass takes longer to stop than it used to, your pads may be too worn to create enough friction.
- Pulling to One Side: If the vehicle pulls to the left or right during braking, it could indicate a problem with a caliper or uneven wear on the brake pads.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Pads for Your Compass
When replacing brake pads, you can choose between Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts or aftermarket parts. OEM pads are the same as what your Jeep was built with. They are a safe bet for quality and fit but are often more expensive. Aftermarket parts are made by many different companies and offer a much wider selection of price and performance. For a vehicle like the 2007-2018 Compass, high-quality aftermarket pads can offer similar or even better performance than OEM, often for less money.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
With 181 different products available, picking the right one can be confusing. The best choice depends on your budget and how you drive. We can group the available brands into three main tiers.
Economy Brands
These are the most affordable options, designed to meet basic safety standards. They are a good choice if your budget is the top priority. However, they may not last as long or be as quiet as more expensive pads.
- Pronto
- Dynamic Friction
- Total Stopping Solutions
- Newtek Automotive USA
Daily Driver Brands
This is the sweet spot for most Compass owners. These brands offer a great balance of performance, low noise, and durability at a reasonable price. They often meet or exceed OEM specifications. Many owners in forums recommend brands from this category for their reliability and value.
- Bosch: Known for quiet operation and reliable stopping power.
- Wagner Brakes: Their ThermoQuiet line is a popular choice for reducing brake noise.
- Raybestos: The Element3 line is well-regarded for its enhanced performance and durability.
- Centric: Often considered a benchmark for quality aftermarket parts, providing solid, OEM-like performance.
- Akebono: A top choice for drivers who want extremely quiet braking and low dust.
- Bendix: A long-standing brand with a reputation for dependable quality.
Premium & Performance Brands
If you tow, drive in hilly areas, or simply want the best possible stopping power, these brands are worth the extra cost. They use advanced friction materials for better heat resistance and bite, though some may produce more dust.
- Powerstop: Very popular with Jeep owners for their upgraded brake kits, which often include drilled and slotted rotors.
- EBC Brakes: Offers different compounds like Greenstuff for daily performance and Yellowstuff for more aggressive use, known for great stopping power but can be dusty.
- Hawk Performance: A favorite among enthusiasts for high-performance pads that significantly improve braking, but may be noisy for everyday commuting.
- Brembo: A world leader in braking technology, offering premium pads for superior performance.
- Pagid: A European brand known for high-quality friction materials.
Known Issues for 2007-2018 Jeep Compass Brakes
While brake pads are a normal wear item, there have been a few official recalls and service bulletins for the braking system on this generation of Compass.
- Recall 07V196000 (2007 models): On some early 2007 models with rear disc brakes, the rear wheel hub mounting bolts were too long and could prevent the parking brake from fully engaging.
- Recall U86 (2018 models): Some 2018-2019 Compass models were recalled for an insufficient coating on the rear brake caliper pistons, which could reduce rear brake performance.
- TSB 05-001-20 (Later models): A technical service bulletin was issued for faulty wheel speed sensors that could let water in, causing ABS and brake warning lights to appear on the dash.
- TIPM Failure (1st Gen): A common issue on the first-generation Compass is a failure in the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), which can cause the main brake lights to stop working even if the bulbs are good.
You can check if your specific vehicle is affected by a recall by entering your VIN on the NHTSA website.
How Much Do New Brake Pads Cost?
The cost depends on the brand you choose and whether you do the work yourself or hire a mechanic. Replacing brake pads is a common DIY job that can save you a lot of money.
| Part Type | Price Range (Parts Only) |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Brake Pad Set | $23.66 - $257.39 |
| New OEM Brake Pad Set | $70 - $150 |
| Shop Labor | $225 - $375 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to replace my rotors at the same time as my pads?
Not always, but it's highly recommended. If your rotors are below the minimum thickness specified by the manufacturer, or if they are warped (causing vibration) or have deep grooves, they must be replaced. Installing new pads on old, worn rotors can cause noise and reduce the lifespan and effectiveness of the new pads. For a smooth, safe brake job, replacing pads and rotors together is the best practice.
🎬 See this walkthrough for replacing front pads and rotors.What's the difference between ceramic and semi-metallic pads?
Ceramic pads are known for being very quiet and producing very little brake dust, which keeps your wheels cleaner. They offer smooth, consistent stopping power for daily driving. Semi-metallic pads contain metal fibers that help dissipate heat better, offering stronger performance under heavy braking. They can be noisier and dustier than ceramic pads but are often preferred for towing or more aggressive driving.
What does the installation involve?
Replacing brake pads is a manageable DIY project for many people. The basic steps include safely lifting and supporting the vehicle, removing the wheel, unbolting the brake caliper, removing the old pads and hardware, compressing the caliper piston, installing the new pads and hardware, and reassembling everything. It's important to use high-temperature grease on the caliper slide pins and pad contact points.
🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide to replacing your rear brake pads.How often should I replace my Compass brake pads?
There is no exact mileage. Brake pad life depends heavily on the pad material, your driving style (city vs. highway), and local conditions. A general range is every 30,000 to 70,000 miles. The best way to know is to have them visually inspected during tire rotations or listen for the warning signs like squealing.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 68346917AB
Brake pad replacement is specific to the front or rear axle. Some 2007-2017 models have rear drum brakes, while others have rear disc brakes. Be sure to order the correct parts for your vehicle's specific configuration. The 2018 model year is a split year between the first and second generation, so confirming your vehicle's build date is crucial for part fitment.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Jeep Compass:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is It Time for New Brake Pads?
- Warning Signs of Worn Brake Pads
- OEM vs. Aftermarket Pads for Your Compass
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
- Economy Brands
- Daily Driver Brands
- Premium & Performance Brands
- Known Issues for 2007-2018 Jeep Compass Brakes
- How Much Do New Brake Pads Cost?
- Frequently Asked Questions
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