Choosing the Best Brake Pads for Your 2008-2012 INFINITI EX35

Is It Time for New Brake Pads? Common Symptoms

Your EX35 will give you clear warning signs when the brake pads are nearing the end of their life. Ignoring them can lead to more expensive repairs, like needing to replace the brake rotors. Be aware of these symptoms:

• High-Pitched Squealing: This is often the first sign. A small metal tab called a wear indicator is built into the brake pads. When the pads get too thin, this tab scrapes against the rotor, making a loud squeal to alert you.
• Grinding Noise: If you hear a harsh, metallic grinding sound, it means the brake pads are completely worn away. This is a critical situation where the metal backing plate of the pad is grinding against the rotor, causing significant damage. Stop driving the vehicle immediately.
• Vibration or Pulsing: If you feel a pulsing in the brake pedal or vibration in the steering wheel 🎬 Watch: How to replace front pads and rotors to fix vibrations. when braking, it could be a sign of warped rotors, which can be caused by worn-out pads.
• Reduced Stopping Power: If your vehicle takes longer to stop than it used to, your brake pads are likely worn and not creating enough friction.
• Visible Thinness: You may be able to see the brake pads through your wheel spokes. If the friction material looks to be less than 1/4 inch (about 6mm) thick, it's time for a replacement.

Choosing the Right Aftermarket Pads for Your EX35

The INFINITI EX35 came from the factory with quiet, smooth Non-asbestos Organic (NAO) brake pads. When choosing a replacement, you don't have to stick with the original equipment (OEM). Aftermarket brands offer a wide range of options that can save you money or even improve performance. They generally fall into three categories:

1. Economy Brands

These are your most budget-friendly options. They meet safety standards but may not provide the same quiet operation or long life as the original pads. They are a practical choice if keeping costs down is your top priority.

• Brands: Pronto, Total Stopping Solutions, Dynamic Friction (lower-tier lines).
• Best for: Basic transportation, low-mileage drivers, or selling the vehicle.

2. OEM-Quality & Daily Driver Brands

These pads are designed to match or exceed the performance of the factory pads. They focus on quiet, smooth stopping with low dust. For most EX35 owners, this is the best category to shop in. Many forum users highly recommend Akebono ProACT pads, noting they provide an OEM-like feel with the added benefit of significantly less brake dust. Akebono is a well-respected brand in the industry and is often an original supplier to Japanese automakers.

• Brands: Akebono, Advics, Bosch, Beck Arnley, Centric, Raybestos, Wagner Brakes.
• Best for: The majority of EX35 owners looking for a quiet, clean, and reliable ride that feels like new.

3. Performance & Sport Upgrade Brands

If you enjoy more spirited driving, these pads offer increased stopping power (or "bite"). This performance comes with trade-offs: they typically create more brake dust, can be noisier, and may wear out faster. While brands like Hawk Performance are popular in the performance world, some users report their HPS pads have poor performance when cold, which is not ideal for a daily-driven EX35. These are best for owners who prioritize stopping power above all else.

• Brands: Hawk, EBC Brakes, Powerstop, StopTech, Brembo.
• Best for: Enthusiast drivers who want maximum stopping power and don't mind the extra dust and potential for noise.

Cost of Replacing Brake Pads on a 2008-2012 INFINITI EX35

Note: Costs are estimates and can vary based on your location, the specific parts chosen, and the condition of your brake rotors, which may also need replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions