Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads for Your 2013-2016 Dodge Dart
Stop the guesswork and find the perfect brake pads for how you drive your Dart.
- For 2013-2014 models, check if the critical R63 brake booster recall has been performed on your vehicle.
- A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) exists for front brake squeal on 2013 models, which can be fixed with new pads.
- DIY replacement is possible, but requires an E20 Torx socket for the front and a caliper piston tool for the rear.
- Owners widely recommend aftermarket brands like PowerStop, Akebono, and Raybestos as quality alternatives to OEM pads.
Is Your Dart Telling You It Needs New Brakes?
Worn-out brake pads usually give you a few warning signs. Ignoring them can lead to more expensive repairs down the road. Listen and feel for these common symptoms:
- Squealing or Screeching: Most brake pads have a small metal tab called a wear indicator. When the pads are thin, this tab scrapes against the rotor, making a high-pitched noise when you brake.
- Grinding Noises: If you hear a deep, metallic grinding, it means the pad material is completely gone. You are now grinding the metal backing plate of the pad against the rotor, which causes serious damage. Stop driving the vehicle if you hear this.
- Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal: If your brake pedal feels less responsive or sinks further to the floor than usual, it could be a sign of a problem in the brake hydraulic system, which can be related to worn components.
- Longer Stopping Distances: If you feel like your Dart isn't stopping as quickly as it used to, your brake pads may be too worn to create enough friction.
Important Note on a Related Brake System Recall
There is a major safety recall (NHTSA 15V-800 / FCA R63) for certain 2013-2014 Dodge Darts with 2.0L and 2.4L engines. This recall addresses an issue where engine oil can contaminate the brake booster, leading to a sudden loss of power braking. Symptoms include a very hard brake pedal and a significant increase in stopping distance. 🎬 See how to test if your brake booster has failed. This is not a brake pad failure, but it is a critical safety issue for the brake system. You can check with a Dodge dealer or on the NHTSA website to see if your vehicle is affected and if the recall work has been performed.
Known Issues for Dart Brake Pads
Aside from the major recall, some 2013 Darts experienced front brake squeal. Dodge released a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #05-002-14) that addresses this by installing updated front brake pads. 🎬 Watch this step-by-step guide to replacing your front brakes. If you have a 2013 model and are annoyed by squealing, choosing a quality aftermarket ceramic pad can often solve the problem.
Aftermarket vs. OEM Mopar Pads
When it's time for a replacement, you have two main choices: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) pads from Mopar, or aftermarket pads from a variety of other brands. For the Dodge Dart, OEM pads are a reliable choice that will restore factory performance. However, many aftermarket brands offer equal or even superior performance, often at a better price. Forum discussions among Dart owners show that many have had great success with aftermarket options, with some finding them to be an upgrade over the stock Mopar pads in terms of noise, dust, and stopping power.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Pads for Your Dart
With dozens of options, the key is to match the pad to your driving style and budget. We can group the available brands into three main tiers:
Economy Pads
These are your most basic, budget-friendly options. They'll get the job done for simple daily commuting, but may not last as long or be as quiet as more expensive pads. Brands in this category include Pronto and Total Stopping Solutions.
Daily Driver & OEM-Equivalent Pads
This is the sweet spot for most Dart owners. These pads are designed to meet or exceed original factory specifications for stopping power, low noise, and low dust. They offer excellent performance and durability for daily commuting and spirited driving. Many Dart owners on forums recommend pads from this tier.
- Akebono: Often considered a premium choice, known for excellent stopping power and low dust.
- Bosch: A well-respected brand offering quality ceramic pads that are a popular choice for a smooth, quiet stop.
- Raybestos: Dart owners have reported that Raybestos pads perform as well as, or even slightly better than, the original Mopar pads.
- Wagner Brakes: A long-standing, reliable name in the brake industry, offering pads known for consistent performance.
- Centric / Dynamic Friction / Bendix: These brands offer a wide range of quality pads that are a solid choice for restoring original performance.
Performance & Upgrade Pads
If you want to improve your Dart's braking performance for more aggressive driving or just want a more confident pedal feel, these are the brands to look at. They often come in kits with new rotors.
- PowerStop: Very popular among Dart owners. Their brake kits, which include ceramic pads and often drilled & slotted rotors, are frequently recommended as a great balance of improved performance and value.
- EBC Brakes: A high-performance brand offering different pad compounds (like their Yellowstuff series) for drivers who demand more from their brakes.
- Brembo: A legendary name in performance braking, offering premium options for drivers seeking the best stopping power.
Pro Tip for DIY Installation
Replacing brake pads on a Dart is a manageable DIY job for those with mechanical experience. However, you will need a couple of specific tools. The front caliper bracket bolts require an E20 external Torx socket. For the rear brakes, the caliper piston must be twisted as it's pushed back in, which requires a caliper piston tool. Attempting the job without these tools can damage the calipers.
🎬 Watch: How to replace the rear brakes on your Dart.| Component | Price Range |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Brake Pad Set | $30 - $162 |
| New OEM (Mopar) Brake Pad Set | $70 - $120 |
| Shop Labor | $120 - $250 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between ceramic and semi-metallic pads?
Ceramic pads are generally quieter, produce less brake dust (keeping your wheels cleaner), and are gentler on brake rotors. Semi-metallic pads can often handle higher temperatures and may offer more initial "bite," but can be noisier and create more dust. For most Dodge Dart owners, a quality ceramic pad is the ideal choice for daily driving.
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 warped (causing a pulsation in the pedal when braking), or have deep grooves or "hot spots," they must be replaced. Installing new pads on old, worn rotors will reduce the effectiveness of the new pads and cause them to wear out faster. For a smooth, safe brake job, replacing pads and rotors together is the best practice.
What is "bedding-in" new brake pads?
Bedding-in is a process of a few controlled stops after installation. It transfers an even layer of friction material from the new pads onto the rotors. This process is crucial for smooth, quiet, and powerful braking for the life of the pads. Your new brake pads will come with specific instructions on how to perform this procedure.
Are there any other recalls I should know about?
Yes, the 2013-2016 Dodge Dart has had several recalls for various issues, including the transmission and airbags. The most significant one related to the brake system is recall R63 for the brake booster on 2013-2014 models. Always check for open recalls on your specific vehicle using your VIN on the NHTSA website.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 68163822AB
The Dodge Dart uses disc brakes on all four wheels. The front brakes use a single-piston caliper and require an E20 external Torx socket for caliper bracket removal. The rear brakes feature a single-piston caliper that incorporates the parking brake mechanism, requiring a special tool to rotate the piston during retraction.
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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.
- Dodge Dart:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Dart Telling You It Needs New Brakes?
- Important Note on a Related Brake System Recall
- Known Issues for Dart Brake Pads
- Aftermarket vs. OEM Mopar Pads
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Pads for Your Dart
- Economy Pads
- Daily Driver & OEM-Equivalent Pads
- Performance & Upgrade Pads
- Pro Tip for DIY Installation
- Frequently Asked Questions
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