Choosing the Right Disc Brake Pads for Your 2013-2016 Scion FR-S
Your FR-S is a driver's car; ensure you have the right brake pads for how you drive it.
- Choose brake pads based on your primary driving style: daily commuting, spirited street use, or track performance.
- For most owners, a quality ceramic pad from a brand like Akebono or an OEM-equivalent pad from Advics offers the best balance of quiet operation, low dust, and reliable stopping.
- For enhanced performance on spirited drives, consider pads like StopTech Street or Hawk HPS, but expect more dust and potential for noise.
- Always replace or resurface your rotors when changing pads to ensure proper performance and avoid noise issues.
Symptoms of Failing Brake Pads
Worn brake pads give clear warning signs. Ignoring them can lead to more expensive repairs, like needing to replace the brake rotors. Be aware of these symptoms:
- Squealing or Screeching Noises: Most brake pads have a small metal tab called a wear indicator. When the pad material wears down, this tab contacts the rotor and makes a high-pitched noise when you brake. This is the earliest sign you need new pads.
- Grinding Sounds: If you hear a deep, metallic grinding noise, it means the pad material is completely gone. The metal backing plate of the pad is now grinding against the rotor, causing significant damage. This is a critical safety issue that requires immediate attention.
- Reduced Stopping Power: If you notice it takes longer to stop your FR-S or you have to press the brake pedal harder, your pads may be worn out or suffering from "brake fade" due to overheating.
- Vibration or Pulsing: A pulsing sensation in the brake pedal or steering wheel when braking often points to warped rotors, which can be caused by worn-out pads creating excessive heat.
Immediate Attention Required
If you hear a grinding noise, stop driving the vehicle as soon as it is safe. Continued driving can cause brake failure and will damage your rotors, turning a simple pad replacement into a more costly repair.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads for Your FR-S
The Scion FR-S is a versatile car, used for everything from daily commuting to track days. The best brake pad for you depends entirely on your driving style. The original equipment (OEM) pads are made by Advics and provide a great balance of performance, noise, and dust for everyday use. However, aftermarket options offer a chance to tailor your car's braking characteristics.
Brand & Performance Tiers
We can group the available brands into three main categories based on their intended use:
1. Daily Driver / OEM-Equivalent
These pads are for the FR-S owner who primarily uses their car for commuting and wants a quiet, low-dust pad with reliable stopping power similar to stock. They are typically made from ceramic compounds.
- Advics: As the OEM supplier, their aftermarket pads provide a factory feel.
- Akebono: A highly recommended brand for daily driving, known for being quiet and producing very little dust.
- Bosch, Wagner, Centric (Standard): Solid, reliable choices that meet or exceed OEM specifications for normal street use.
- Powerstop Z16: An affordable ceramic option designed as a low-dust stock replacement.
2. Spirited Street & Autocross
For the owner who enjoys spirited canyon drives or the occasional autocross event. These pads offer higher friction and better resistance to brake fade at high temperatures. The trade-off is often more brake dust and potential for noise when cold.
- Hawk HPS (High Performance Street): A classic choice for a first performance upgrade. Offers a noticeable improvement in bite over stock.
- EBC Brakes (Redstuff/Yellowstuff): Popular options for street performance. Redstuff is a ceramic compound focused on low dust, while Yellowstuff offers more aggressive performance suitable for light track use.
- StopTech Street: Frequently praised in forums for offering a good balance of performance and daily drivability at a great price.
- TRD Pads: Offered by Toyota's performance division, these are a good step up from stock for street use without the harshness of a full track pad.
Pro Tip: Bedding In Your New Pads
Properly "bedding-in" your new brake pads is crucial, especially for performance compounds. This process involves a series of controlled stops to evenly transfer a layer of friction material onto the rotor. It prevents glazing, reduces noise, and ensures you get the maximum performance and lifespan from your new pads. Always follow the manufacturer's specific bedding-in procedure.
3. Dedicated Track & High-Performance
These pads are designed for the extreme heat and repeated hard braking of a racetrack. They are not recommended for street-only cars, as they can be very noisy, create a lot of dust, and may not perform well until they reach high operating temperatures.
- Hawk (HP Plus, DTC Series): Aggressive pads intended for competition use.
- Brembo: While they offer street pads, their reputation is built on high-performance and racing applications.
- Performance Friction / Pagid: Top-tier brands focused on motorsport with compounds designed for extreme use.
Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
The 2013-2016 Scion FR-S has been a generally reliable vehicle. Searches for brake-related issues reveal the following:
- Recalls: There are no specific NHTSA recalls for the brake pads, calipers, or rotors on the 2013-2016 Scion FR-S. Recalls did exist for other issues like valve springs and ignition key interlocks.
- Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs): No major TSBs related to brake pad failure were found. Some owners on forums report brake squeal, which can be common with certain pad types or in specific weather conditions, but this is not an official, widespread defect. Often, squeal on new pads is due to not lubricating contact points or not resurfacing rotors.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Pad Set | $24 - $310 |
| New OEM Pad Set | $70 - $110 |
| Shop Labor | $110 - $161 |
| Total Professional Replacement (Aftermarket) | $270 - $322+ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to replace my rotors at the same time as my pads?
It is highly recommended. While not always strictly necessary, installing new pads on a worn, uneven rotor surface can cause noise, vibration, and reduced pad life. Most shops will insist on replacing or resurfacing the rotors during a brake job to ensure proper performance and to warranty their work. Given the affordable cost of aftermarket rotors for the FR-S, replacing them with the pads is a good investment.
What's the difference between ceramic and semi-metallic pads for my FR-S?
Ceramic pads (like Akebono or many OEM-style options) are known for being quiet, producing less dust, and having a long life, making them ideal for daily driving. Semi-metallic pads have metal fibers in their compound, which helps dissipate heat better and provides a firmer pedal feel. They are often used in performance applications but tend to be noisier and create more dust than ceramics.
Can I replace just the front or rear pads?
Yes, you can replace pads on one axle (both front wheels or both rear wheels) at a time. However, you should never replace pads on only one side of the car (e.g., just the front right). Doing so will cause uneven braking and a dangerous pull to one side. It's also not recommended to use drastically different pad compounds on the front and rear, as this can upset the car's natural brake balance.
Is replacing the brake pads on an FR-S a good DIY job?
Yes, for a mechanically inclined person with the right tools, a brake pad replacement on the FR-S is a very manageable DIY job. The front and rear calipers have a straightforward design. 🎬 Watch this step-by-step guide to replacing your front brake pads. However, safety is paramount. You must use jack stands and follow proper procedures. 🎬 See how to quickly change your pads and wheel studs. If you have any doubts, leave the job to a professional mechanic.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: SU003-04678 (Front) SU003-04089 (Front, superseded by SU003-04678) SU003-04097 (Rear)
The 2013-2016 Scion FR-S uses a single-piston sliding caliper for both the front and rear brakes. The choice of pad material (ceramic, semi-metallic) will be the primary determinant of braking characteristics.
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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.
- Scion FR-S: