OEM or aftermarket?

[paulmars]

What are the best brands for: front disk brakes wheel bearing seals and grease 2003 tacoma with 68k miles on it. 2wd, 5 speed. 2.3L engine. No options except the enhancement package (AC, allow wheels, painted bumpers, and 2 extra front speakers). No short trips under 5 miles. Rarely driven on the highway. No off roading, no mud. Although many of the roads here are packed shell rock and very old worn out asphalt. West central florida. 3 miles from the beach. Most times its just used like a car. very rarely anything heavy transported, although seven times since 2003 I loaded her up to and maybe even beyond the rated capacity. Finally I need new front brakes and will repack the front wheel bearings at the same time. Once in 14 years not too bad, huh? Should I go OEM or are there equal or better quality after market parts available. tks, pa

[Hondaman56]

Its been my experience that with brake pads you can never beat the OEM equipment. They cost a good bit more but any of the pads available from the local auto stores wear way too fast, even the ceramic ones. If the dealer no longer stocks the OEM pads I would go with NAPA they seem to have the best of all the regular parts stores.

[somick]

Akebono brake pads are very good.

Sam