Factory Brake Pad Variations

[delucani]

I own a 2003 GT that is just shy of 40,000 miles. It is time for brake pads and I intended to replace the pads with the factory pads. I called the local dealer and was told that they don't stock the factory pads because they don't use them at their dealership. He also said that none of the dealers in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area stock them either and that it would take several days to get them.

This is not the problem. The problem is that the "valuepack" pads that the dealership uses in the shop cost ~$60 and the factory pads cost $171. I have also talked to two dealership employees and they cannot seem to tell me what the difference is.

I was hoping that someone might be able to tell me who manufactures the factory pads or simply what makes them so special?

[garyerrol]

Sounds like what most OEM's (Original Equipment Manufacture) do, take the normal selling price and take it times 2, 3 or even 4 and that's the price they will sell it to you for. Did you ever notice how you can buy a complete item for X amount of dollars but then when you need replacement parts, you'll pay almost as much as you did for the whole item as your now going to pay for just a few parts. It's called gotcha!

What does your local auto parts store want for a set? You don't want to buy the cheapest but unless you just want to, you don't have to buy the most expensive either. I've changed many front disc brakes and never had a problem with whatever brand pads I purchased.

[raerae77]

The "Value Lines" have more metallic in them than the OEM. Your dealers price is pretty dead on though. Ours are slightly cheaper but I'm also in a different region. I just replace mine with "v-lines" no squeeling yet...keeping fingers crossed though. The difference between the two from the dealer is no different than when you go to the parts store and they ask, "do you want top of the line, or next best." I purchased mine from the dealer b/c the Chrysler V-lines have a lifetime warranty when installed by them.

[quicksilverdon]

Why on earth would you want factory pads? They are made from compressed dust.
Go to NAPA or buy online from a place like TireRack - you'll get much better pads for your money.