Brake pads Akebono or OEM Volkswagen

I installed Akebono recently for my rears and so far wheels are staying pretty clean

I’ve run the Akebonos on my M235i for years with no issues. They seem to dust less than the factory ones, which is a bonus to me.

I use Akebono pads and coated Raybestos rotors. I changed my brakes around the time I got my 07 which was a year ago. I highly doubt you drive like you're street racing or drifting. My brakes still have a hell of a lot of life left in them.

I did my own brakes, sorta with and without the special tool. My conclusion is that the tool is not strictly needed.

Akebono makes very good pads.

Akebono pads are great.

Had the same shit on my 2016 Legacy - brake pads and rotors every 20-25k. The stealership blamed ME for it, claiming I must "ride my brakes a lot." The first one happened ~22k miles from brand new, and the warranty covered it. They told me the replacement at 45k would be on me for nearly $1500. I had my local shop put in third-party rotors and OEM Akebonos (the same brand Subaru uses) at that 45k (around five years ago) and just had them changed ~97k. The shop that put them in were amazed I'd ridden on five year old pads and rotors. The third-party rotors were still serviceable, and not having to worry about either until ~150k was worth a little more to me. So no, you're not the only one who is suspicious that Subaru's OEM rotors suck.

On the factory pads you'll see around 55-60k on the original Akebonos.

Those Akebono pads suuuuuuuuuuck. Super clean, no brake dust, but just garbage performance.

I’ve clocked 14k, and yes, I’ve already finished off my brake pads. Truth be told, I don’t really expect them to last longer since I drive quite aggressively. Now, the OEM pads cost roughly around 6k with labor. Honestly, I don’t think they’re worthwhile, as the braking feels noisy and lacks bite.