Brake pads OEM Volkswagen or Duralast

When I replaced the brakes on my 2016 Performance Package GTI, I took my local shop's recommendations on an "upgraded" pad for the fronts. The next month, I experienced so much squeaking when I applied the brakes that I went back to the shop and asked them to put stock pads back on. I've been happy every since. I would recommend stock pads from VW.

I'm only now replacing the pads & rotors *for the first time* during my ownership. The rotors won't pass inspection, but I'm shocked to find that the pads still have 7/32"-8/32" left. As it turns out, I've been running Duralast Gold rotors & Duralast Elite pads the entire time.

That's a phenomenal track record for the amount of "spirited" road I put past this car.

My wife's 2017 Alltrack had uneven brake pad wear on one of the front brakes. Upon inspection what had happened is one of the little rubber booties on the brake caliper wasn't correctly put on at the factory. Over time brake dust got in so it wouldn't slide and that caused it to wear unevenly.

Brakes felt great for a bone stock car. i was surprised at the amount of dust.

The e-Golf still uses the friction brakes to bring the car to a complete stop. Aggressive stopping also requires the friction brakes, which I do occasionally. Between those to, the brakes seem to avoid any significant rust build up.

I put Duralast gold's on all my vehicles. Got a good warranty and come with all clips and brake grease you need. They're ceramic also, so quieter and more smooth braking and significantly less brake dust. Last quite awhile (1-2 years) as long as your not heavy braking all the time. And they're not too expensive either, moderately priced. Plus a bonus, they're black and match my paint.

Not the OP but I want to change the fronts to anything lower in dust, these things are a mess.

I need to change my brake pads and rotors soon. I'm using ECStuning, because it's the best place that I know of. I'm looking for OEM, don't need anything fancy shmancy. What are the differences between https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-volkswagen-audi-parts/economy-brake-pad-set-front/jzw698151/ and https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-volkswagen-audi-parts/front-brake-pad-set/5c0698151/ ? The 2nd one says without pad wear sensor, do I even need that? First one barely has a description, I don't even know which I should grab. Secondly, does my 2013 VW Jetta S 2.0 have rotors or drums in the back? I think I have rotors in the front? If rotors, what size do I even need because ECS is telling me I need 280x22, but deutsch auto is telling me a different pattern.

I managed to install my brake pads inside out on the rear of my MkIV Jetta. Noisy.

The brakes started squealing and grinding (like they needed to be replaced) it took me about 2 months to finally get an answer at the dealership. They determined it was a defective brake pad - and the parts are out of stock until Nov. They replaced them with after market parts until the replacement parts came in. They also started making the same noise. It's now December and i still don't have the parts and my car makes noise every day! it's so annoying.. This is my first and last VW that I will ever own.