By Brian Brennan Photography & Videography by Ryan Foss

hen setting up our project car or truck, it often comes down to the smallest or simplest of parts that can make the biggest of differences. Such is the case with the brakes on our hot rods. Braking is something that we should never take for granted. As such, the brake pads (while not the most glamorous of parts) can yield the most significant results. To make sure we have the right brake pads, we looked at the Duralast line. Duralast’s three-tiered brakes offering gives you the greatest opportunity to match your driving needs.

Granted, not all cars have four- or even two-wheel disc brakes but the reality is the vast majority currently do. It is our intention in this article to look at the Duralast family of brake pads—Duralast, Duralast Gold, and Duralast Elite pads—which offer stopping performance matched to the performance needs of your hot rod. It should be noted that the Duralast brand standards are OE (original equipment) quality and performance or better. From design and engineering to manufacturing and third party testing to state-required copper-free superior materials and coverage, Duralast parts standards are a step ahead of the aftermarket.

When looking at the Duralast, Duralast Gold, and Duralast Elite pads, keep this in mind: All Duralast pads are reverse-engineered using OES (original equipment service) and OEM (original equipment manufacturer) designs. For instance, all three pads meet or exceed the OES specifications (low noise and low brake dust). The Gold pads are even better and match the OEM, and the Elite is considered “premium,” or better than OEM. The Duralast Gold brake pad’s factory-match design is application specific in OEM fit, form, and function. The Duralast Elite pads exceed the OEM performance, especially for luxury, Euro, and fleet applications. The Duralast Gold and Elite brake pads come with new stainless steel hardware included when required by OE. All Duralast brake pads offer a “noise-free guarantee” and special bundle pricing when purchased with Durlast rotors.

OES vs. OEM
A little background helps to understand the parts that come on a car or the parts that a dealer will use to service a car. Odds are we will not be using factory parts when rebuilding our Tri-Five Chevy, much less our ’32 Ford, when it comes to disc brakes. But it is very likely that we have converted these cars to disc brakes and are using components that are from the modern era. As such, paying attention to what you have and what you use for service parts is very important. (All of us service our daily drivers, and they too need attention paid to them on a regular basis.) OES are the parts dealers will use as suitable replacements when servicing your car. OEM are the parts that come on your car from the factory.

Duralast Pad
Duralast pads have hardware available where designated by the OES. They have semi-metallic or ceramic upgrade options. The OES backing plate helps with the OE fit as well as corrosion resistance.

Duralast Gold Pad
These Gold pads are a factory-match design. This factory-matched design applies to application-specific OEM fit, form, and function. These too feature semi-metallic or ceramic friction formulations to match OEM or available upgrades. The OEM-style slot and chamfer designs help eliminate noise and improve performance. Application-specific hardware is included where required by OEM. The three-layer shim helps neutralize noise and vibration. In addition, the powdercoated backing plate delivers OEM fit and prevents corrosion and rust.

Duralast Elite Pad
These Elite brake pads are intended to be better than the OEM, providing premium three-times-longer performance. Not only do all the aspects of the design match the OEM, but it’s the formulation and additional transfer layer that set it apart. To meet new state requirements, Elite has Copper-free advanced friction formulation for quieter stops and less dust.

There is an application-specific signature hex coating that provides an additional transfer layer and also supports quiet, smooth stops, low dust, and superior stopping power. The application-specific hex pattern (seen on the pad) fills gaps on rotors during the bed-in process, thereby increasing brake contact area while extending rotor and pad life, so they are quieter, for longer. How does it work? When the tiny gaps on the rotor are filled, a smooth surface is created for the brake pad to stop against, which is the extra layer extending pad and rotor life.

The Duralast family of brake pads are engineered with the specific application in mind. This is achieved by determining the weight of the vehicle, brake bias (front to rear), caliper design (single-, dual-, or four-piston), and rotor and pad dimensions.

You can find out more information about Duralast products at DuralastParts.com. There is one aspect of the build that should require us to place the greatest deal of concentration and attention to detail. Remember, “All go and no whoa” is a formula for disaster.

3. These “hex coated” pads are the next generation of ceramic premium OE performance that is intended to yield quiet operation and low dust emittance. Note the hex design coating as this is an additional transfer layer, and it’s copper free. The slot and chamfer design helps eliminate noise and improve performance.

4. Pictured here are the new Duralast Elite pads that also feature the new hex coating, an additional transfer layer. It too is copper free, uses a vulcanized rubber core shim, and stainless steel hardware is provided. (Where OE application requires a lubricant that too is provided.)

5-6. This engine sideview of one rocker cover shows the struts between the mounting bolt bosses and a groove for an O-ring that eliminates a gasket.

7-9. The Duralast Gold pads are specifically designed for OEM form, fit, and function. There are three-layer shims designed to counteract vibrations and eliminate noise. They are OEM in style, featuring a powdercoated backing plate to prevent corrosion. The friction material is available in semi-metallic or ceramic formulations and matches OEM specifications.

10-12. The Duralast Elite features a patent-pending, latest copper-free ceramic formulation, and enhanced transfer layer technology. The hex coating is by design, as it provides an additional transfer layer and delivers a smoother stop, low dust emittance, and better stopping grip. The hex pattern and layer fills gaps on the rotor, thereby helping with the bed-in process and extending rotor and pad life. Again, slots and chamfer mimic OEM application.