Just changed front brakes @11,000 miles -OEM pads had a lot "meat' left, but I decided to change to avoid frequent rims cleaning.
New Akebono pads feel just the same as OEM, I heard no noises/squicks . The only thing I did not like was that top caliper bolt on both sides is already worn out-has a groove-like wear around the circumference of the bolt (unless it is made that way, but did look like wear of the metal). The job is relatively easy - took about two hours, including the rims washing, but I was not in any hurry at all. A good mech would spend around 1/2 hour using lift and power tools.

 

The bolts should be made that way. Once screwed in the caliper slides on the pins only. There is rubber inserts in the caliper.

 

Tech, thanks for all your help-I yesterday installed rear brakes too (Akebono) and the car /brakes feel no different from the time it had OEM pads. I will have to check hard braking and wet braking esp. from highway speeds, will post the results. Also, in 1-2 weeks will update if there is any dirt from Akebono pads.


PS
Tech, the groove on the top pins of the front brakes was not next to the thread -it was on the part that the caliper should be sliding on. However, the brakes work fine, and in the worst case I will have to replace two pins next time I am doing the brakes -could be another 30K miles.

PSS
When I bought my 850 6 years ago, my mechanic installed Bendix IQ in the front -not only they made a lot of noise, but the car would not stop when driving on the wet road at highway speeds -you depress the brake pedal, and the car keeps rolling almost w/ same speed . Go figure-Bendix is supposed to be one of the "good" aftermarket brakes.

 

I will wait to hear how the driving goes.

 

One week after I installed Akebono EURO ceramic pads I see minimal dust -not black like from OEM pads, but rather brownish/yellow color. Brakes feel as OEM-no difference at all - regular city/highway driving. I did not have a chance to test emergency and wet braking yet.

Rockauto.com has these pads cheaper then tirerack.