# Subaru or OTC break pads

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/subaru-or-otc-break-pads/60171>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** outback, subaru\
**Created:** [January 19, 2011, 8:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/subaru-or-otc-break-pads/60171 "2011-01-19T20:55:36Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![coloradocarguy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/coloradocarguy/32/136_2.png) [@coloradocarguy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/coloradocarguy)\
**Post date:** [January 19, 2011, 8:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/subaru-or-otc-break-pads/60171/1 "2011-01-19T20:55:36Z")

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I have a 2005 Subaru Outback and need to replace the rear break pads. Any difference between the factory ones or the OTC (Bendix)ones? Thanks@

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**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\
**Post date:** [January 19, 2011, 9:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/subaru-or-otc-break-pads/60171/2 "2011-01-19T21:07:27Z")

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Hard to say, Bendix is certainly a reliable brand. However, if you’ve been happy with the performance of the factory pads, I’d pay the extra for them to minimize the chance of issues, typically squeaking, with non-factory pads.

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**Author:** ![ken\_green](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/ken_green/32/816_2.png) [@ken\_green](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ken_green)\
**Post date:** [January 19, 2011, 9:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/subaru-or-otc-break-pads/60171/3 "2011-01-19T21:32:13Z")

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There’s a reason the OE pads have lasted so long already.  
With aftermarket you get to pick from a choice of three or four different kinds.  
Which one of those replicates OE ?  
A secret recipe OE does not divulge. ( the physical composition of the pad material )

It’s your gamble…uh, choice.

Clue ; never buy the 9.99 specials. ( there’s a reason they’re 9.99 )

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**Author:** ![jayhawkroy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/jayhawkroy/32/33_2.png) [@jayhawkroy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jayhawkroy)\
**Post date:** [January 19, 2011, 11:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/subaru-or-otc-break-pads/60171/4 "2011-01-19T23:01:13Z")

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Loved the Subaru pads on our 1999 Legacy. Hated the pads on our '03. Changed out to Carquest top of the line and they are doing well. I would expect equivalent performance out of Bendix or Raybestos.

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [January 19, 2011, 11:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/subaru-or-otc-break-pads/60171/5 "2011-01-19T23:37:46Z")

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When purchasing aftermarket brake pads, ask that they meet or exceed the OEM’s specifications, and you’ll have no problems.

Tester

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**Author:** ![ok4450](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ok4450](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ok4450)\
**Post date:** [January 20, 2011, 12:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/subaru-or-otc-break-pads/60171/6 "2011-01-20T00:40:34Z")

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The pads you buy from a Subaru dealer are also OTC. Subaru farms this out just like every other car maker.  
Any name brand pad should be fine and there’s a strong chance that the XXX brand pads you buy from a local parts house may be manufactured by the same company who produces them for Subaru of America.

The same goes for electrics, clutch parts, and a plethora of other items.