Bendix is an automotive brake component manufacturer founded in the United States. They’ve been building automotive brake systems and related components since 1924, and they even make brakes for planes and other industries. In Malaysia, they’ve been around for quite a while now. Recently, I got a set of Bendix front brake pads for my Kia Picanto. Bendix supplied me with the Bendix Metal King brake pads to use on my car.

According to Bendix, the Metal King brake pads have several features that make them suitable for heavy-duty applications, such as towing, carrying substantial loads, or frequent stop-and-go driving conditions. The key features of the Metal King include:

  • Insulayer Technology: An exclusive insulation layer between the backing plate and friction material minimizes heat transfer. This helps prevent brake fluid from boiling, protects the caliper, and ensures a consistent pedal feel even at elevated operating temperatures.
  • Blue Titanium Stripe: This feature provides an immediate positive pedal feel from the first application, eliminating the need for a bedding-in process.
  • Noise-Absorbing Shims: Designed to reduce the transmission of vibration and noise during braking, contributing to a quieter driving experience.

The packaging for the brake pads is pretty straightforward, containing two sets of brake pads meant for both sides of the vehicle. The installation process is also quite simple, as no modifications are needed to fit the brake pads. For this review, I only replaced the brake pads while keeping my old brake discs, which I previously purchased from an aftermarket OEM parts supplier.

After installing the Bendix brake pads, I immediately noticed a significant improvement in braking performance. The brake pedal feels much more responsive, giving me greater confidence when I step on it. The brakes now have an instant and firm bite, which I really appreciate. Moreover, even after installation, the brakes remain impressively silent, with no annoying squeaking noises, which can sometimes be an issue with aftermarket products.

Before installing the Bendix pads, I did some research and found that some users reported increased brake dust compared to the original pads. After three weeks of use, I did notice the dust buildup, but it takes about three weeks to significantly cake the rims. This isn’t really an issue to me, as this doesn’t really affect the braking performance of the brake pads. However, if you clean your rims weekly, the buildup shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

If you’re interested, the Bendix Metal King brake pads are priced at around RM 195, which is about RM 100 cheaper than the original brake pads from authorized dealers. I like that they maintain the braking performance of the original pads, making them well worth the investment. The best part is that Bendix actually uses these brakes on Skilldrvn’s current one-make race cars, proving that they can withstand the punishment from professional drivers.

If you want to get a set for your own ride, you can purchase them from Bendix’s Shopee store or Lazada store.