What You Need to Know
Product Basics
The D996/D996-7897 ceramic brake pads are premium OEM-grade braking components engineered specifically for Toyota Highlander models across multiple years. Built with advanced ceramic compound technology, these brake pads deliver the stopping power and reliability that Toyota originally designed into your vehicle. Whether you’re searching for Toyota Highlander brake pads replacement or upgrading from worn factory pads, the D996 ceramic brake pads offer exceptional performance at competitive prices.
Who These Are For
Perfect for:
- Highlander owners who want factory-quality parts without the dealership markup
- Independent shops that need reliable, consistent components
- Fleet operators managing multiple Toyota vehicles
- Weekend warriors doing their own maintenance
- Anyone driving in extreme weather who needs dependable all-season braking
Specs at a Glance
Part Numbers: D996 / D996-7897
Material: Ceramic Compound
Fits: Toyota Highlander (Multiple Model Years)
Thickness: OEM Standard
Temperature Range: -40°F to 700°F
Wholesale MOQ: 100 Sets
Why Choose D996 Ceramic Pads?
The Problems They Solve
Let’s face it—cheap brake pads are a headache:
- Black dust cakes all over your wheels
- Squealing that makes your neighbors cringe
- Performance that fades when you need it most
- Wearing out way too fast
The D996 ceramic brake pads fix all that:
- 90% less brake dust than semi-metallic pads
- Whisper-quiet operation thanks to ceramic damping
- Rock-solid performance from sub-zero to scorching temps
- Lasts significantly longer than budget alternatives
What Makes Them Special
- True OEM Quality: Not “equivalent to”—actually meets or beats factory specs for Toyota Highlander brake pads
- Real Ceramic Tech: Not semi-metallic dressed up with marketing
- All-Weather Champion: From Alaska to Arizona, these perform
- Universal Compatibility: Cross-references with all major brake brands
- Direct from Source: Skip the middleman, save money
How They Stack Up
Here’s what separates D996 from the pack:
- Exact factory specifications—no compromises on fit or feel
- Premium formulation—not the cheap stuff that wears out in 15k miles
- Strict quality control—every set meets international standards
- Works with your preferred brands—AKEBONO, BENDIX, HITACHI, KASHIYAMA, and more
Technical Breakdown
What’s Inside
Friction Material: Advanced ceramic compound that maintains consistent bite across all temperatures
Backing Plate: Heavy-duty steel with corrosion protection for long life
Noise Suppression: Integrated shims kill vibration before it becomes squealing
Edge Design: Precision chamfers and slots for smooth break-in and even wear
Performance Numbers
- Friction Coefficient: 0.35-0.45 (the sweet spot for safe, controlled stopping)
- Heat Resistance: 95%+ effectiveness all the way to 700°F
- Longevity: 30-40% more miles than semi-metallic pads
- Dust Production: Barely noticeable, light-colored, won’t stick to wheels
- Sound Level: Silent under normal use—no morning embarrassment
The Tech That Matters
Ceramic Matrix Design: Heat spreads evenly across the entire pad, preventing hot spots that warp rotors and cause pulsing.
Low-Copper Formula: Meets California’s strict environmental regs without sacrificing stopping power.
Temperature Stability: The molecular structure doesn’t break down when things get hot—no fade on mountain descents or track days.
Real-World Experience
Installation
Bolt-On Simple: Direct OEM replacement means zero modifications. If you can do brake pads, these go in exactly like the originals. Pro mechanics and capable DIYers will have no issues.
Bedding-In: Plan on 200-300 miles of easy driving to let the friction material properly transfer to your rotors. Worth it for optimal performance.
Daily Driving
Pedal Feel: Smooth, progressive, and confidence-inspiring. You get excellent modulation for parking lot creeping or highway panic stops.
The Clean Factor: This is huge—your wheels stay clean. That light-colored dust? It barely shows up and washes right off. No more scrubbing black gunk every week.
Noise: When installed correctly, these are dead silent. The ceramic compound naturally dampens vibration, so you won’t be that person with the squealing brakes.
What Customers Say
Fleet Manager, Phoenix: “We run 15 Highlanders for our sales team. Since switching to D996 pads, our brake maintenance costs dropped 35%, and we stopped getting complaints about dirty wheels from the execs.”
Commuter, Colorado: “I put 80 miles a day on my Highlander through the Rockies. These pads have 45,000 miles on them and look like they’ll hit 60k easy. Confidence in all weather—that’s what counts.”
Shop Owner, Chicago: “We do hundreds of brake jobs monthly. D996 is our standard recommendation for Highlanders. Perfect fit every single time, customers love them, zero comebacks for noise. That’s a win.”
Pricing and Availability
What It Costs
Wholesale Direct: 100-set minimum for shops, fleets, and distributors. Contact for volume pricing.
Retail Range: Expect $45-85 per axle set depending on where you buy—competitive Toyota Highlander brake pads cost.
True Value: Yeah, they cost more upfront than economy pads. But factor in:
- Twice the lifespan (fewer replacements)
- Way less time scrubbing wheels
- Your rotors last longer (ceramic is gentler)
- No need for harsh wheel cleaners
Compatible Part Numbers
D996 works as a direct replacement for:
| Brand | Part Number |
|---|
| AKEBONO | A-688WK, AN-688WK, AN-688 |
| BENDIX AUS | DB1518 |
| FMSI | D996, D996-7897 |
| HITACHI | NDP407 |
| KASHIYAMA | D-2250-01, D2250, D225002 |
| TOYOTA OEM | 04466-48040, 04466-48030, 04466-48060, 04466-48090, 04466-YZZAL |
This cross-reference means you’re getting the same quality regardless of the name on the box.
Where to Buy
Factory Direct: Wholesale orders (100+ sets) come straight from the source
Auto Parts Stores: Most quality distributors stock them or can get them fast
Online: All major automotive e-commerce sites carry them
Toyota Dealers: Available through genuine parts departments (usually at higher markup)
Coverage and Support
Warranty: Typically 12 months/12,000 miles against defects (verify with your supplier)
Tech Help: Factory direct buyers get installation support and troubleshooting
Money-Back: Many sellers offer satisfaction guarantees if you’re not happy
Market Position
Who’s Buying
Primary Market: Highlander owners are typically families who value safety and reliability over rock-bottom prices. They’d rather invest in quality parts that work right the first time.
Other Markets:
- Repair Shops: Need predictable, quality parts that install right and don’t come back
- Fleet Companies: Want to minimize downtime and total ownership costs
- International Distributors: Serving Toyota markets worldwide
The Competition
Premium Tier: Competes head-to-head with Toyota OEM and brands like AKEBONO and BENDIX
Middle Ground: Quality and price point above economy brands
Why D996 Wins:
- OEM quality at aftermarket prices
- Factory-direct options cut out markups
- Better materials than cheap alternatives
- Works with any brand you already trust
Industry Landscape
Ceramic is Taking Over: Environmental regs are pushing out high-copper pads, and drivers want cleaner, quieter brakes. Ceramic is the answer.
SUV Boom: Highlanders represent the fastest-growing vehicle segment. More Highlanders on the road means more brake pad demand.
DIY Culture: More people are wrenching on their own vehicles, creating demand for pro-grade parts that install easily.
Green Matters: Low-dust, low-copper ceramic aligns with California’s strict regs and growing environmental awareness nationwide.
Installation Guide
Tools You’ll Need
- Floor jack and jack stands (or lift)
- Lug wrench
- Brake caliper compression tool or C-clamp
- Socket set (metric)
- Brake parts cleaner
- High-temp brake grease
Step-by-Step
- Safety First: Level ground, parking brake on, wheel chocks in place
- Wheel Off: Break lug nuts loose, jack it up, remove wheel
- Caliper Removal: Pull caliper bolts, hang caliper safely (never let it dangle on the brake line)
- Old Pads Out: Slide them out, check caliper and rotor condition while you’re there
- Compress Piston: Use your tool to push the piston all the way back
- Clean Everything: Spray down the caliper bracket and hardware
- Lube It Up: High-temp grease on slide pins and contact points (NOT on the friction surface!)
- New Pads In: Slide D996 pads into position, make sure they’re oriented correctly
- Caliper Back On: Mount it over the new pads, torque bolts to spec
- Other Side: Repeat the whole process
- Pump the Pedal: Before you drive anywhere, pump the brake several times to seat the pads
- Break-In Period: Take it easy for 200-300 miles to properly bed the pads
Pro Tips
Check Your Rotors: If they’re grooved, warped, or below minimum thickness, replace them. New brake pads on bad rotors is wasted money.
Replace Hardware: Those anti-rattle clips are cheap—replace them for best results and zero noise.
Brake Fluid: Not required, but if it’s been 2-3 years, flush it. Old fluid absorbs moisture and reduces performance.
Torque Specs: Don’t guess. Caliper bolts usually need 25-30 ft-lbs, lug nuts around 76-83 ft-lbs. Check your service manual for exact numbers.
Break-In Best Practices
First 200-300 Miles:
- No hard stops from highway speeds
- Make 30-40 moderate stops from 30-40 mph
- This transfers friction material to the rotors properly
- Patience here = better performance for the life of the pads
Expected Lifespan:
- 40,000-70,000 miles depending on driving style
- City stop-and-go: lower end
- Highway cruising: higher end
Regular Checks:
- Inspect thickness every 10k miles
- Replace at 3mm remaining
- Unusual noises? Address immediately
Looking Ahead
Product Development
Continuous Improvement:
- Formulations evolving to meet stricter environmental standards
- Even lower dust levels in development
- Better heat resistance as vehicles get heavier
Environmental Responsibility
Copper Reduction: Fully compliant with California AB1098 and Washington SB6557 protecting waterways from brake dust contamination
Clean Manufacturing: Factory processes minimize environmental impact while maintaining quality
Longer Life = Less Waste: Pads that last longer mean fewer replacements and less consumption
Expansion Plans
More Coverage: Expanding ceramic offerings to additional Toyota models and other makes
Global Reach: Building distribution networks for international markets
Tech Transfer: Applying ceramic innovations to commercial and heavy-duty applications
Bottom Line
The D996/D996-7897 ceramic brake pads deliver OEM quality without dealership prices. For Highlander owners who want pads that stop strong, run quiet, stay clean, and last long—this is it.
Whether you’re a DIYer, a pro mechanic, or managing a fleet, these Toyota Highlander brake pads just work. The upfront cost might be higher than bargain-bin alternatives, but when you factor in longevity, cleaner wheels, and less rotor wear, they’re actually cheaper in the long run.
For shops and distributors, the factory-direct option (100-set minimum) makes serious business sense. You get quality products your customers will love at margins that work.
From daily commutes to mountain roads to extreme weather, D996 ceramic brake pads deliver the reliable, confident braking your Highlander deserves.
Ready to upgrade your Toyota Highlander brake pads? Hit up your local parts supplier or contact us directly for wholesale pricing. Feel the difference that real ceramic technology makes.