Took the Alphard out today for a spirited drive through some local countryside B-roads. I normally do this as my test drive, you know, to get a proper feel for how a vehicle handles: speed, acceleration, body roll and braking. I obviously don’t plan to drive it like that regularly, and I’m sure most Alphard owners don’t either, aside from the odd 0–60 pull to show off and surprise folks at traffic lights.

 

But I was genuinely shocked at how underwhelming the brakes were. On my first 10min run, they started fading quite dramatically. By the time I was on the return leg, I had to really lean on the pedal — and even then, the car didn’t slow down nearly as much as I expected.

 

When I got home, all four corners were smoking, and the pads absolutely stank of burnt brake smell.

 

For regular day-to-day driving, they seem fine-ish.  Both my good old MOT station and Toyota checked them recently and they were within the norm; but give them even a slight push and it quickly feels unsafe. Which has got me seriously thinking that perhaps a brake upgrade is worth it for peace of mind. I do feel exactly the same as I did in my heavy RX hybrid where you pressed the brakes and the car felt like it was still rolling. I don’t like that feeling and I guess it’s because the car is heavy, if not heavier than the RX I owned.

 

I’m thinking of an upgrade and probably some Brembos. Anyone have long-term feedback? Any issues with squeal, dust, or general wear?

I have Brembo discs and pads on my 3.5 and whilst they are okay, the set up is not that good but it’s more about the size of the discs and calipers as they are very small!

Performance fluid and stainless brake lines would help but not enough alone if you need more braking performance.

 

I am looking at what physical upgrades could be done using other Toyota fitments as something like the 4 pot calipers and discs from the ST205 Celica would be a great upgrade…

I have seen an AP racing upgrade but that was over 4k so not really in budget unless you are going down a Trackday route!

On 4/14/2025 at 1:38 AM, Simbad said:

Took the Alphard out today for a spirited drive through some local countryside B-roads. I normally do this as my test drive, you know, to get a proper feel for how a vehicle handles: speed, acceleration, body roll and braking. I obviously don’t plan to drive it like that regularly, and I’m sure most Alphard owners don’t either, aside from the odd 0–60 pull to show off and surprise folks at traffic lights.

 

But I was genuinely shocked at how underwhelming the brakes were. On my first 10min run, they started fading quite dramatically. By the time I was on the return leg, I had to really lean on the pedal — and even then, the car didn’t slow down nearly as much as I expected.

 

When I got home, all four corners were smoking, and the pads absolutely stank of burnt brake smell.

 

For regular day-to-day driving, they seem fine-ish.  Both my good old MOT station and Toyota checked them recently and they were within the norm; but give them even a slight push and it quickly feels unsafe. Which has got me seriously thinking that perhaps a brake upgrade is worth it for peace of mind. I do feel exactly the same as I did in my heavy RX hybrid where you pressed the brakes and the car felt like it was still rolling. I don’t like that feeling and I guess it’s because the car is heavy, if not heavier than the RX I owned.

 

I’m thinking of an upgrade and probably some Brembos. Anyone have long-term feedback? Any issues with squeal, dust, or general wear?

Who serviced the brakes last? It really sounds like it has either very poor Quality Friction material pads fitted or maybe there hanging due to the caliper pistons.. this would be very uncommon for all 4 corner's though.  

 

Can definitely recommend EBC,  we have these in New Zealand also:

 

https://www.ebcbrakes.com/vehicle/uk-row/TOYOTA/Vellfire/