Brake pads look simple — a backing plate and a block of friction material — but they are one of the easiest parts to order wrong. The same car model can use several different pad shapes across years and engine versions, and a pad that is 2 mm different does not fit, no matter how similar it looks in a photo.
This guide explains the three numbers that identify a brake pad, the details buyers most often forget to confirm, and how to order with confidence.
The three numbers that identify a brake pad
- The OE number. The vehicle maker’s part number — for example, Toyota’s 04465-22070. This is the number your customer gives you, and the one we match against.
- The D-number (FMSI number). The friction industry’s own shape code — for example, D2085. One D-number describes one exact pad shape and size. A single OE number can cross-reference to a D-number, and the D-number is the fastest way to confirm two offers are really the same pad.
- The WVA number. Common on European applications, the WVA number identifies the pad shape in the European friction-material system.
When you enquire, send whichever numbers you have. OE + D-number together is the strongest combination: shape and application are both locked.
Details buyers forget to confirm
- Wear sensor or not? Many pads come in two versions — with an electronic wear sensor (or a slot for one) and without. The pads are the same shape; the sensor version costs more and the wrong one comes back.
- What is in the box? A “set” should mean pads for both wheels of one axle — 4 pieces. Confirm whether fitting hardware (clips, shims, bolts) is included or supplied separately.
- The number on the part vs. the number on the box. On cheap copied listings, the printed code on the backing plate sometimes does not match the advertised reference. Ask for a photo of the actual product markings before a bulk order.
- Front or rear? Front and rear pads on the same car are different shapes with different numbers. “A set for a Corolla” is not an order — the OE number is.
Which material should you stock?
Ceramic, semi-metallic and low-metallic pads serve different markets and price points. We covered this in detail in our Brake Pad Material Guide for Importers — in short: ceramic for quiet, low-dust passenger-car markets; semi-metallic for heavy-duty and high-temperature use; low-metallic as the European-style middle ground.
Ordering checklist
- OE number (and D-number / WVA if you have them)
- Front or rear axle, and the quantity in sets
- Wear sensor: yes or no
- Hardware kit: required or not
- Packaging: neutral, customized, or your own label
- At Hengxin, brake pads start from an MOQ of 50 sets. Samples are available; the sample fee is refunded when you place a formal order. Standard lead time is 15–25 days
Send us your pad list
Send the OE numbers you are buying now, and we will match them, confirm the D-number for each, and quote within 24 hours.
Send an RFQ · Browse brake pads · WhatsApp: +86 177 1929 6506