EBC Ultimax2 Brake Pads

EBC Ultimax2 brake pads – OE quality replacement for everyday road use

EBC Ultimax2 brake pads form EBC’s OE-quality replacement range, engineered specifically for normal road driving on passenger cars, vans and SUVs. The aim is to deliver braking performance equivalent to – and in many cases better than – factory pads, but at a more attractive price point and with improved durability. The entire Ultimax2 line is fully ECE R90 approved, meaning that in the correct application these pads are road-legal and type-approved as direct OE equivalents throughout the EU.

The Ultimax2 compound is based on a non-metallic, aramid fibre formulation that contains zero steel fibre. According to EBC, this provides a long-lasting, high-friction pad with a GG friction rating, typically effective up to around 400 °C in normal service, while remaining kind to cast iron rotors and producing relatively low dust. Ultimax2 pads are manufactured in EBC’s Bristol (UK) friction plant and carry the environmental Leaf Mark at the highest N rating, reflecting their copper-free, steel-free construction and compliance with strict environmental regulations.

Technical Basics

The Ultimax2 compound replaces the earlier Ultimax material and has been extensively tested in a wide range of climates, from cold, damp Northern European conditions to hot and humid Caribbean environments. The GG friction rating indicates a consistently high μ value both at low and high test temperatures, which translates into predictable pedal response in everyday driving without the need for heavy pedal effort. Unlike many semi-metallic pads, the steel-free structure keeps rotor wear low and reduces the risk of uneven transfer layers and judder when the pads are correctly bedded in.

All EBC Ultimax2 brake pads are equipped with noise-reducing shims, chamfered edges, a central expansion slot and EBC’s red Brake-In™ surface coating. The coating is designed to scrub light glaze and ridges from used discs and speed up the bedding-in process, so the pads reach their full performance sooner after installation. The combination of slotting, chamfers and backing shims helps minimise vibration and noise, making Ultimax2 a good choice for drivers who want a quiet, smooth brake feel without sacrificing safety or stopping power.

Selection Criteria

When choosing EBC Ultimax2 pads, start by identifying the correct part number from the vehicle’s make, model, year, engine and axle position (front or rear). The LLRacing Ultimax2 category lists well over a thousand DP references, covering everything from classic compact cars to modern luxury saloons and SUVs. Ultimax2 is intended primarily for urban and mixed road use rather than for heavy performance or track driving, so it is best suited to cars whose main duty cycle is commuting, motorway cruising and everyday family use.

If the car is driven mostly in normal or moderately brisk fashion on public roads, Ultimax2 is an ideal OE-style replacement pad with strong safety margins and good value for money. If the vehicle frequently sees very spirited driving, repeated high-speed braking, mountain passes or occasional trackdays, a step up to Greenstuff, Redstuff or Yellowstuff may be more appropriate. For frequent track use, EBC explicitly recommends Bluestuff, Orangestuff or the RP-series race compounds instead, and many distributors label Ultimax2 as “NOT FOR TRACK USE”.

Installation & Maintenance

Fitting EBC Ultimax2 brake pads should follow established best practice for any quality friction material. Brake discs must be above minimum thickness and free from severe cracks, heavy lips or excessive run-out, and the hub-to-disc mating faces should be cleaned back to bare metal so that the disc runs true. Caliper slide pins and pad contact points should be carefully cleaned and lubricated with a suitable high-temperature brake grease, and all caliper bolts tightened to the vehicle manufacturer’s specified torque settings to ensure reliability under hard braking.

After installation, it is wise to flush the system with fresh, good-quality DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid, particularly on vehicles that see frequent motorway driving or steep descents. Although Ultimax2 is not a race pad, correct bedding-in remains critical: for the first few hundred kilometres, avoid long, maximum-effort stops and instead perform a series of medium-intensity decelerations to build up an even transfer layer on the discs. Do not hold the car stationary with very hot brakes pressed firmly on, as this can cause uneven pad deposits, disc thickness variation and brake judder later on. Periodic checks of pad thickness and disc condition will help maintain consistent performance.

FAQ

Are EBC Ultimax2 brake pads suitable for daily driving?
Yes. Ultimax2 pads are designed specifically as OE-quality replacement pads for everyday road use on passenger cars, vans and SUVs. They offer safe, predictable braking with a GG friction rating, low dust and low rotor wear, making them a strong alternative to factory pads for commuting and general road driving.

Can I use Ultimax2 pads for trackdays?
EBC Ultimax2 is not intended for track or race use and is often marked as “NOT FOR TRACK USE” by EBC and its distributors. While occasional short, gentle sessions may be possible, sustained circuit use can push the pads beyond their intended temperature range, increasing the risk of fade. For regular trackdays, Greenstuff, Redstuff, Yellowstuff, Bluestuff, Orangestuff or RP-series race pads are better suited.

Do Ultimax2 brake pads create a lot of dust?
The Ultimax2 compound is formulated as a relatively low-dust material compared with many semi-metallic OE pads. The non-metallic, steel-free aramid structure tends to produce finer, easier-to-clean dust and less overall build-up on the wheels, while still maintaining strong friction levels in everyday use.

Are EBC Ultimax2 pads road-legal in the EU?
Yes, provided the correct part number is used. The Ultimax2 range is fully ECE R90 approved, meaning that in the appropriate application the pads are type-approved as equivalent to OE parts and are therefore legal for public-road use across the EU. Always check the approval status for the exact pad code fitted to your vehicle.

Will Ultimax2 pads wear my brake discs quickly?
No, not under normal conditions. EBC Ultimax2 uses a non-metallic, steel fibre-free compound that is deliberately rotor friendly, typically causing less disc wear than many semi-metallic pads. As always, correct bedding-in, staying within the intended temperature range and using quality discs will help maximise rotor life.

When should I choose Ultimax2 over Greenstuff or Redstuff?
Choose Ultimax2 if your priority is an OE-style replacement pad for normal road driving, with low dust, quiet operation and full ECE R90 approval. If you drive a lighter car more enthusiastically or want a noticeable performance upgrade for fast road use, Greenstuff or Redstuff may be a better option. For frequent performance or track use, step up further to Yellowstuff, Bluestuff, Orangestuff or EBC’s RP race compounds.