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Thread: Brake pad stopping power

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Posts: 11-18 of 18
2009-07-16 06:43:25
#11
Originally Posted by PWRDbyUNCLEbens
s-e-a-r-c-h


You must not be qualified to answer my question. That was easy right? Good job buddy! I am sure future generations will learn alot from that post.
2009-07-16 06:54:56
#12
Originally Posted by TheRealNighthog
You asked basically the same question in your other thread. You wanted brand opinions and you got many answers. All you had to do in turn was do some research on the specific pads to see if they are metallic or semi. based upon the observations of the people using them.



In both posts you clearly state that you are looking for better stopping power.


This is between Metallic and ceramic but I do understand what your saying. let's pretend I was not buying a set of performance pads. Just the standard that the local auto parts store carry.
2009-07-16 07:16:45
#13
To be completely honest with you, I for one am not big on pads. I have had both and I

could not tell the difference in stopping power between ceramic or metallic. Now once

difference i could tell almost within a day of driving either is that a ceramic pad will produce

alot LESS break dust which is something i love so. And obviously the ceramic will last a bit

longer.



Chris.
2009-07-16 11:02:58
#14
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=ceramic+versus+semi+metallic+brake+pads
.
.
2009-07-16 12:21:25
#15
Originally Posted by Topdog781
Yes I am. The reason I did not upgrade to bigger size is that I am trying to keep the weight of the car down. I'm not producing crazy hp number either. That was not the main point tof the thread. I am getting confused because I hear I hear that semi metallic bites harder than ceramic but on the other hand I hear ceramic has excellent fade resistance so I am all confused now. Should I just have used the old thread I made ..Yea but whats the fun in that its a different concept now.


what's confusing about that? (in bold)



ben useful post +1!! lol
2009-07-16 16:53:19
#16
You have asked a really general question that is difficult to answer. There are so many variables including driver, application and manufacturer. A metallic pad from Hawk might be better than a ceramic pad from a company that markets to OEM replacements.
Whatever you decide, put stainless steel braided hose on the calipers. That will give you an improvement in pedal feel at least equal to upgrading your pads.
2009-07-16 17:22:55
#17
Originally Posted by Topdog781
This is between Metallic and ceramic but I do understand what your saying. let's pretend I was not buying a set of performance pads. Just the standard that the local auto parts store carry.


There's not going to be a general answer to this question like you're looking for. Like he said above, there are so many other variables that go into a pad that can make or break it. So which is better? Neither. Each has it's own advantages and disadvantages, as you clearly know from your previous, now bolded statement.

I'm not sure what else you're looking for here? I know you say "not brand name" but different brands make their pads differently, so you have to take the brand into consideration.

If you're looking for something specific for your brakes, like slower wear, or less brake dust, there are definite answers to that. But as for "semi metallic or ceramic - which is better?"... that can't be answered with a "yes" or "no".
2009-07-16 18:51:41
#18
Keith Reinhardt wrote:

Although first introduced as far back as 1985 on some new vehicles, mass after-market applications for ceramic-based disc brake pads are just now becoming widely available. Approximately 33 percent of all new vehicles, domestic and foreign combined, now have ceramic-based disc brake pads. The newest generation of ceramic brake lining compounds contain no chopped steel fibers or steel wool as found in earlier semi-metallic linings, but instead substitute ceramic compounds and copper fibers. These changes provide modern ceramic-based lining materials the capability of handling today's high brake temperatures with less heat fade, faster recovery time, and less wear on both the pads and rotors.'

Of even more value to brake repair facilities is the ability of ceramic lining compounds to significantly reduce annoying brake noise or squeal, which is the No. 1 consumer complaint relating to brake service. Ceramic compounds dampen noise and move brake pad vibrations to a frequency outside of our human hearing range, 20 Hz through 20,000 Hz. As with earlier disc brake pad designs, some ceramic pad applications may also incorporate other noise-reducing features such as chamfers, slots and insulator shims. One leading after-market manufacturer has gone as far as naming its line of ceramic brake pads "Quiet Stop."

Another positive characteristic associated with ceramic brake lining materials is the absence of visible brake dust, a feature that any vehicle owner with stylish wheels will appreciate. All brake materials, ceramic included, will produce some brake dust. Earlier semi-metallic and organic brake compounds left a brownish black dust on wheels. In comparison, ceramic compounds produce a light-colored dust that is much less noticeable and does not attach itself to wheels.

Although an increase in product cost will more than likely be associated with ceramic-based brake linings, their benefits may be worthwhile for consumers. Based on their own durability tests, lining manufacturers say these compounds will outlast most other premium pad materials by a considerable margin. However, after-market brake pads with ceramic materials should only be used on those applications where the OEM specified a similar formula.




Originally Posted by Topdog781
Which brake pads offer the best stopping power? Semi metalic or full ceramic pads. I have heard both sides of the story so far. I leave this up for debate. Rotor wear is not an issue for me.


So to your original question ceramic pads can be just as good as semi metallic if the rotors are made to use with the ceramic pads. You'd have to contact the manufacturer of the rotors to see which pad compound would work best with their product. I'm not sure myself what the best compound is for oem rotors or oem replacements.
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