Finding ceramic pads......

[shadango]

Where do you guys get your ceramic pads?

I tried autozone and napa and neither list ceramics for my calipers (80 New Yorker).....

Am I stuck with semi metallics?

[dodj]

I don't think you would want ceramics. They require significant heat in them to operate well.
Unless of course things have changed since the last time I was looking into brake linings

[Bullitt-]

"Upgraded" to ceramic on our van some time back...big mistake.  I found semi-metallic with some effort for my Challey..  Wasn't listed under my model.

[shadango]

So semi metallics are the better bet?

[Bullitt-]

from http://www.raceshopper.com/tech.shtml#ceramic_pads


"Why don't you recommend Ceramic Brake Pads?
Let's start by saying that ceramic brake pads have a place in the automotive industry.  They were designed to be a low-dust, noise-free brake pad.  They came into popularity after the discontinued use of asbestos-based brake pads.  At that time, semi-metallic pads exhibited problems with higher noise and dust levels.
That being said, I can tell you that Ceramic Brake Pads were NEVER designed to be a performance brake pad!  Some companies have done a terrific job marketing their higher-priced, ceramic pads to the consumer as a performance pad.  Ceramic brake pads typically have lower friction coefficients, and act as an insulator - raising rotor temperatures in cast-iron disc systems.   When you have a vehicle that has persistent braking problems- the last thing you want to do is install components that have a LOWER friction coefficient and that RAISE effective operating temperatures!"

found some interesting replacements, not very pricey either @$36.
http://www.brakeworld.com/catalog.asp?page_id=items&catid=2

  Xbrakes Carbon  (Material: Metallic )

Xbrakes premium brake pads are a great replacement pad for the performance minded driver, which is looking for performance and value at a great price. The Xbrakes Carbon composite pads provide firm consistent pedal feel during braking. Xbrakes premium brake pads provide exceptionally low dust levels, and provide the driver with excellent, initial brake bite ensuring quick consistent stopping. Each pad set includes a corrosion-resistant powder-coated finish.

[shadango]

Ok, so ceramics are out.

I ended up with AUtozone's semi metallics.  Lifetime warranty, we'll see how they do I guess.

Thanks for the heads up on ceramics being a bum deal.   

[Bullitt-]

Just don't forget the brake grease. 

[shadango]

I almost forgot! Thats why I love this forum!   

I'll pick some up today when I go out to get my new muffler bearings.   

[Bullitt-]

Not joking....Most have no idea  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000M8IF1Q/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000HBM85C&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0Y1WYVZ53JXHCBXKHP2N


http://www.raceshopper.com/how_to_install_brakes.shtml
Now would be a good time to install new brake hardware (eg. shims) and clean and/or lubricate the pad to caliper-bracket contact areas

[shadango]

You just said "brake grease"...thought you were referring to a post I made the other day with a link to a site with "cross drilled brake hoses" and all sorts of crazy stuff...

LOL

Thanks....yeah, I have that covered...Got a big tube of the stuff from NAPA years ago when I had the Exploder.....still have that stuff....

I think its called 'Sil-Glyde'.......

[bordin34]

What about organic pads, thats what I am running on my Charger. How do they compare to semi-metallic and ceramic.

[dodj]

I'll pick some up today when I go out to get my new muffler bearings.   

I got some piston return springs that i'll let go cheap.

[Bullitt-]

What about organic pads, thats what I am running on my Charger. How do they compare to semi-metallic and ceramic.

You should get better braking, longer life from semi-metallic & they handle heat better , downside is they wear your rotors faster. 


   Just looking over the message boards there is a lot of miss-information re: ceramic pads.  I'd say if your newer vehicle came with them stick with them otherwise avoid.  Our Aviator came with ceramic & they work good but on our 98 Caravan they did not.