I need to replace my front pads on my Olds Silhouette (92K mi & plan to keep her for a few more years if she can make it). The rotors are perfectly smooth (no grooves), thin and would be under specs if turned, but good enough for another round before they need to be replaced. I'm not sure which type of pad to choose. I've been told, on a thinner rotor, semi-metal pad would eat away the rotor faster than a ceramic pad and vice versa. I'm looking at either Akebono ceramics or GM semi-metallic pad ... any advice is greatly appreciated?
2006-07-05 13:07:00 · 12 answers · asked by FlameKat 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
semi-metallic trust me.
2006-07-05 13:11:19 · answer #1 · answered by maimarleybug 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your vehicle came stock with ceramic, stay ceramic. Go to www.napaonline.com. Browse their catalog. You will need year, make, model, engine. Yes, metallic are harder on rotors, and if not properly adjusted and torqued, can squeal miserably. Even though your rotors "look" good, you really should check them for "true". If you have a dial micrometer, you can check the "run-out". If not, you may be able to use a thin steel straight edge similar to an engineers ruler. A run-out of only 1/1000th of an inch can cause your new breaks to chatter. Also, the ceramic pad will not give you the "rust dust" on your shiny chrome or alloy wheels. Above all else, make SURE that you TORQUE each wheel nut to the specifications set out by the manufacture. If you do not, this will cause your rotors to warp and you will cause your new pads to chirp uncontrollably.
2006-07-17 19:48:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, personally, I would just go ahead and get new rotors, especially if you want to get another 30-40,000 out of it. Plus the fact that your basically putting your life and the lives of everyone on the road in jeopardy because you want to get the last few miles out of the rotors. as far as which pad for your application, the ceramic pads are higher end, promote less heat, stop better, since they are a harder material, they would probably wear the rotor out slightly faster than the semi's would. But the semi's would probably wear out sooner than the ceramics, so it is pretty much a 50-50 chance, but for real, you should go ahead and change out the rotor's...
2006-07-17 10:46:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The advantages to semi-metallic are that they will last longer and will not be adveserly affected as much by not turning or replacing the rotors. The bad thing is that they will wear on your rotors more.
Ceramics are generally quieter to run and put out less of the nasty black brake dust. But they will wear faster and will wear even faster if the rotor are not perfectly smooth to begin with. Trust me, your are not that smooth if you've been running semi-metallics.
If all else fails ask the parts store if the offer a cheaper brand of rotor, you ight be able to replace yours for $25 or less each side.
2006-07-05 13:22:15 · answer #4 · answered by soaplakegirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ceramic pads are like snake oil, ...hogwash!
they are a sales joke in my profession... sold to people who want the best and , unfortunatly were told "the more you spend the better"
any new pad will be alot quieter than the worn out pads you took off. the problems will arise when they get hot...since they stand the heat better, the wear now takes place on the rotor. the first time you replace the pads...in a couple years you'll replace your rotors oh but cheer up, you pads are probally guarnteed for life
2006-07-05 13:13:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do the Job right if you plan on keeping the car Replace the rotors and go back with whatever the Man. Suggested why take a chance?
2006-07-16 14:55:32 · answer #6 · answered by iamright2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both the pads and rotor wear out. If the pads are harder than the rotor, the rotor will wear out faster. If you have a thin rotor, put on some softer organic pads. They are cheaper to replace than your rotor.
2006-07-05 13:18:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ceramic pad,s are probably the best brake pad,s they have ever came out with,,there worth every penny of what they cost,,and then some,,and yes even on thin rotor,s you will see a big difference in the stopping power,,and the reduction of noise,i use them on everything i service,,and never any complaint,s,,i hope this help,s some,
2006-07-13 16:17:16 · answer #8 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
semi metallic Wagner Premium Thermo Quiet are the best brakes I've come across in 8 years of being a mechanic. Dont buy cheapo Advance auto pads. You'll kick yourself later. I know its the difference between $13 and $35 dollars but you will love them.
2006-07-05 15:07:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a Jeep Liberty. When I replaced the orginal brakes, I upgraded to the ceramic. There is less noise when braking and it is supposed to be better quality.
2006-07-05 13:11:42 · answer #10 · answered by Michelle G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ceramic is the way to go. usually more expensive, but worth it and lasts longer.
2006-07-05 13:11:20 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋