- This topic has 6 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 2 months ago by
.
-
Topic
-
-
Replies
-
Organic pads are usually the lowest priced pads. They are OK for the short term but don’t expect them to be quiet.
Metallic pads give you the best stopping power especially if you tow a trailer or are fully loaded most of the time. They tend to be a little hard on rotors however.
If you have fancy wheels ceramic tends to keep the black dust off of them and have good stopping power but they are the more expensive pads to buy.
What ever you decide try to buy mid priced to more expensive pads. They will usually stop better, quieter and last longer.
I like semi-metallic because they are more abrasive and I like that because it keeps the rotors clean. When your brakes are hot and you stop, squeezing the pads against the rotors without moving, some glue/binding agent residue can be left on the rotors. The less abrasive brake pads will not scour that residue off like a metallic will, and can smear it around the rotor instead and cause pulsation.
As far as brand, I use Centric Posi-Quiet pads and 120 series rotors on the self/friends/family cars. Tire Rack sells Centric cheap and it ships fast, even though there is usually a local place that carries it.
Semi-metallic are what I would go with
Ceramic is quiet and leaves almost no brake dust but they cannot handle heat. I leave ceramic to cars and never put them on trucks
Organic is something you put on if the truck is going to be for sale or if you are broke and need something/anything.
One thing to consider is brake dust… Organic pads tend to generate more brake dust, and the color of the brake dust is pretty dark. Ceramic pads generate less dust that tends to be lighter in color. I used organic pads the first time I ever did my brakes, and for 60,000 miles I had dirty wheels. The second job I did, I invested in Akebono ceramics and have been extremely happy with them. I’ve never used semi-metalic, so I’m not sure if the brake dust that they generate is noticeable.
Thanks, folks. I think I’ll go with the metallics. I’m 70 y.o. so I no longer try to fix things so they “last forever;” I just try to fix things so they last longer than me. It’s usually easier and cheaper.
Personally I’d go for ceramic. They are the most expensive but they seem to be the quietist and last the longest. More info here.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.