My current front brakes are ceramic-type from carquest and have lost a lot of their stopping power. There's plenty of pad left, but it just doesn't grab the disc like it used to. I suspect the pads are glazed over on the surface or something like that, because I can barely get the car to skid when I slam on the brakes.
Anyone know what kind and where I can get some ceramic pads that keep their grip?
In my opinion, semi-metallic pads have more stopping power, but these GranSport pads are very good. The material is listed as "composite"; apparently a combination ceramic/carbon. I had them on my autocross car and was quite pleased. They are reasonably priced at $45 from the Tire Rack.
In my opinion, semi-metallic pads have more stopping power, but these GranSport pads are very good. The material is listed as "composite"; apparently a combination ceramic/carbon. I had them on my autocross car and was quite pleased. They are reasonably priced at $45 from the Tire Rack.
Thanks for the quick response. The link doesn't work, but I found my way to it on their site and these look like the best ones there.
I agree the semi-metallics have better stopping power, but I live in the mountains and need something with near-zero brake fade. The pads I had were great when they were new, but not so good after a couple years. How long did these pads last you - did they wear down before losing their grip?
To be honest, I am not sure about pad life. I sold the car within a year of installing the pads.
Initial bite was good, but not as good as the Hawks. The Hawks are great pads but hard to live with on an everyday car; they are extremely squeaky and make lots of dust.
I had great results with ebc green stuff pads but you may want a diff color for mountain use. Also see if the Paseo brackets calipers and rotors will fit your model.
I use regular AUtozone brake pads, there semi metalic as well, there ok. Nothing fancy, reduced brake dust. They also offered GOLD, ceramic pads, i couldnt afford em like 90$
I hope you guys know that NEW brakes must be properly broken in, they must be used to slow the car lightly for the first few hundred miles, otherwise you will get reduced stopping power. I have no idea how that works though or why? Am i Right? Have u heard of this?
__________________ 1993 Toyota Tercel 3EE - 45,000 Miles - Odometer 280,000
*Leaking gas, Leaking Coolant, Non functoning AC, Sagging DS door. NEW TIRES!
Thanks for that. That would explain why my current pads did not last. I went straight to work delivering pizza right after putting them on. I had no idea brake pads had to be broken in.
I knew performance pads like the Hawks and GranSports had specific break-in procedures, but I didn't think it was as crucial with standard, street pads (other than be gentle at first).
It varies on street brands too. Some have to be burned in to stop squealing. I know this sounds out there but I've had to take cars with fresh brake jobs for a ride while holding the brake half way down for a mile or two.
Thanks for all the info guys. Anyone know of a re-break-in procedure that might work for ceramic pads to bring back the grab? Can I just repeat the normal break-in procedure posted above? I've got lots of pad thickness left and just need the surface to be rough again. I'd rather not buy new pads yet if I can help it.
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