Interesting Ceramic Brake Tech. Note

CapitalTruck · July 6, 2011

In the most recent issue's "Tech Advice:"

"Interestingly, ceramic brake pads are not noted for their high heat threshold. As the folks at Stop Tech put it: 'If you're driving a dump truck in the mountains, they're not a great idea.' So, in contrast to your warm-up concerns [the original question was about a guy wondering if ceramic brakes will need warm-up time to work properly], it seems that the typical ceramic street brake pad is well suited to casual or occasional heavy use applications where there is sufficient cool-off time between those periods of heavy braking."

I found that intriguing as I thought ceramic brakes were pretty much better in every single way. Apparently they do have pluses and minuses. Also, the same article mentions that there is no standard for ceramic brakes regarding ceramic content. The pad could have an iota of ceramic material and be called a ceramic pad. I guess we should continue to stick with reputable name brands.

az'03Silverado · July 6, 2011

I've had better luck with OE semi-metalic pad than with any ceramic. The ceramics always seem to eat OE rotors and don't stop any better. I don't see what all of the hype is about ceramics.

Carder09 · July 6, 2011

If.I have heard correctly, the ceramics were made one reason because they brake quiet but I have them and they will still squeal every now and then and the brake dust from them. Are terrible, I clean my rims and the second I go down the block they are coated with the dust.

Matt_ · July 6, 2011

This really isn't new news.... its just a matter of people always hearing what they want to hear. Everyone wants to list "ceramic brakes" as an upgrade in their mod list when, that's not always the case.

There are a lot of applications where Ceramics aren't recommended as applicable replacements by manufacturers because of the heat generated.

A common issue i've seen is people slapping a set of ceramic pads on their vehicle with 60k+ on their rotors and then wonder why they start pulsating after a few thousand miles

I personally am a believer in replacing the OEM pads with the compound originally spec'd for the vehicle (semi-metallic, ceramic or organic.. doesn't matter) and just get a good high-end brand.

wavery · July 6, 2011

This really isn't new news.... its just a matter of people always hearing what they want to hear. Everyone wants to list "ceramic brakes" as an upgrade in their mod list when, that's not always the case.

There are a lot of applications where Ceramics aren't recommended as applicable replacements by manufacturers because of the heat generated.

A common issue i've seen is people slapping a set of ceramic pads on their vehicle with 60k+ on their rotors and then wonder why they start pulsating after a few thousand miles

I personally am a believer in replacing the OEM pads with the compound originally spec'd for the vehicle (semi-metallic, ceramic or organic.. doesn't matter) and just get a good high-end brand.

Read the manufacturers statement on most ceramic pads.............. "Not for towing"..... HMMMMMMM!!!!!.

I like the carbon metallic pads but boy..... talk about dust......

4wd · July 6, 2011

Anny recommendation for better OE replacement for dust/sand environment?

CapitalTruck · July 7, 2011

Anny recommendation for better OE replacement for dust/sand environment?

Man, that stuff eats up disc pads almost due to the disc brake design (sand getting between pad and rotor). That might be the one place drums really are advantageous.

cdb95z28 · July 8, 2011

In the most recent issue's "Tech Advice:"

"Interestingly, ceramic brake pads are not noted for their high heat threshold. As the folks at Stop Tech put it: 'If you're driving a dump truck in the mountains, they're not a great idea.' So, in contrast to your warm-up concerns [the original question was about a guy wondering if ceramic brakes will need warm-up time to work properly], it seems that the typical ceramic street brake pad is well suited to casual or occasional heavy use applications where there is sufficient cool-off time between those periods of heavy braking."

I found that intriguing as I thought ceramic brakes were pretty much better in every single way. Apparently they do have pluses and minuses. Also, the same article mentions that there is no standard for ceramic brakes regarding ceramic content. The pad could have an iota of ceramic material and be called a ceramic pad. I guess we should continue to stick with reputable name brands.

Don't confuse ceramics with Carbon-Ceramics. Big difference. Carbon-Ceramics ARE superior in every way (except cost)> ZR1 'Vette has 'em to name one