Topic: Ceramic Brake Pads

[citydude]

Anyone tried using ceramic brake pads?  What are the (proven) advantages over traditional brake pads?

Citydude

[mark]

I think they are better suited to track type use.  My understanding is that they are less prone to fade when they get hot.  The trouble is, that their braking effectiveness is not optimal UNTIL they are hot, which may not be great for the morning commute.

[ktm525]

Ceramic brake pads? I have heard of ceramic rotors but never pads. Please elaborate.

[Drivesideways]

From Googling it, I see they're supposed to reduce fade, noise, and dust compared to semi-metallics, and didn't seem especially aimed at the performance market...but maybe you already knew that, Citydude.  No experiential information either anecdotal or via comparison tests, though.

[articsteve]

This was covered not so long ago but since you ask some Lexus, Infiniti, Acura models are  using ceramics as OEM now. Anything from Akebono are first rate.  I've put a set on a 2000 Accord SE 4 banger as the lady hated brake dust and wasn't into washing wheels much.

Problem is the word "ceramic" is open to different interpretations from manufactures.  Some will advertise "ceramic" but the % of ceramic will be negligible and what you really get is metallic.

Euro cars are heading towards ceramics but the Japanese have led the way for everyday drivers.  Research your ceramic pad choice carefully.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I think Porsche uses them, maybe Ferrari, and soon Audi will have them on the A8. Nothing below that level in full ceramic I don't believe.

[tpl]

i read thatbthe option cost of the ceramic braking system on a 911( 994 whateverits called now) was close to 20,000Cdn. Thats disks and pads. supposedly  great braking, no fade, very long life..... for 20,000 I'd want a winter beater Boxster thrown in

[articsteve]

Those prices relate to the brake disc.

For an RSX, front pads, ACT Pro Ceramics from Akebono probably run around $100. per pair non dealer purchase.

[si]

From what I understand, the true ceramic pads as on the SLR, are very expensive yet they last for a long time.  They aren't grippy unless hot, and when cold can give a poor->strong sensation on each push of the pedal. 

The tend to catch fire too.

[JSCC]

LoLz, you must have watched Top Gear. 

[si]

Guilty

[citydude]

Was looking forward to hear from people that have actually used them.  Considering some new pads for the winter months.    Brake dust isn't a major problem for the factrory 5-spoke rims on the RSX, quite easy to clean.  My wife's A4 is a different story, 7-spoke..

Citydude

[footlong58]

I'd stick with the Genuine Honda pads... $75 for factory Honda brakes is a steal...  It costs almost twice as much for OEM pads for a Cavalier...

[Turbo Bob]

I think true ceramic pads & discs cost $20k+ anything else is just cashing in on the name, maybe with a tiny % of ceramic material, or a different material altogether.  They also don't work well at all unless up to track temp.

[eddy4]

I think Bob is right on the money, the "ceramic" pads may have a percentage of ceramic material in them but the latest ceramic brakes available on high end cars use genuine reinforced ceramic discs...$$$$$$$$

[safristi]

I tried a coupla the wifeys Porcelain figurines onna front rotors and some chunks from an old terlitt onna back.....I think Lady Portia with her hounds stopped faster than "STANDARD" casting.......maybe best 3 flushes outa 5 woud be a better test DALTON......yes your ROYAL HIC'NESS...........!!!!!...
           Yes ceramic as in masshed newspaper EQUALS  CARBON FIBRE.........