Ceramic Brake Pads
Ceramic brake pads are a type of brake pad that are made of ceramic composite materials. The composition of ceramic brake pads typically includes:
Aluminum oxide
This provides the abrasive material that contacts the brake rotor and provides the friction for braking. Aluminum oxide has a high heat tolerance, which allows ceramic pads to withstand intense heat during braking.
Copper fibers
Copper adds strength and reinforces the ceramic composite material. Copper is able to withstand high temperatures without distorting or losing its shape.
Graphite
Graphite serves as a lubricant and allows for smooth operation between the pad and the rotor. It helps reduce noise compared to other brake pad types.
Ceramic particles
These are non-metallic minerals and inorganic materials that give ceramic brake pads their hardness and high heat tolerance. Common materials include glass, porcelain, clay, silica and zircon.
The ceramic materials in the brake pads do not contain iron, which means they are non-magnetic. The ceramic composition allows the brake pads to withstand extreme heat from braking forces. Ceramic brake pads provide strong braking power even under high temperatures and heavy braking conditions.
CERAMIC BRAKE PADS
CERAMIC BRAKE PADS
How Ceramic Brake Pads Work?
Ceramic brake pads use ceramic composites in the friction material instead of steel or other metals. When the brake pads press against the brake rotor, friction from the pads slows the wheels.
The friction between the pads and rotor generates heat. Ceramic materials are excellent conductors of heat. So the ceramic composites used in ceramic brake pads can quickly transfer heat away from the rotor and disperse it.
This improves brake performance in several ways. Rapid heat dissipation prevents the pads and rotors from overheating. It reduces brake fade, which occurs when overheated brakes lose stopping power. Fast heat conductivity also helps prevent warping or cracking of rotors under heavy braking.
Additionally, ceramic materials tend to produce less brake dust than metallic pads. Less dust contamination keeps the brakes, wheels, and calipers cleaner. This reduces maintenance needs. Ceramic pads also offer improved wet weather and high temperature braking over organic pads.
The ceramic materials make these pads quieter as well. Drivers will appreciate less brake squeal and noise. Overall, the heat management properties and other advantages make ceramic an excellent friction material for brakes.
CERAMIC BRAKE PADS
CERAMIC BRAKE PADS
Advantages of Ceramic Brake Pads
Ceramic brake pads offer several key advantages over other brake pad materials:
**Quieter braking** :
Ceramic pads produce less noise and squealing compared to semi-metallic pads. The ceramic compounds create less vibration and smoother contact between the pad and rotor. This results in quieter operation during braking.
**Less dust**:
Ceramic pads generate far less brake dust than other pad types. Less dust means cleaner wheels and brake components. It also reduces the dust accumulation on the inside of wheels that can lead to wheel imbalance.
**Smoother braking**:
The ceramic compounds provide consistent and smooth braking power during light and heavy braking. The smoothness comes from uniform transfer of friction to the rotor surface. Less noise and vibration also contribute to smoother braking.
**More heat resistance**:
Ceramic pads can withstand extreme heat much better than organic pads. The high heat tolerance prevents brake fade during repeated heavy braking. Ceramics hold up well during aggressive driving, racing, and downhill braking when temperatures spike.
The advanced ceramic compounds give these brake pads significant advantages for many drivers over semi-metallic and organic pads. Less noise and dust along with better heat handling make ceramic pads ideal for street performance vehicles and track days.
CERAMIC BRAKE PADS
CERAMIC BRAKE PADS
Disadvantages of Ceramic Brake Pads
While ceramic brake pads offer many benefits, they also have some downsides to consider:
**More Expensive**
Ceramic pads are more expensive than organic or semi-metallic pads. The ceramic and copper fibers that provide the improved braking performance cost more to manufacture. Expect to pay 20-30% more for ceramic pads compared to other types.
**Don't Work Well When Cold**
Ceramic pads need heat to reach their full braking potential. When first driving on a cold morning, the ceramic pads won't bite as hard until they warm up. This can lead to longer stopping distances when braking from lower speeds.
**Wear Rotors Faster**
The hardness of ceramic pads causes them to wear down rotor surfaces faster than other pad materials. Metallic pads are easier on rotors. More frequent rotor resurfacing or replacement is needed with ceramic pads.
So while the enhanced braking performance is ideal for high performance driving, the downsides like cost and rotor wear mean ceramic pads aren't the best choice for all vehicles and driving styles. Carefully consider how you drive before deciding if paying extra for ceramic pads is worthwhile.
**Ceramic vs Organic Pads**
One of the biggest decisions when selecting new brake pads for your vehicle is whether to choose ceramic or organic pads. Ceramic pads are made of aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, and carbon fibers, while organic pads use fibers, Kevlar, glass, rubber, and other components. Here's how the two compare:
Noise
Ceramic pads tend to run quieter than organic pads. The ceramic composite materials create less vibration and squeal when braking. Organic pads can emit more noise when braking, especially in cold weather, due to their rubber and other components. However, both pad types can be noisy if not properly bedded in or if there is vibration in the braking system.
Dust
Ceramic pads produce far less brake dust than organics, keeping your wheels cleaner. The inorganic materials in ceramic pads don't shed particles as easily during braking. Organic pads contain fibers and fillers that tend to produce more dust when worn down by the rotors. So if you want to minimize brake dust on your rims, ceramics are the way to go.
Stopping Power
Organic pads tend to offer better initial bite and stopping power, especially when cold. The softer organic compounds grab the rotor strongly. But ceramics provide more consistent braking power over time and from cold to hot temperatures. The durable ceramic materials withstand heat better and fade less during heavy braking.
Longevity
Ceramic pads last significantly longer than organic ones, up to twice as long in some cases. The rigid ceramic materials withstand heat degradation and wear more evenly. Organic pads wear down faster, requiring more frequent replacement. So for extended pad life, ceramics are the better option.
In summary, ceramic pads run cleaner and smoother, while organic pads provide strong cold bite. Consider noise, dust, braking needs, and change intervals when choosing between the two for your vehicle.
Ceramic vs. Metallic Pads
Ceramic and metallic brake pads have key differences when it comes to noise, dust, stopping power, and longevity.
Noise
Ceramic pads tend to be much quieter than metallic pads. The friction material in ceramic pads is designed to reduce brake squeal and noise compared to metallic pads. Metallic pads have a higher tendency to squeak and make other noises while braking.
Dust
Metallic pads produce more brake dust than ceramic pads. The metallic and fiber ingredients in metallic pads tend to generate higher levels of dust as the pads wear down. Ceramic pads produce significantly less dust, helping keep wheels cleaner.
Stopping Power
For pure stopping power, metallic pads have a slight edge over ceramic pads. The metal fibers in metallic pads provide strong bite and high friction when braking. Ceramic pads still offer good stopping power, but not quite as high as metallic overall.
Longevity
Ceramic pads last significantly longer than metallic pads in most driving conditions. The ceramic and copper fibers hold up well over time and miles of driving. Metallic pads wear down faster, requiring more frequent replacement. For longevity, ceramic is the better choice.
So in summary, ceramic pads run cleaner and quieter while metallic pads offer a bit more stopping bite. For most drivers, the reduced noise and dust of ceramic makes them preferable over the slight power advantage of metallic. Ceramic pads also avoid the need for frequent replacements making them the more economical choice overall.
Best Uses for Ceramic Pads
Ceramic brake pads are ideal in certain driving conditions thanks to their high heat resistance and longevity. Here are some of the top uses for ceramic brake pads:
Performance Driving
Ceramic pads perform exceptionally well during performance driving and on race tracks. Their ability to withstand extreme heat makes them perfect for repeated hard braking. Ceramic pads reduce brake fade compared to organic pads, maintaining braking power lap after lap.
For those who participate in autocross, road courses, or canyon runs, ceramic pads are a smart choice. They hold up to the demands of performance driving where brakes are constantly applied at high speeds and under heavy loads.
Frequent Braking
For city driving with stop-and-go traffic, ceramic pads are a great pick. Their durability handles frequent braking better than other pad compounds. Organic pads tend to glaze over and lose braking effectiveness with repetitive light braking.
Ceramic pads maintain consistent braking power in traffic when you need to brake often. Their long lifespan also means fewer pad changes compared to other compounds that wear out quicker with heavy use.
Towing
When towing heavy loads like boats, RVs, horse trailers, or utility trailers, ceramic pads stand up to the extra braking demands. The high heat resistance ensures reliable braking when coming to a stop with the added weight of a trailer.
Ceramic pads are less likely to overheat or fade when braking hard during long downhills with a trailer in tow. For those who regularly tow, ceramic pads are worth the investment for dependable stopping power.
Installing Ceramic Brake Pads
Installing ceramic brake pads is a straightforward process that most drivers can handle themselves, though beginners may want to enlist the help of a knowledgeable friend or take the car to a mechanic. Here are the basic steps:
What You'll Need?
- Jack and jack stands
- Wheel chock.
- Gloves.
- Brake pad grease .
- Brake pad clip tool.
- Torque wrench.
- Socket set.
Step-by-Step
1. Park on a flat surface and apply parking brake. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel with the brake pad you'll be replacing.
2. Place the wheel chock behind the opposite wheel from the one you'll be working on.
3. Use the jack to raise the vehicle and place jack stands securely under the frame.
4. Remove the lug nuts and wheel to access the brake assembly.
5. Locate the caliper pins. Clean them using brake cleaner if dirty.
6. Use a C-clamp to push the caliper piston in to provide clearance for the new pads.
7. Remove the pad clips and old brake pads. Clean any debris from the caliper.
8. Apply brake pad grease to the contact points between the pads, clips, and caliper. Avoid getting grease on the rotor and brake surfaces.
9. Install the new outer brake pad first, then the inner pad. Secure them with the pad clips.
10. Reinstall the caliper and tighten the caliper bolts to spec with a torque wrench.
11. Put the wheel back on and hand tighten the lug nuts.
12. Lower the vehicle, then torque the lug nuts to spec with the torque wrench.
13. Pump the brake pedal a few times to reset the caliper piston before driving.
Tips
- Refer to your vehicle's manual for proper jack placement and lug nut torque specs.
- Cover painted surfaces when working to avoid damage.
- Do one wheel at a time to prevent mixing up parts.
- Ceramic pads don't require a break-in period like metallic pads.
Cost
Ceramic brake pads cost $6-$10 per axle for most vehicles. DIY installation can save $50-$150 per axle in labor costs compared to a shop. Proper tools like a torque wrench make the job easier but aren't required.
Maintaining Ceramic Brake Pads
Ceramic brake pads require some maintenance to keep them working properly and maximize their lifespan. Here are some tips for maintaining ceramic pads:
Bedding In New Pads
When you install new ceramic pads, it's important to properly bed them in. This helps transfer an even layer of material from the pad to the rotor to ensure maximium braking power and reduce noise.
To bed in new ceramic pads:
- Make several stops from moderate speeds, allowing the brakes to cool briefly between stops. Don't come to a complete stop, keep rolling at low speed.
- Avoid sudden hard braking for the first 100-200 miles. Allow the pads to gradually transfer material.
- Don't tow or haul heavy loads during the bedding in period.
Checking Pad Wear
Inspect your ceramic pads periodically to check for wear. Look for thinning of the pad material. There will often be wear indicators that make a squealing noise when the pad is worn down.
Replace pads before they are completely worn out to avoid damaging rotors. Refer to your vehicle specs for recommended pad replacement intervals.
Cleaning Brake Dust
Ceramic pads produce very fine brake dust. This dust can build up on wheels over time. Periodically clean wheels with soap and water to remove brake dust buildup. Avoid using harsh chemical wheel cleaners which can damage the wheel finish.
You can also apply a ceramic spray coating to wheels which repels brake dust and makes it easier to clean off.
Following proper bedding in procedures and maintaining ceramic brake pads will ensure you get the most life out of them and keep your brakes performing safely. Check your owner's manual for any additional maintenance recommendations.
Top Ceramic Brake Pad Brands
When it comes to ceramic brake pads, there are a few major manufacturers that stand out for quality and performance. Here's an overview of some of the top brands:
Akebono
Akebono is a leading brake pad manufacturer known for its high-end ceramic formulations. The ProACT ultra-premium ceramic pad line is engineered for reduced brake noise and dust. These OE-style pads offer excellent braking power and low dust levels.
Bosch
Bosch is another reputable brake parts brand. Their QuietCast ceramic pads feature an advanced copper-free formula for quiet braking and clean wheels. Key benefits include low dust, reduced noise, and good wet and dry performance.
Hawk
Hawk Performance specializes in high-performance brake pads suited for track use. Their HPS performance ceramic pads offer strong bite, low dust, and quiet operation. Hawk uses an integrated layered shim design for reduced vibration and noise.
EBC Brakes
EBC Brakes is well-known for brake parts across many vehicle makes. Their Redstuff ceramic pad compound blends a high-friction formula with ceramic particles. Benefits include low dust, reduced noise, and good cold and hot performance.
Pioneer Motors LTD(PMP)
Pioneer Motors is distinguished as a top supplier of high-quality brake pads.
Wagner
Wagner is a leading brake components brand owned by Federal-Mogul. The ThermoQuiet ceramic pads are original equipment on many new vehicles. They offer ceramic-enhanced braking with reduced noise, vibration, and harshness.
Overall, these major brands offer quality ceramic pads with common benefits like low dust, quiet braking, and good stopping power. Comparing specs can help choose the right ceramic pad lineup for your needs. Proper installation and maintenance are also key to maximizing ceramic pad performance.
