Ceramic Brake Pads

Ceramic brake pads are a type of brake pad made from ceramic composite materials. The composition of ceramic brake pads usually includes:

Aluminum oxide

This is the abrasive material that comes into contact with the brake disc and provides friction during braking. Aluminum oxide is highly heat resistant, which allows ceramic pads to withstand the high heat produced by braking.

Copper fibers

Copper provides strength and strengthens the ceramic composite. Copper can withstand high temperatures without warping or losing its shape.

Graphite

Graphite acts as a lubricant, ensuring smooth action between the pad and rotor. It reduces noise compared to other types of brake pads.

Ceramic particles

These are non-metallic minerals and inorganic materials that give ceramic brake pads their hardness and high heat resistance. Common materials include glass, porcelain, clay, silica, and zircon.

The ceramic material in brake pads does not contain iron, which makes it non-magnetic. The ceramic composition allows the brake pads to withstand the extreme heat caused by braking forces. Ceramic brake pads ensure strong stopping power even at high temperatures and under heavy braking conditions.

How Ceramic Brake Pads Work?

Ceramic brake pads use ceramic composites instead of steel or other metals as friction material. When the brake pads are pressed against the brake disc, the friction of the pads slows down the wheel.

The friction between the pads and the disc generates heat. Ceramic materials are good conductors of heat. Therefore, the ceramic composites used in ceramic brake pads quickly conduct and dissipate heat from the disc.

This improves braking performance in several ways: Rapid heat dissipation prevents brake pads and rotors from overheating. Reduces brake deterioration that occurs when overheated brakes lose stopping power. High thermal conductivity also helps prevent rotors from deforming and cracking under heavy braking.

In addition, ceramic materials tend to produce less brake dust than metallic brake pads. This reduces dust contamination and keeps brakes, wheels, and calipers cleaner. This reduces the need for maintenance. Ceramic pads also provide better braking performance than organic pads in wet conditions and at high temperatures.

The ceramic material also makes these pads quieter. Drivers will appreciate the reduced brake squeal and noise. Overall, the heat management properties and other benefits make ceramics a superior friction material for brakes.

Advantages of Ceramic Brake Pads

**Quieter braking** :

Ceramic covers produce less noise and squeaks than semi-metallic covers. The ceramic compound reduces vibrations and allows for smoother contact between the pad and rotor. This results in quieter operation when braking.

**Less dust**:

Ceramic pads produce significantly less brake dust than other types of pads. Less dust means cleaner wheels and brake components. It also reduces dust buildup on the inside of the wheel, which can cause wheel imbalance.

**Smoother braking**:

The ceramic compound ensures consistent stopping power from light to heavy braking. A smooth ride comes from the uniform transfer of friction to the rotor surface. Less noise and vibration also contribute to smooth braking.

**High Heat Resistance**:

Ceramic flooring can withstand much higher temperatures than organic flooring. High heat resistance prevents degradation of braking effectiveness even under repeated hard braking. Ceramic holds up well to aggressive driving, racing and downhill braking at high temperatures.

The advanced ceramic compound gives these brake pads a significant advantage over semi-metallic and organic pads for many drivers. With less noise, less dust and better heat dissipation, ceramic covers are ideal for high performance road vehicles and race trucks.

Disadvantages of Ceramic Brake Pads

Ceramic brake pads have many advantages, but they also have some disadvantages.

**They are expensive**

Ceramic covers are more expensive than organic or semi-metallic covers. Ceramic and copper fiber, which offer better braking performance, are more expensive to manufacture. Expect to pay 20-30% more for ceramic flooring than other types.

**They are less effective in cold weather**

Ceramic pads require heat to achieve their full braking potential. On your first ride on a cold morning, ceramic pads will not grip as much until they warm up. This can result in longer stopping distances when braking from low speeds.

**They wear out rotors faster**

The hardness of ceramic pads causes the rotor surface to wear out faster than other pad materials. Metal covers protect the rotors. Ceramic covers will require more frequent rotor renewal or replacement.

While the improved braking performance is ideal for high-performance driving, drawbacks such as cost and rotor wear mean that ceramic pads aren't the best option for every vehicle or driving style. Think carefully about how you drive before deciding whether the extra cost of ceramic pads is worth it.

**Ceramic vs Organic Pads**

One of the most important decisions when choosing 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 fiber, while organic pads use fiber, Kevlar, glass, rubber, and other components. Here's how the two compare:

Noise

Ceramic covers tend to be quieter in operation than organic covers. The ceramic composite material results in less vibration and squeal when braking. Organic pads can be noisier when braking, especially in cold weather, due to the rubber and other components. However, both types of pads can produce noise if the pads are not properly broken in or if the brake system vibrates.

Dust

Ceramic pads produce much less brake dust than organic pads, keeping your wheels cleaner. The inorganic material of ceramic pads is less likely to throw off particles when braking. Organic pads contain fibers and fillers that tend to produce dust as they are worn down by the rotor. So if you want to minimize brake dust on your rims, ceramic pads are the right choice.

Braking Power

Organic pads tend to have better initial bite and stopping power, especially when it's cold. The softer organic compounds grip the rotor better. Ceramic, on the other hand, offers more consistent braking power over time, from low to high temperatures. The durable ceramic material is heat resistant and less likely to fade under hard braking.

Longevity

Ceramic flooring lasts significantly longer than organic flooring, in some cases up to twice as long. Hard ceramic materials resist heat degradation and wear more evenly. Organic pads wear faster and need to be replaced more frequently. For a longer cover life, ceramic covers are the better choice.

In summary, ceramic pads run cleaner and smoother, while organic pads offer a stronger cold bite. When selecting the right product for your vehicle, consider noise, dust, braking requirements and change intervals.

Ceramic vs. Metallic Pads

Ceramic and metal brake pads differ significantly in terms of noise, dust, braking power, and service life.

Noise

Ceramic covers are usually much quieter than metal covers. The friction material of ceramic pads is designed to reduce brake squeal and noise compared to metal pads. Metal pads tend to produce squealing and other noises when braking.

Dust

Metal pads produce more brake dust than ceramic pads. The metal and fibrous components of metal pads tend to produce more dust as the pads wear. Ceramic covers reduce dust generation significantly, which helps keep your wheels cleaner.

Braking Power

In terms of pure braking power, metal pads are slightly better than ceramic pads. The metal fibers in metal pads provide strong bite and high friction when braking. Ceramic pads still provide good stopping power, but overall not as good as metal pads.

Longevity

Ceramic pads will last significantly longer than metal pads under most driving conditions. The ceramic and copper fibers are durable over time and over the kilometers. Metal covers will wear out faster and need to be replaced more frequently. When it comes to longevity, ceramic is the better choice.

In summary, ceramic pads run cleaner and quieter, but metal pads have a bit more bite. For most drivers, ceramic pads are preferred over metal pads, which offer fewer performance benefits, as they produce less noise and less dust. Ceramic covers don't need to be replaced as often, making them a more economical choice overall.

Best Uses for Ceramic Pads

Ceramic brake pads are ideal for certain driving conditions because of their high heat resistance and durability. Here are some of the main uses for ceramic brake pads:

Performance Driving

Ceramic pads perform extremely well in performance riding and on the racetrack. Their ability to withstand extreme heat makes them ideal for repeated hard braking. Ceramic pads reduce loss of braking effectiveness compared to organic pads, maintaining stopping power lap after lap.

For those competing in autocross, road course, or canyon racing, ceramic pads are a smart choice. They can withstand the demands of performance driving, where braking is constantly applied at high speeds and under high loads.

Frequent Braking

For stop-and-go urban driving, ceramic surfaces are ideal. Their durability stands up to more frequent braking than other brake pad compounds. Organic brake pads tend to become glazed and lose braking effectiveness after repeated light braking.

Towing

If you tow heavy loads such as boats, RVs, horse trailers, or utility trailers, ceramic pads can withstand the additional braking demands. Their 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, even when braking hard on long downhill drives with a trailer in tow. For those who tow regularly, ceramic pads are worth the investment for reliable stopping power.

Installing Ceramic Brake Pads

Installing ceramic brake pads is a simple process that most drivers can do on their own. However, beginners should ask for help from an experienced friend or take their car to a mechanic. Here are the basic steps:

What You'll Need?

What do you need?

Wheel chocks

Gloves

Brake pad grease

Brake pad clipping tool

Torque wrench

Socket wrench set

Step-by-Step

1. Park on a level surface and set the parking brake. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that has the brake pads you want to replace.

2. Place a wheel chock behind the wheel opposite the wheel you want to work on.

3. Use a jack to raise the vehicle and place jack stands securely under the frame.

4. Remove the lug nuts and wheels to access the brake assembly.

5. Locate the caliper pins. If they are dirty, clean them with brake cleaner.

6. Use a C-clamp to push the caliper pistons in to make room for the new brake pads.

7. Remove the pad clips and old brake pads. Remove any debris from the brake caliper.

8. Apply brake pad grease to the contact points of the pads, clips and caliper. Avoid getting grease on the rotor or braking surfaces.

9. Install the new outer brake pads first, then the inner ones. Secure with the pad clamps.

10. Reinstall the caliper and tighten the caliper bolts with a torque wrench.

11. Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the wheel nuts.

12. Lower the vehicle and use a torque wrench to tighten the wheel nuts to the specified torque.

13. Before driving off, press the brake pedal several times to reset the caliper pistons.

Tips

- Consult your vehicle manual for proper jack location and lug nut torque.

- Cover painted surfaces while working to avoid damage.

- Work on only one wheel at a time to avoid mixing up parts.

- Unlike metal covers, ceramic covers do not require break-in.

Cost

Ceramic brake pads cost between $6 and $10 per axle for most vehicles. DIY assembly can save $50 to $150 per axle in labor costs compared to factory assembly. Using the proper tools, such as a torque wrench, can make the job easier, but are not required.

Maintaining Ceramic Brake Pads

Ceramic brake pads require some maintenance to function properly and maximize their lifespan. Here are some tips for maintaining your ceramic brake pads.

Run it through with new pads

When installing new ceramic brake pads, it is important to allow them to break in properly. This ensures that an even layer of material is transferred from the pad to the rotor, ensuring maximum stopping power and reducing noise.

How to ride with new ceramic brake pads:

- Make several stops at moderate speed, allowing the brakes to cool briefly in between. Do not come to a complete stop, but continue to roll at a slow speed.

- Avoid sudden, hard braking for the first 100 to 200 miles. The pad will gradually transfer the material.

Check the pads for wear

Check the ceramic covers regularly for wear. Look for thinning of the coating. Wear indicators are often characterized by a squealing noise as the pads wear.

To avoid damage to the rotor, replace the pads before they are completely worn out. The recommended interval for changing the pads is listed in your vehicle's specifications.

Remove Brake Dust

Ceramic pads generate very fine brake dust. This dust can build up on your wheels over time. Wash your wheels regularly with soap and water to remove brake dust buildup. Avoid using harsh chemical wheel cleaners as they can damage the wheel's surface.

You can also apply a ceramic spray coating to your wheels. This will help repel brake dust and make it easier to remove.

Following proper break-in procedures and maintaining your ceramic brake pads will maximize the life of your brakes and keep them working safely. Consult your owner's manual for additional maintenance recommendations.

Top Brands for Ceramic Brake Pads

When it comes to ceramic brake pads, there are several leading manufacturers that stand out for their quality and performance. Below is an overview of some of the top brands:

Pioneer Motors LTD(PMP)

Pioneer Motors is considered a leading supplier of high-quality brake pads.

Akebono

Akebono is a leading brake pad manufacturer known for its high-quality ceramic formulation. Their ultra-premium ProACT ceramic pad line is designed to reduce brake noise and dust. These OE-style pads provide superior stopping power and low dust impact.

Bosch

Bosch is another well-known brand for brake components. Their QuietCast ceramic pads feature an advanced copper-free formulation that delivers quieter brakes and cleaner wheels. Key benefits include less dust, less noise, and better performance in wet and dry conditions.

Hawk

Hawk Performance specializes in high-performance brake pads for use on the race track. High-performance HPS ceramic pads provide strong bite, low dust, and quiet operation. Hawk uses an integrated layered shim design to reduce vibration and noise.

EBC Brakes

EBC Brakes is known for brake components for many automotive brands. Redstuff ceramic pad compound blends a high-friction formula with ceramic particles. Benefits include less dust, less noise, and better performance in cold and hot conditions.

Wagner

Wagner is a leading brake component brand owned by Federal-Mogul. ThermoQuiet ceramic pads are part of the original equipment on many newer vehicles. They provide ceramic-enhanced brakes with reduced noise, vibration and harshness.

Overall, these leading brands offer high-quality ceramic pads with common benefits such as low dust, quiet braking and excellent stopping power. Comparing the specifications will help you choose the right ceramic flooring series for your needs. Proper installation and maintenance are also important to get the most out of your ceramic tiles.