For my 1994 Camry and many other cars, there is a choice of organic, semi metallic and ceramic brake pads. No idea of what came with the vehicle from Toyota back in 1994. Can any of these pads be used with any rotor?
brake pad choices
- Thread starter Donald
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Kestas
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In my opinion, avoid ceramic pads unless you're racing or doing significant mountain driving, like I-80 at Donner's Pass. It's reported that they take a lot more pedal effort for the same stopping.
I vote for organic pads. They're easier on the rotor.
If you don't DIY, use semi-metallic pads. They'll last longer.
I vote for organic pads. They're easier on the rotor.
If you don't DIY, use semi-metallic pads. They'll last longer.
I vote for ceramics and stock rotors. No dust, and longer life. No more effort than the stock pads.
I'm loving my ceramics that I just put on a couple of weeks ago, w/ new rotors.
Some pads need to be really hot to work best. Normal street pads work well at cold/warm/ hot temps.
Racing and very aggressive driving require different pads than regular street pads.
The best pad I've found for the street is the Hawk HPS pad. Better braking than stock, low dust, long life, and less noise. It will feel like you put on bigger brakes.
Racing and very aggressive driving require different pads than regular street pads.
The best pad I've found for the street is the Hawk HPS pad. Better braking than stock, low dust, long life, and less noise. It will feel like you put on bigger brakes.
Kestas
I put Raybestos QS ceramic pads on my 95 BMW. Yes, I think they take a bit more effort to stop. But when you push on the pedel hard encough for ABS to kick in they stop on a dime. Also, there is no noise, no dust and seem to wear forever. IMO, NO problem
I put Raybestos QS ceramic pads on my 95 BMW. Yes, I think they take a bit more effort to stop. But when you push on the pedel hard encough for ABS to kick in they stop on a dime. Also, there is no noise, no dust and seem to wear forever. IMO, NO problem
Does rotor have a shorter life with ceramic pads?
I am running AAP house brand rotors and their "Gold" version of their house brand pads. They honestly feel really good! Braking is very firm and sharp when I need em. I replaced the rotors due to a squealing noise with light braking. The back sides had pitting(pebble sized).
Total price to the new pads and rotors was about 65.00 tax included. I did the job myself of course.
Total price to the new pads and rotors was about 65.00 tax included. I did the job myself of course.
I've been through most of them. So far, the winner is Brembo rotors and Akebono ProACT pads.
BTW, I put new stock OEM ATE rotors on with my Raybestos ceramic Qs pads. The fronts have 20,000 miles and I see very little appreciable wear on the pads and some on the rotors. This is mostly highway commute driving.
Planning to re-use present rotors? sith or without resurface? Gonna keep her running forever, or about ready for salvage yard? So many variables only you can decide. Gonna scrap after this set,,buy the cheapest thing you can find. Planning to pass it down to your grandkids in twenty years, get new rotors and premium pads. (Probably be long gone before the GK's get her but they'll last you many years).
Bob
Bob
No, actually ceramic pads are easier on rotors than semi-metallic pads. It is true they take a little longer to stop when cold and can also squeak when cold. I put ceramic pads on my 2002 Impala and am happy with the overall braking performance increase over the OEM pads. A good auto parts store could tell you what type of pads your car was originally equipped with (or call parts dept. at Toyota stealership).
I put Brembo OEM replacement rotors and Hawk LTS pads in my F150 and love the combo.
Ok, so how about best choices for people who need quality brake pads so their vehicle will stop properly, but have more important things to do with $$ not spent on brake pads. My thought is the cheapest Autozone that have a lifetime warranty.
Donald, I've used 2 sets of the AutoZone pads on an Explorer, and they stop very well. They'll last about 30K miles, no more than that. They also dust and will turn the front wheel black very fast.
I just did a brake job over the weekend, and replaced the AutoZones with Delco Ceramics. The ceramics cost more originally, but I'm hoping they will last longer and won't dust as much. I've seen no difference in the stopping power so far, both are good.....
I just did a brake job over the weekend, and replaced the AutoZones with Delco Ceramics. The ceramics cost more originally, but I'm hoping they will last longer and won't dust as much. I've seen no difference in the stopping power so far, both are good.....
If you have "DESIGNER" wheels or the chrome ones, I think the one which have minimum dusting or produce less of the metal particles, so it won't bed in the wheels. If you drive hard, use the brakes harder in city traffic, take these into account.
JHZR2
Staff member
we have had GREAT results with the AZ duralast gold pads (lifetime warranty).
Not sure if Ill be using them on the euro cars, but my truck will get them when it needs pads (50k and negligible wear on OE pads!)
JMH
Not sure if Ill be using them on the euro cars, but my truck will get them when it needs pads (50k and negligible wear on OE pads!)
JMH
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