Identifying brake pad type

[NMBurb02]

The front brake pads on the GP give off A LOT of brake dust. The wheels are coated in a thin layer of dust within about one week/300 miles of 60/40 highway/city driving and are pretty gross looking after only two weeks. I was thinking it might be that the pads that are currently on there are cheap junk that was put on by the previous owner. I recently found out that the OEM pads are ceramic and am now thinking that maybe the current units are semi-metallic pads. Is there any way to tell from a visual inspection of the pads as to the friction material? Obviously if there is a part number on the pads I could check those, but in the absence of such, are there any telltale signs? The photos of various pad types on RockAuto do not show discernible differences.

If they are semi-metallic, should I spend $25 (Power Stop Evolution) to $65 (ACDelco Advantage) to upgrade to ceramic? If so, any recommendations on brand? The pads aren't that old (they look like they have about 80-90% of the friction material left) and the car doesn't stop exceptionally poorly, but I wouldn't mind a bit better brake grab. I will not be replacing the brake rotors at this time but may upgrade to drilled and/or slotted when the next set of pads wear out.

 

[partspro]

What color is the dust?? Semi-metallic is dark grey, almost black. Ceramic is a much lighter brown. You will probably have to remove them to identify the manufacturer.

 

[NMBurb02]

Originally Posted By: partspro
What color is the dust?? Semi-metallic is dark grey, almost black. Ceramic is a much lighter brown. You will probably have to remove them to identify the manufacturer.

Dark gray. I will pull them and try to identify a manufacturer sometime in the coming weeks.

 

[rshaw125]

Use Wagner Thermoquiet

 

[CBR.worm]

The dusty pads that are on it may be higher performance pads than the OE ceramic.

 

[NMBurb02]

Originally Posted By: CBR.worm
The dusty pads that are on it may be higher performance pads than the OE ceramic.

I doubt it. The prior owner got oil, air filter, transmission fluid, etc. changes done mostly at quick lube places so if anything other than OEM grade ceramics I would assume cheaper, lower performance.

 

[eljefino]

Is the dust magnetic?

Some dust might be anyway, but with semi metallics, more so.

I've seen huge porcupines growing on the ABS sensors for example.

If you pull the pads you might still be able to read the friction rating or brand name. Where they hide inside the calipers is usually well preserved.

 

[GMBoy]

I think you're probably right - the prev owner used a cheaper semi-met pad.

 

[jdmstr22]

Semi-metallic < ceramic the only downside is alot of grey brakedust but more bite.

 

[WhyMe]

Most ceramic are grey in color if you pull them. Semi will be almost black in color and will have metal that one can see in the pad.

A good ceramic will dust less, but the trade off it less stopping power when cold.

 

[stephen9666]

People in this thread are making generalizations that are broad and wrong.

There are "ceramic" pads that bite hard and have high friction ratings. The Bendix CT-3 is just one example.

And there are "semi-metallic" pads that stop poorly.

The performance of a pad 100% depends on the pad in question. The generalizations on performance should be tossed out the window unless you're talking about the performance of a specific pad. And even then, it could vary by application.

 

[GMBoy]

Originally Posted By: stephen9666
People in this thread are making generalizations that are broad and wrong.

There are "ceramic" pads that bite hard and have high friction ratings. The Bendix CT-3 is just one example.

And there are "semi-metallic" pads that stop poorly.

The performance of a pad 100% depends on the pad in question. The generalizations on performance should be tossed out the window unless you're talking about the performance of a specific pad. And even then, it could vary by application.


Absolute truth and most sense of any post here. I too get tired of all the generalizations that get posted about brakes..and other things.

 

[mechanicx]

For that vehicle I would recommend ACDelco Durastop ceramic pads. They are more application specific and validated than other brands available. Or even better ACDelco OES pads. The OE pads can usually be found on Amazon for not all that much more than aftermarket.

 

[CharBaby]

If brake dust is a concern, try Akebono Pro-ACT Ceramic Pads. This product will eliminate any concerns about dust color, bite, noises etc.

Although I am not using them right now, I have used the Akebono Pro-ACTs in the recent past and they are(by a small margin but, noticable) the best pads that I've ever installed on my vehicles.

The Akebono can be had for a very reasonable price with some shopping around(Rock Auto, Amazon etc.)

OTOH, Centric Posi-Quiet Ceramic(another favorite) causes some darker brake dust that some folks may not like. I have these on 3 vehicles right now! I like'em very much and the brake dust doesn't hurt aluminum wheels though, it is a darker dust than other brands.