Regular brake pads or ceramic?

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crw

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I'm getting ready to do the front brakes on my Lincoln Mark VIII. And, I'm already anticipating the question I'm going to get at the parts counter, "Regular pads are $20, or for $40 you can go with the super-hooty ceramic pads personally endorsed by Jeff Gordon."

Keep in mind, the car has no issues, it stops just fine, and the original pads apparently lasted 120K miles. I'm just wondering if there would be any reason to go ceramic or whatever material?
 
There are rebates on Monroe and Wagner ceramics making them very cheap.

As an overgeneralization, ceramics stop with less squeal and dust, but less bite than semi metallics. I hate brake squeal and my cars lock up the tires fine, so I always go ceramic.
 
If you want the next set of pads to last 120K you might price the pads at the dealer. The aftermarket pads probably won't last that long.

Ceramic pads make a bit less dust and are easier on rotors than metalic pads. Lately I have been using the AutoZone C-Max pads that are about $60. They have a great guarantee.
 
Originally Posted By: crw
I'm getting ready to do the front brakes on my Lincoln Mark VIII. And, I'm already anticipating the question I'm going to get at the parts counter, "Regular pads are $20, or for $40 you can go with the super-hooty ceramic pads personally endorsed by Jeff Gordon."

Keep in mind, the car has no issues, it stops just fine, and the original pads apparently lasted 120K miles. I'm just wondering if there would be any reason to go ceramic or whatever material?


Original pads were most probably asbestos-containing pads, hence the long lasting pads...

I would choose ceramic. No brake dust, very quiet operation, effective braking. Akebono makes great ceramic pads.
 
go to the dealer and price out Motorcraft and Ford OE (note they are not the same) pads. we have very few issues with the Motorcraft pads as long as they are installed properly.
 
Originally Posted By: DieselTech
OEM Motorcraft pads!!


when it comes to brake pads, OEM is not Motorcraft. OEM come in a brown box with a blue label. the OEM front pads use 2001 for the basic number where the Motorcraft use 2V001 for the basic number.
 
>> go to the dealer

I appreciate the effort to help, but this would break my rules and ruin my day, as I'm certain to be treated like [ ] at the dealer. (lol, sorry I can't resist.)
 
Ah, I should apologize for my comment. I was treated bad by that dealer long ago, so I avoid it. If those places would put forth an online way to check prices and treat people in a standard courteous way, they might win back some business.
 
No motorcraft is not OEM,b ut likely thats what the dealer will give you. I only know of 1 place where i can get the real OEM pads here locally
 
Originally Posted By: crw
Shrooms, where did you find the Monroe? Thanks.


Rockauto.com carries them, as well as the Wagner Thermo Quiet that has the rebate as well.
 
Try Bendix CT+3 from RockAuto you wont be disappointed.

Here is the 5% off code.Just put it in the "where did you hear about us" box at checkout.

30723232533813
Valid through June 13
 
If you are not having problems with brake dust, why not go with semi metallic?

I've had good results with most top notch ceramics but just put a set of pro stop ceramics on a liberty and you REALLY have to stomp on them to get it to stop.

the akebonos ceramics on my LH stop like glue. the carbon metallics on my ram stop 12,000 lbs like nothing. even when the trailer brakes fail - which seems to be often. it keeps breaking hydraulic lines!!!
 
Well, I went with the Duralast ceramic from Autozone. Car stops smoooth and nice. I can't believe how easy that swap was, and now no more squeal. Thanks for the comments!
 
120,000 is a LOT of miles on front brake pads.
Especially so, if they were operating perfectly.
By all means, get the same exact one if you can, as they are outstanding. The dealer will have pads, but probably not the same as are on there.
Are you getting new rotors? Calipers and pins OK?

My general advice is to get the best pads that you can. Ceramics are quiet and not dusty. They usually grab very well.
 
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