Replacing brake pads

[pitzel]

Ok, so there are a number of different types of brake pads, ie: metallic, carbon, semi-metallic, ceramic, performance friction, etc, etc. Each pad has a unique set of characteristics.

Is one risking excessive break wear or braking system imbalance if they, for example, use cheap pads on the rear disc brakes, and ceramics on the fronts? Does anyone recommend maintaining the same 'technology' of brake pad on both the front and rear brakes, to promote overall balanced system operation?

I ask because I've converted my fronts to Raybestos ceramics, but I'm not really sure what pads are on my rear brakes and they still have a fair distance to go before they will require replacement. Anyone have any advice whether it is safe to mix and match different technologies on front and rear brake pads?

 

[shortyb]

On a street application it will make little difference if you "mix and match" pads so to speak. Most street pads are very close in terms of frictional coefficient that it usually boils down to wear, dust, noise, or cost as the determining factor. It was a common racing theme to use a harder/lower coefficient pad in the rear to keep overbiasing in check but with todays technology (read electronics etc), pad materials and more data aquiring ability, most folks are striving towards a balanced system that squeezes out every bit of performance regardless of which corner of the car they are on.

In your situation you should be fine. Just bed the pads in for best performance.

 

[labman]

Try a few hard, but not abusive stops someplace with plenty of room. If everything feels good, wait for the rears to wear out.

 

[JHZR2]

Ive found that in most newer cars, OE pads are the best combination of performance, dust production, etc.

Some of it has to do with what kind of car you own... for example, in my chevy pickup (98 s10) the pads were really good and have lasted almost 50k and still have 70-80% of the meat. Stopping power is real good with little dust; Id use them again. My BMW feels great and there is little room for improvement over the OE pagid/jurid pads they use.

My new saab (04 9-3) makes a LOT of dust. And Im really easy on brakes and can get a set to last 100k+ on the front. I dont know how long they'll last, but I do know they make my wheels terribly dirty. I may consider a lower dusting type of pad, but Im skeptical about doing that when the time comes, as the braking on that car is so good, I fear some of that could get lost.

Typically though OE pads are a great bet, as theyre usually designed and engineered well. Maybe older american cars didnt get as much consideration as far as pads go, but nowadays, I think youre good with that choice.


JMH

 

[shortyb]

quote:

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Originally posted by JHZR2:
My new saab (04 9-3) makes a LOT of dust. And Im really easy on brakes and can get a set to last 100k+ on the front. I dont know how long they'll last, but I do know they make my wheels terribly dirty. I may consider a lower dusting type of pad, but Im skeptical about doing that when the time comes, as the braking on that car is so good, I fear some of that could get lost.

JMH

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Try some of the Axxis Deluxe Plus organics. They were designed with European apps in mind and produce equal if not slightly better performance with about a 90% reduction in dust. Most OEM Euro pads are TUV certified and contain a high amount of graphite to meet cold-stop standards. This is the primary reason for them being so dirty.

 

[newtoncd8]

As Shortyb suggests, you might look into Axxis/PBR. I just received my PBR Deluxe (organic) pads for my 01 Audi A4 from http://www.importrpc.com. The OEM pads are almost worn out and I am sick and tired of the brake dust.

From what I could read on VWVortex and other forums, the PBR deluxe is probably one of the better pads (i.e. rotor friendly, very little dust, OEM feel for stopping, etc).

I haven't put them on yet, but plan to in a few weeks.