Semi-Metallic vs. Ceramic for stopping distance

[nthach]

Originally Posted by Linctex
When they are "cold" and have been rained on, my ceramic pads HOWWWWWL.... not squeal... HOWL (until fully warmed up)

I've had a set of Centric PosiQuiet 105s on my old car - great pads but they were grabby in the rain until the brakes dried off. There was indeed a judder that was felt and heard.

I'm giving them another shot on a friend's car in a few weeks to see if they've fixed it.

 

[Tomioka]

Originally Posted by ragtoplvr
GG
0.45 to 0.55
Very Rare

HH
0.55 to 0.65
Carbon/Carbon only.
O.K. up to 3000 F where it glows


Not sure why whenever this info get shared it mentions this. The Wagner OEX pads on my truck are GG rated (Not Rare) and most passenger vehicles are using HH pads (not carbon/carbon.)

 

[bbhero]

Originally Posted by SLO_Town
An important fact that most people don't know about brake pad ratings is this...

There are the CF rating as ragtoplvr posted. This is good info.

But there is a subtle, but equally important consideration - that being how quickly the pads "give up" and fade. The worst case example is when a pad is hot but still offers good braking - but on the very next brake pedal application the pads are "gone".

OEM pads are certified that fade will take place gradually (by DOT standards, IIRC). This gives the driver warning. Aftermarket pads are not required to meet this particular standard.

FWIW,

Scott



I could be wrong.... But the second letter in the code is about brake fade possibility.... First letter is cold braking performance.

 

[CleverUserName]

Like the other guy said...

PBR Metal master/Axxis pads if you can find them. Great performance and the pads outlasted both vehicles. I think these pads have a life of 200,000 miles based on the measured wear during brake inspections.

 

[wag123]

Originally Posted by Astro14
Not going to make a huge difference between the two formulations if these pads are to be installed on the rear...

+1
As far as semi-metallic pads are concerned, in addition to dusting and not performing well when cold, they are going to cause higher wear on your rotors.