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Ceramic brake pads

Flash

Explorer Addict
Joined
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City, State
Brisbane Australia
Year, Model & Trim Level
1997 Limited
Some things are cheaper for me to buy in America and have them shipped rather than buy them locally, brake pads are one of those things.

And with the Explorers not being so popular here we don't have anywhere near as big a range of pads available.

So, my question is: What are the ceramic pads like?
I'm looking at the wagners but will listen to advice.
 



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Never used ceramics, but have been very happy with the regular Wagner ThermoQuiet pads. I did a 4 wheel brake job with rotors just about this time last year. Wagner also regularly runs a rebate program around this time year.
 






Never used ceramics, but have been very happy with the regular Wagner ThermoQuiet pads. I did a 4 wheel brake job with rotors just about this time last year. Wagner also regularly runs a rebate program around this time year.

Thanks Duane. These are what I was looking at:
Wagner ThermoQuiet QC667 Ceramic Disc Pad Set, Rear
 






Good pads and no complaints here. Nothing exceptional about them but they are priced right without any real weaknesses. I'm only using them (QC833B) in front because Wagner doesn't offer ceramic pads for phenolic pistons for the rear on 2004-05 ST's. As you've probably read, the reviews on Wagner ThermoQuiet pads are almost always favorable.
 






As you've probably read, the reviews on Wagner ThermoQuiet pads are almost always favorable.

Thanks.
I haven't read any reviews because they're not available here, that's why I'm asking the forum,
 






I've been using front ceramic pads for years. My main reason for switching to ceramics was to keep my front wheels clean (I hate dirty, brown wheels) but I'm also very happy with the performance. I'm been using Autozne CMAX pads, but I'm sure a brand like Wagner ThermoQuiet are available internationally and will work very well. The nice thing about Autozone is their no questions asked, lifetime free replacement on brake pads. Plus if you're not happy with what you purchased, you can upgrade to something else and get full credit. I don't believe Autozone sells internationally however. BTW, I see no advantage to using ceramic pads on the rear.
 






I don't believe Autozone sells internationally however. BTW, I see no advantage to using ceramic pads on the rear.

So there's nothing special about ceramic pads, they just run a bit cleaner?

I can get stuff from from Autozone if the price is right, I use a freight forwarder but in this case Amazon's Global Shipping is the best option.

I might just pull the trigger on AC Delco semi metallic unless somebody has a better option.
 






Personally, I prefer the semi-metallics over the ceramics...as long as they are of good quality. Just installed a set of Wagner Thermo-Quiet semis on my Explorer. As for brake dust, I can't remember the last time I had to deal with that. I've tried ceramics and have no real complaints other than they can be hard on rotors. Rotors today are of inferior quality than years ago and seem to be made of a softer metal. Ceramics will chew them up long before the pads are shot. Just changed a set of ceramics I had installed on daughter's Neon several years ago. Fronts were making noise, so pulled the wheels to find the pads were still in excellent shape...but, the rotors were ground down.
 






I cheaped out and bought semi-metallic over ceramic when I did my break job and regret it now. My front wheels get dirty quickly. Id say ceramic is worth the extra price now.
 






So there's nothing special about ceramic pads, they just run a bit cleaner?

I can get stuff from from Autozone if the price is right, I use a freight forwarder but in this case Amazon's Global Shipping is the best option.

I might just pull the trigger on AC Delco semi metallic unless somebody has a better option.

They run A LOT cleaner, I drive pretty conservatively, so I can't speak for whether they perform better under hard driving conditions, but I suspect they might. I live in the mountains, and I find they work well. My biggest complaint with the semi-metallic is the brake dust. I haven't used organic in probably 30 years.

I'd say that if you goal is to save a few dollars while maintaining safety and don't care about dirty wheels, stay with the semi-metallic.

I find no significant increase in rotor wear with the ceramic pads, as long as you stay with OE quality (or better) rotors. Who knows what the cheap Chinese rotors are made out of.
 






Thanks Duane. These are what I was looking at:
Wagner ThermoQuiet QC667 Ceramic Disc Pad Set, Rear

I used MX652's on the fronts, and MX667's on the rears. Both are semi-metallic. Great stopping power. No worries. I checked and Wagner is currently running a $30 rebate (fronts and rears when purchased together) through 5/31. I'd jump on it mate.
http://www.wagnerbrake.com/rebates/

EDIT: Read the disclaimer at the bottom of the Wagner Rebate page. Maybe not valid in AU. But you could call and check.
 






I had Autozone Cmax pads on mine. I hated them. Felt like unless they were warmed up a little, they had zero initial bite. So that first application of the brakes on the highway never felt very confidence inspiring. Or while moving slowing on the trail, needing to slowly come off a rock so I didn't smash, was very difficult. Or if I was on something steep and needed to hold my position, the ceramics just didn't seem to be up to the task.

I switched to Hawk LTS pads in the front (the rear is still the Cmax ceramics) and have zero complaints. Great initial cold bite, no heat fade, no dust, work great on the trail.

So I guess it depends on what you use your Explorer for.
 






I used MX652's on the fronts, and MX667's on the rears. Both are semi-metallic. Great stopping power. No worries. I checked and Wagner is currently running a $30 rebate (fronts and rears when purchased together) through 5/31. I'd jump on it mate.
http://www.wagnerbrake.com/rebates/

EDIT: Read the disclaimer at the bottom of the Wagner Rebate page. Maybe not valid in AU. But you could call and check.

Valid in 50 United States and D.C. Excludes Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and other U.S. territories.

I emailed them but it doesn't seem likely.

Do you reckon they're worth almost double the price of the AC Delco semi metallics?
 






Whichever brand and pad type you end up with, the key to good performance and quiet braking is proper installation. Most higher quality pads have molded or permanently attached shims and anti squeal compound or sprays on the pad backing is not needed or recommended. Clean all contact points thoroughly and use specific brake lube as noted. Your previous post is linked below. GL :thumbsup:

Brake squeal
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=422895

Disc Brake Noise
http://www.aa1car.com/library/tr996.htm

Brake Lubricants
http://www.aa1car.com/library/2005/ic80560.htm
 






Whichever brand and pad type you end up with, the key to good performance and quiet braking is proper installation. Most higher quality pads have molded or permanently attached shims and anti squeal compound or sprays on the pad backing is not needed or recommended. Clean all contact points thoroughly and use specific brake lube as noted. Your previous post is linked below. GL :thumbsup:

Brake squeal
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=422895

Disc Brake Noise
http://www.aa1car.com/library/tr996.htm

Brake Lubricants
http://www.aa1car.com/library/2005/ic80560.htm

That turned out to be a highly polished disc surface that had worn in a weird shape.
One of the front rotors had worn that way too.

That's why I'm doing the rear brakes now.

36 years of messing with cars and I'd never had brake squeal before.

New pads and new rotors of a brand I've used before run in by me; I'm not anticipating any problems.
 






Valid in 50 United States and D.C. Excludes Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and other U.S. territories.

I emailed them but it doesn't seem likely.

Do you reckon they're worth almost double the price of the AC Delco semi metallics?

Honestly, no. AC Delco has a good rep and I'm sure puts out a good product. I would not pay double for a product that is probably only marginally better.
 






I put Satisfied ceramic pads on my g/f's 03 Civic EX coupe. SUPER dusty. Using the wand at the car wash would not take it off. Finally used straight Simple Green and dollar store fake Scotchbrite cleaning pads (way less aggressive) for removal. Scored a set of OEM pads on eBay, installed them, and threw the Satisfied in the trash.


I run Carquest pads and rotors, which are rebadged Raybestos, on my Explorer.
 






I agree...installation is key to pads wearing correctly. With that said, you're going to get what you pay for. I stay away from the cheap pads as those are the ones that seem to leave brake dust and wear out sooner. Likewise, I don't see the need to get the most expensive as I'm easy on my brakes (ever wonder how long a set of pads lasts for those people who charge up to stop lights and hit the brakes?).

It's gotten harder and harder to find quality rotors as most seem to be made in China now days...and, are simply throw-aways. Lock up the brakes just once and odds are good that you've just warped them. Remember back in the day when you could actually have rotors turned 2-3 times before they were too thin?
 






Thanks Duane. These are what I was looking at:
Wagner ThermoQuiet QC667 Ceramic Disc Pad Set, Rear

Installed the Wagner ceramics a few years back, no complaints so far. Minimal if zero brake dust-also installed them on my other SUV. Previously ran Satisfied ceramics, they were ok but their customer service left a lot to be desired (I believe they were also marketed under the name Pro Stop).

For the money, I don't think you can wrong with the Wagners.
 



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Just bought new Wearever rotors which used be called premium or professional or whatever carquest said years ago, said their the same just called Wearever now. And the Wearever Platinum Professional ceramic pads (had a rebate right now). Don't skimp on pads, a lot of these cheaper ceramic pads are what suck in use and on rotors. The Wagner Thermoquiets are good on trucks also.
 






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