Original Brake Pads -- Ceramic or Metallic? Suitable Replacements?

[mbruffey]

Hi!

In searching for suitable replacement brake pads for my '97 X AWD, I have seen references that seem to imply that some models came with ceramic and others with semi-metallic pads, OEM. Some replacement applications refer to VIN "F" etc. I also see some suggestions that semi-metallics should only be replaced with semi-metallics. Anyone just full of good information that can straighten me out here?

(1) Does it matter if you change out metallics for ceramics, or vice versa?
(2) How can I tell, without getting dirty (yet!) if I have ceramic or metallic OEMs?

Note here I AM replacing the ORIGINALS, as the vehicle only has about 50k miles on it.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[toypaseo]

I put a set of Satisfied Pro Ceramic pads on my g/f's 03 Civic EX she had. Brake dust galore. I went back to OEM brake pads as soon as I found a good deal on them.

I dunno if I installed them wrong or whatnot. I'll pry never buy ceramic ones in the future unless the application requires them.

 

[FexplorerV8]

i used the cheapest ones they had at the store for my 96.