So, I need to replace the wife's brake pads on her 1999 Explorer (4x4).

Wondering if I should replace them with Ceramic or Semi-Metallic. At first I was going to replace them with Ceramic, but then I read several posts and articles saying you shouldn't use Ceramic with the stock rotors as the ceramics are harder and will tear up the rotors faster.

I was just planning on going with something from NAPA or AdvanceAuto (wagner).


Any thoughts? Thanks. Later...

- Wayne

 

I have observed the opposite. On my mom's Aerostar, we have been through at least 3 sets of pads in the last 5 years for a total of about 40,000 miles. We used semi-metallic premium quality pads and the premium rotors. The rotors would warp very quickly and the pads would wear down rapidly. The entire brake system has been rebuilt too, which eliminates the possibility that a sticky rotor or defective part was the fault. We tried different brands with similar results.

My personal van is heaver and works harder than my moms. I put new pads on and had the rotors turned at 130,000. The pads were premium quality Raybestos ceramics. So with turned rotors and ceramic pads they have held up to this day and I am at 225,000 miles. The rotors have just started to warp a little, which is impressive considering they weren't even new when the pads were installed.

Semi-metallic pads can heat up faster and will transfer that heat into the rotor faster, which means when you brake hard, the rotor can cool too quickly where it is not in contact with the pad. Once the rotors start to warp, they will eat up the pads too.

I would use a top brand ceramic and a high quality rotor. If you have a really cheap rotor, then the pads will eat them.

 

What is the $$$ difference between the two? If you go with the ceramic use new high quality rotors. Does NAPA still have lifetime warranty on their premium semi metalics? they are pretty good.

 

I'd go with the ceramic and they should be fine with your stock rotors. Regarding 'lifetime' brake warranties, from what I've seen, that only applies if the pad has a defect such as a crack or a chip. They are not guaranteed against wearing down.

 

Agreed. I actually avoid any auto parts that have lifetime warranties. The fine print makes the warranties almost worthless, and I have never seen a top quality product with a lifetime warranty.

 

I agree on the warranty, I just meant they were good pads

 

At NAPA:

Brake Pads - Front, Safety-Stop - OE Semi-Metallic $45
Brake Pads - Front, Ultra Premium - OE Semi-Metallic $63

Brake Pads - Front, Safety-Stop Ceramic $54
Brake Pads - Front, Ultra Premium Ceramic $85

I would just go with the cheaper version of either one.

I'll probably stick with stock rotors for now as the truck has 144K miles on it and we're probably going to get a newer Explorer towards the end of summer. So, not gong to spend a whole lot of $$$ on it. Thanks. Later...

- Wayne

 

At NAPA:

Brake Pads - Front, Safety-Stop - OE Semi-Metallic $45
Brake Pads - Front, Ultra Premium - OE Semi-Metallic $63

Brake Pads - Front, Safety-Stop Ceramic $54
Brake Pads - Front, Ultra Premium Ceramic $85

I would just go with the cheaper version of either one.

I'll probably stick with stock rotors for now as the truck has 144K miles on it and we're probably going to get a newer Explorer towards the end of summer. So, not gong to spend a whole lot of $$$ on it. Thanks. Later...

- Wayne

 

Go ceramic. Try here:

Monroe Brakes - Quality Brakes From Monroe, The Trusted Undercar Expert

Monroe is making a nice ceramic pad now. The ones for my Aviator are about $40 each set, and buying them on Amazon, there is a link to a rebate for $30 if you buy the front and rear set (not to mention free shipping)...

http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/image...214422605_.pdf