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Ceramic brake pads?

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Old Apr 12, 2019 | 01:36 PM
  #1  
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jeffreyclay
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Talking Ceramic brake pads?

Almost time to replace my semi-metallic front pads. I've always heard that ceramic pads are poor in stopping until they got hot. Is this still true of modern pads? My stock E-150 is loaded to 6400lbs empty. Would you keep the metallic pads or go to ceramic? Brand choice?
 
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Old Apr 12, 2019 | 02:02 PM
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I only use ceramics because I hate cleaning black brake dust. I use them on everything I own.

I never notice cold brake stopping issues.

I don't care about the brand - cheapest available on Rock Auto.
 
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Old Apr 12, 2019 | 02:15 PM
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I have run Wagner Thermo-Quiet ceramics on my 2002 F150 for the last 15 years. Not enough difference in stopping power to really notice. I've run it fully loaded, empty, pulling trailers (including a car hauler with my Mustang on it) and have never had any issues with brakes not being adequate.
 
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Old Apr 12, 2019 | 07:15 PM
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I stick with top quality Motorcraft, Akebono, or Napa premium semimetalic pads. Brake pads last a long time.
 
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Old Apr 13, 2019 | 04:52 AM
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PowerStop - I’ve had a few sets of them and never been disappointed.
Not sure if they’re ceramic or not but they have excellent bite and no fade and no dust.
They're so good they make the left pedal fun.
 
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Old Apr 13, 2019 | 05:01 AM
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Originally Posted by coolfeet
I stick with top quality Motorcraft, Akebono, or Napa premium semimetalic pads. Brake pads last a long time.
I've used NAPA's Ultra Premium pads since they were first learning of them. Having done a front brake swap involving swapping all 2008 E250 parts onto an earlier chassis. With just over 95K miles they're still 50% left, the rotors showing nearly no wear at all

Its true most pads tend to work slightly better when a bit of heat has been built up but there are no cold stopping issues per se. You do notice a small different pedal feel but if you have to stand on the brakes they quickly heat up and grab. Of course keeping your distance from others on the roadway is still out best driving technique.
 
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