I suppose I should go with Original Equipment... on my 1998 Ford Club Wagon. The OE lasted well and didn't harm my rotors... some years ago.

When I replaced brakes the first time, I installed Pep Boys ceramic pads... supposedly the best available... but I don't remember the actual brand name. I used these more than once... with a recurring pattern of over-heating... as evidenced by warpage of my rotors... necessitating their replacement... more than once. An older receipt from Pep Boys says "Quiet Stop Brake Pads 7-47730-46062" They were supposedly "ceramic."

I gave up on Pep Boys for the reason of overheating, then. Also, there was a lot of copper-like dust associated with those pads.

I then went to Autozone and bought their top of the line pads. Duralast Gold 529515... I've used these a couple times and find that they eat my rotors. I am told they're "ceramic" but they act like semi-metallic, in my opinion. They don't overheat, but they're too abrasive.

I believe my back brakes are too loose, which explains why my front brakes are overworked...so there is a mitigating factor in that. But I still would like recommendations for the best brake pads for front discs... on an admittedly heavy vehicle (5000 pounds) that has, apparently, under-designed front brakes.

(In case you're wondering why my back brakes are too loose... it is apparent that the self-adjustment mechanism has never worked on this vehicle... despite my deliberate attempts at backing up and jamming on the brakes, which is supposed to "click the ratchet" there.)

I have read a bit on brake pad materials lately, and realize that there are as many formulas for ceramic pad material as there are manufacturers. It's like the "secret sauces" of competing hamburger vendors. Copper fibers supposedly mitigate the tendency of the soft ceramic to overheat.

Any serious recommendations and comments would be most appreciated.

 

Monroe makes good ceramic or dynamic brake pads. The ceramics are supposed to last longer, are cooler, less brake dust, and easier on the rotors. Most new vehicles use ceramic. Keep in mind these are under normal driving conditions.

Because your vehicle is a little older, you can use either. But we recommend the ceramics.

Hope that helps. You can read more about it here - Brake Pads, Brake Rotors - Brakepad Warehouse and here - Brake Pads, Brake Rotors - Brakepad Warehouse.