Semi Metallic or Ceramic Pads

S77R · Jul 4, 2014

I did a search and read through alot of threads but want a few opinions for my truck here in the north east. I have read that the stock factory pads are semi metallic and I got 45k out of this first set and now am trying to decide if I should change to ceramic or stay with semi metallic.

My plan is to hopefully just have the factory rotors cut/turned and buy new pads but have read that ceramics are hard on rotors. Is this a real concern? I also read that if you do any towing stick to semi metallics. Is this true too? I use my truck as a daily driver and do not tow with it often, but i do own a utility trailer that I use when needed for yard work or moving etc.

I do like that ceramics supposedly have no noise and brake dust, but want opinions from others from you experience with either so I can determine what is really the better pad to go with. Also, how much does brand come into play or would pads from the local Advanced Auto do.

Thanks for all the help!

preachp · Jul 4, 2014

Hi S77R,

I had ceramics on my 2003 Sebring. I replaced the discs at the same time I put the pads on. I had no problem with them. I believe one of the big problems is people put these on rotors that haven't been turned and they eat the rotors up. Ceramic is some hard stuff so they will last.They need to be properly broken in or they can glaze the rotors so just be easy on them for a couple hundred miles and you should be good to go. Since your already planning on turning the rotors you should be good. You need to watch the friction rating as that could be important on truck. You want to make sure they will stop at least as good as the factory pads.
Anyway good luck and enjoy.

preachp

Lazarus Truck · Jul 5, 2014

I have ceramics on a 01 Stratus. Dont like them! They grab and stop well, but only when DRY! In the rain, they feel like they are not there till they heat and dry. Yes, maybe only .5-1 second, but not a good feeling.

starquestbd22 · Jul 5, 2014

I have ceramics on my 04 Ram QC. Wagner Thermo-something. Couple of impressions....

I did not have anything done to my rotors and they are fine. I did notice right after getting them that it seemed to take a little more pedal to stop the truck. It didn't bother me...just a slight difference from the stock pads. Could have just been because they were new. Either they broke in or I got used to it because now they seem fine. I did have a slight squeal at just the right point before the change and I still do. It sounds like its coming from the front but its hard to tell for sure. It could very well be the rear brakes which are still stock. The promise of zero dust is true. I love them for that reason with my chrome wheels. And lastly, if you have time I would consider getting them online. I do think brand matters. I got mine from Amazon much cheaper than I could locally.

Other than the slight squeal (which may or may not be the ceramic pads) I would def buy them again.

RyanJM · Jul 6, 2014

I have the Wagners in my 98 Trans Am and also had put them in the 09 Ram CC I had and work great on both. If I jeep my 14 ram long enough to wear out the pads I will most likely replace them with the thero quiets. Even with drilled and slotted rotors Luke my nodded car I still get less brake dust compared to stock pads and rotors on my new ram. You do have to break them in though. Mine took a little less extra pressure to stop at 1st but were fine after I put a few miles on them.

Semi Metallic or Ceramic Pads

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