Ceramic Brake Pads: Meaning, Benefits, Lifespan & More
What Are Ceramic Brake Pads?
Ceramic brake pads are made from ceramic fibers, fillers, bonding agents, and small amounts of copper fibers. This composition gives ceramic pads different properties compared to semi-metallic pads.
Semi-metallic brake pads contain 20-65% steel wool fibers bound together by fillers and binding agents. The steel fibers provide strength but tend to be abrasive on rotors. Semi-metallics also tend to produce more brake dust and noise.
Ceramic pads contain no steel fibers, just ceramic fibers and fillers bound together. The ceramic fibers are much less abrasive on rotors. Ceramics produce less brake dust and noise while providing strong braking power. They also maintain more consistent friction when hot compared to semi-metallics [1].
Overall, ceramic pads offer notable benefits but do cost more than semi-metallics. They provide strong, quiet braking power while reducing brake dust and rotor wear.
How Do Ceramic Brake Pads Work?
Ceramic brake pads work through the friction material and transfer layer that make up the pad. The friction material is made up of non-asbestos organic fibers, filler material, bonding agents, and the ceramic particles that give ceramic pads their name. This material has a higher heat tolerance compared to semi-metallic pads.
When the brake pads press against the rotor during braking, it creates friction that slows the vehicle. This friction also deposits a thin layer of material from the pads onto the rotor called the transfer layer. This transfer layer helps to further reduce noise and vibrations during braking. The more gradual transfer from ceramic pads results in less brake fade compared to semi-metallic pads.
The ceramic particles in the friction material also help ceramic pads run quieter than semi-metallic pads. Ceramic particles don’t abrade the rotor surface as aggressively, resulting in less brake squeal and noise overall (source). The smoother braking action also reduces vibration and improves pedal feel.
Benefits of Ceramic Brake Pads
Ceramic brake pads offer several advantages over traditional brake pads made of semi-metallic compounds:
Reduced brake dust – Ceramic pads produce significantly less brake dust than semi-metallic pads, keeping wheels cleaner. This helps reduce the need for frequent wheel washing.
Quieter braking – Ceramic pads are much quieter than semi-metallic pads, producing less noise and squealing when braking. This makes for a more pleasant driving experience.
Improved braking performance – The properties of ceramic make it highly resistant to heat and fade. Ceramic pads maintain braking power under high heat better than other materials (Source).
Potential Drawbacks
While ceramic brake pads offer some advantages, they also have some potential drawbacks to consider:
Higher cost – Ceramic brake pads tend to be more expensive than organic or semi-metallic brake pads. The specialized materials and production process results in a higher manufacturing cost that gets passed on to the consumer. Expect to pay anywhere from 25-100% more for ceramic pads compared to other types of pads, depending on the vehicle and brand.
Not great for high heat applications – Ceramic pads don’t perform as well in extreme high heat braking situations, such as on a race track or when hauling heavy loads downhill. The ideal operating temperature for ceramic pads is lower than organic and semi-metallic. At very high temperatures, their braking power diminishes more quickly. For high heat applications, semi-metallic pads are usually the better choice.
Sources:
https://www.advicsaftermarket.com/technical-resources/tech-tips/pros-and-cons-of-ceramic-brake-pads/,
https://www.bridgestonetire.com/learn/maintenance/ceramic-vs-metallic-brake-pads/
Ceramic Pad Lifespan
Ceramic brake pads generally last much longer than semi-metallic pads. Ceramic pads can last up to 75,000 miles on average, while semi-metallic pads tend to last around 30,000-50,000 miles Source 1. The lifespan of ceramic brake pads depends on several factors:
– Driving conditions – Stop-and-go city driving will wear out pads faster than highway driving
– Driving habits – Aggressive braking wears pads faster
– Vehicle weight – Heavier vehicles put more stress on brakes
– Pad and rotor material – Higher quality materials last longer
Properly installed and maintained ceramic pads can potentially last up to 100,000 miles under optimal conditions. But expect to replace them more frequently with tougher driving Source 2.
Installing Ceramic Pads
Installing ceramic brake pads is very similar to installing semi-metallic or organic pads. However, there are a few compatibility checks and special instructions that are important to follow:
First, confirm that your vehicle is compatible with ceramic brake pads. Ceramic pads generate less heat than metallic pads, so some performance vehicles with very large brakes may not be suitable for ceramic pads. Consult your owner’s manual or brake pad manufacturer to verify compatibility.
It’s also critical to properly prepare the brake system through a process called bedding-in. This procedure scrubs away any oils or residue and establishes the proper material transfer between the pads and rotors. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended steps for bedding-in, typically involving gentle braking for the first 100-200 miles.
When installing the pads, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly, including proper hardware setup, lubrication procedures, and break-in guidelines. Using brake lubricant on contact points can reduce noise. Clips, shims, and springs should be replaced as recommended.
Overall, while ceramic pads don’t require special tools or expertise, paying close attention to preparation, bedding process, and following instructions can ensure safe operation and maximum pad lifespan. Consult a professional mechanic if uncertain during installation. See this guide for step-by-step brake pad replacement: https://www.autozone.com/diy/brakes/how-to-replace-brake-pads-and-rotors
Ceramic Pad Maintenance
Properly maintaining ceramic brake pads is crucial for ensuring safe braking performance and maximum pad lifespan. Here are some key maintenance tips for ceramic brake pads:
Conduct regular visual inspections of the brake pads and rotors every 5,000 miles or so. Check that the pad thickness is within specifications and there are no cracks, damage, or uneven wear. Also inspect the rotors for grooves, glazing, or excessive wear. Replace pads and resurface or replace rotors as needed.
Follow the recommended brake fluid flush schedule in your owner’s manual, usually every 2-3 years. Over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture which can lead to impaired braking. Flushing the old fluid out with fresh DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid helps maintain the hydraulic system.
Avoid hard braking when possible and don’t drag the brakes, which causes excessive heat buildup. Let the brakes cool down after repeated hard stops. Aggressive driving can cause uneven pad and rotor wear.
Listen for any unusual brake noises like squealing or grinding, which may indicate wear issues. Get any potential problems checked out right away.
Overall, staying on top of inspections, brake flushes, and driving habits will help ceramic pads last their expected lifespan of 30,000-70,000 miles depending on driving style and conditions.
Cost of Ceramic Pads
Ceramic brake pads tend to be more expensive than semi-metallic pads. Prices can vary considerably depending on the make and model of vehicle. According to Breaking Down the Cost of Brake Pad Replacement, ceramic brake pads range from $50 to $150 per wheel. For a typical sedan, you can expect to pay between $100 and $400 for a complete ceramic brake pad replacement.
Ceramic pads for luxury vehicles like BMWs and Mercedes can cost upwards of $200 per wheel. For more affordable vehicles like Hondas and Toyotas, ceramic pads tend to run between $50-100 per wheel. Overall, ceramic pads carry about a 20-40% premium over semi-metallic pads for the same vehicle.
While more expensive initially, ceramic pads can save money in the long run through longer lifespan and reduced rotor wear. Their superior braking performance and low dust levels also appeal to many drivers despite the higher upfront cost.
Top Ceramic Pad Brands
Some of the top brands for ceramic brake pads include:
Akebono
Akebono is a leading manufacturer of high-performance braking systems and components. Their ceramic brake pads like the Akebono ACT1404 ProACT Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pad Set are known for delivering smooth, quiet braking power. Akebono uses aerospace alloy formulas and copper fibers in their pads. Reviews show customers praising their quality, performance and longevity.
Bosch
Bosch is another major player, producing ceramic pads like the Bosch BC905 QuietCast Premium Ceramic Disc Brake Pad. Their copper-free pads focus on providing low dust, low noise operation. Reviews consistently rate Bosch pads highly for their fit, stopping power and durability.
Wagner
Wagner offers affordable, quality ceramic pads like their QuickStop ZD962 Cayenne Ceramic Disc Pad Set. Wagner utilizes a specialized friction formula that enhances pedal feel and reduces noise. Customers praise the value, performance and ease of installation of Wagner ceramic pads.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about ceramic brake pads:
Do ceramic brake pads wear rotors faster?
Ceramic brake pads generally do not wear rotors faster than semi-metallic pads. The smooth material of ceramic pads causes less abrasion on rotors compared to semi-metallic pads. However, both can wear rotors over time and rotors may need to be resurfaced or replaced.
Are ceramic brake pads noisy?
Ceramic pads tend to be quieter than semi-metallic pads, producing less brake squeal and noise. However, any brake pad can squeak or squeal under certain conditions like cold weather or getting wet.
Do ceramic pads have less stopping power?
Ceramic pads provide adequate braking power for everyday driving conditions. They may provide slightly less initial bite than semi-metallic pads, but have strong braking once up to temperature. For track days or competition use, semi-metallic pads may offer more braking aggression.
How long do ceramic brake pads last?
Quality ceramic pads can last 40,000-70,000 miles on average, two to three times longer than semi-metallic pads. Actual lifespan depends on driving style and conditions.