LOW-METALLIC NAO Brake Pads: Meaning, Benefits, Lifespan & More
What Are Low-Metallic NAO Brake Pads?
Low-metallic NAO brake pads are a type of disc brake pad that contains a mixture of non-asbestos organic (NAO) materials and small amounts of metal, typically around 10-30% (1). The metal is usually steel or copper. The organic materials are often aramid fibers, glass fibers, rubber compounds, and cashew dust (2).
The key features of low-metallic NAO brake pads include:
- Moderately quiet braking compared to semi-metallic pads
- Less brake dust than semi-metallic pads
- Good stopping power in normal conditions
- Stable friction at high temperatures
- Low wear on rotors compared to semi-metallic pads
Low-metallic NAO pads differ from ceramic pads by containing some metal content. They differ from semi-metallic pads by having higher organic content and less metal. Overall, low-metallic NAO pads aim to provide a balance of performance, durability, noise, and rotor wear.
How Do Low-Metallic NAO Brakes Work?
Low-metallic NAO brake pads work through friction to slow down and stop the wheels of a vehicle. The brake pads consist of a backing plate that mounts to the caliper, with a friction material bonded to the plate. This friction material contains 10-30% metal particles, typically copper, steel, or brass, bound together by various resins and fibers such as glass, rubber, Kevlar, and graphite (Different types of brake pads).
When the brakes are applied, hydraulic pressure pushes the brake pads against the brake rotor, creating friction between the pads and rotor. The friction generates heat, which is dissipated through the metal particles in the pads as well as the fins and slots in the rotor. The friction also slows the rotation of the wheels until they come to a stop (Ceramic vs metallic brake pads).
Compared to semi-metallic pads that contain 30-65% metal, low-metallic NAO pads tend to generate less heat and have better braking modulation, providing a smoother and more gradual braking feel. However, semi-metallic pads have higher friction and better heat resistance for severe duty use.
Benefits of Low-Metallic NAO Brake Pads
Low-metallic NAO brake pads offer several advantages over other brake pad types:
Low Dust
Compared to semi-metallic pads, low-metallic NAO pads produce very little brake dust. This keeps wheels cleaner and reduces the need for frequent washing.
Quiet Braking
The organic compounds in low-metallic NAO pads provide smooth, quiet braking. They don’t have the high-pitched squeal associated with some metallic and ceramic pads (Brembo).
Good Cold Weather Performance
Low-metallic NAO pads maintain effective braking in cold weather. The organic components don’t harden like some brake pad materials, allowing strong braking force even when temperatures dip.
Good Stopping Power
While not as aggressive as metallic pads, low-metallic NAO pads offer ample stopping power for most driving conditions. The metallic content provides solid braking without excessive heat and wear (Bridgestone).
Lifespan and Replacement Intervals
The average lifespan for low-metallic NAO brake pads is around 20,000 to 40,000 miles, though this can vary significantly depending on driving conditions and habits.
Some key factors that impact lifespan include:
- Your driving style — aggressive acceleration and braking will cause faster wear.
- Operating environment — frequent stop-and-go city driving shortens pad life.
- Vehicle weight — heavier vehicles put more stress on the brakes.
- Brake system design and quality of materials.
As the brake pads wear down, you’ll begin to notice changes in braking performance, such as increased stopping distances, vibrations when braking, and squealing or squeaking noises.
It’s recommended to have your brake pads inspected regularly by a professional mechanic. For most drivers, brake pad replacement around every 30,000 miles or 2 years is typical.
Always replace brake pads in axle sets. Allowing one wheel’s pads to wear too thin can cause brake system imbalance and reduced braking ability. Don’t wait until the pads are fully worn out before replacing them.
Ideal Uses and Applications
Low-metallic NAO brake pads are ideal for certain types of vehicles and driving conditions thanks to their blend of organic materials and minimal metal content. Here are some of the best applications for these brake pads:
Passenger cars and light trucks: The low levels of metal in low-metallic NAO pads make them well-suited for typical family and commuter vehicles that are not driven aggressively. They provide solid braking power under normal conditions. According to Bridgestone Tire, low-metallic pads can be “an ideal choice for typical daily-driven passenger vehicles.”
Normal driving: For drivers who are not frequently called upon to make sudden stops or who do mostly highway cruising, low-metallic NAO pads offer sufficient braking ability without being overly aggressive. As Mat Foundry Group explains, low-metallic NAO is designed for “typical driving conditions.”
However, low-metallic NAO may not be the best choice for certain high-performance situations:
Sports cars or towing: For sports cars, high-powered vehicles, and those that frequently tow trailers, semi-metallic pads may be a better pick since they can handle repeated hard braking better than low-metallic pads. The lower metal content of low-metallic NAO pads reduces heat dissipation.
Frequent heavy braking: Drivers who need to brake aggressively and heavily on a regular basis are better off with semi-metallic or ceramic pads that can handle intense heat buildup. The organic compounds in low-metallic NAO have lower heat tolerance.
So in summary, low-metallic NAO brake pads strike a good balance for typical driving but are not ideal for high-performance situations requiring heavy-duty braking. Knowing your specific needs helps determine if they are a good fit.
Top Low-Metallic NAO Brake Pad Brands
Some of the top manufacturers of low-metallic NAO brake pads include Bosch, Akebono, ACDelco, and Wagner. These companies produce a range of high-quality and affordable brake pad options for different vehicle makes and models.
Bosch is one of the most well-known and respected brands when it comes to brake pads and other automotive components. Their low-metallic NAO brake pads are engineered for quiet operation, clean wheels, and optimal stopping power. Bosch uses a unique friction formula and shim technology for consistent performance.
Akebono, meanwhile, focuses heavily on noise reduction with their ProACT brake pads. The slots and chamfers in Akebono pads help dissipate noise, vibration, and harshness. These brake pads also utilize copper fibers and other friction modifiers for smooth braking.
For domestic vehicles, ACDelco’s low-metallic NAO pads are a great option. They offer durability, performance, and fit comparable to original manufacturer pads. Warranties up to 3 years/36,000 miles provide added peace of mind.
Finally, Wagner brake pads are affordably priced while still delivering reliable braking power. Their ThermoQuiet pads include insulation for noise reduction during braking. The OExpec formulations match OE specifications for certain vehicle applications.
Cost Considerations
Low-metallic NAO brake pads tend to cost more than semi-metallic pads but less than premium ceramic pads. Expect to pay somewhere between $50-100 for a set, with pricing depending on factors like make/model fitment, brand, and other premium features.
While more expensive than cheaper semi-metallic options, low-metallic NAO pads offer significantly improved braking performance and noise reduction that can be well worth the extra cost. They also tend to last longer than semi-metallic pads, offsetting some of the higher initial price over time.
There are a few ways to save on low-metallic NAO pads:
- Buy in bulk/multi-pack sets if servicing multiple vehicles
- Look for sales, coupons, and rebates from retailers
- Consider lesser-known brands to avoid premium pricing of big brands
- Shop around online for the best deals
Overall, the improved safety, drivability, and longevity of low-metallic NAO pads make them a wise investment for most drivers despite the moderately higher price. Just be sure to shop around for the best deal.
Maintenance Tips
Proper maintenance is crucial for getting the most performance and lifespan out of your low-metallic NAO brake pads. Here are some tips:
When installing new pads, follow the proper bedding-in procedure to transfer an even layer of pad material onto the brake rotors. This involves doing several moderate stops from around 30 mph down to 5 mph to gradually heat and transfer material without overheating. Check your vehicle manual or brake pad instructions for specifics on the bedding-in process. Properly bedding in the pads helps prevent uneven wear or glazing of the pads and rotors [1].
Keep an eye out for signs that the brake pads are wearing down, such as increased stopping distances, vibration through the brake pedal, or high-pitched squealing during braking. This indicates the pads have worn below manufacturer specifications and should be replaced. Waiting too long to replace worn pads risks damaging the rotors.
Avoid heavy braking when possible and drive smoothly without abrupt stops. This will help deposit an even layer of pad material on the rotors and prevent overheating the pads. Excessive heat is the enemy of brake pad lifespan. Also avoid prolonged light braking which can lead to uneven pad transfer [2].
Check brake fluid levels regularly and have it flushed per manufacturer recommendations. Clean, fresh brake fluid is important for proper brake performance and pad wear.
Comparisons to Other Brake Pads
Low-metallic NAO brake pads have some key differences when compared to other common brake pad types like semi-metallic and ceramic brake pads:
Semi-metallic brake pads tend to be less expensive but noisier than low-metallic NAO pads. Semi-metallics also produce more brake dust and are harder on rotors, potentially causing more wear over time.1
Ceramic brake pads offer benefits like less noise, almost no brake dust, and easier on rotors. However, ceramic pads tend to be more expensive and have lower friction when cold compared to low-metallic NAO.2
In general, low-metallic NAO pads aim to balance the pros and cons of semi-metallics and ceramics. Low-metallic NAO provides good cold bite and braking power with moderate dust and noise levels. The composition makes them a versatile middle-ground option suitable for many drivers and use cases.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about low-metallic NAO brake pads:
Are low-metallic NAO pads better than semi-metallic pads?
Low-metallic NAO pads offer some advantages over semi-metallic pads, including less noise, less dust, and lower rotor wear. However, semi-metallics often have better cold temperature performance and fade resistance for heavy towing or racing applications.
Do low-metallic NAO pads wear rotors faster than ceramic pads?
Ceramic pads are generally less abrasive on rotors compared to both semi-metallics and low-metallic NAOs. The metal content in low-metallic NAO pads can still cause more rotor wear than ceramics, but less than semi-metallics.
How often should low-metallic NAO pads be replaced?
Most low-metallic NAO pads will last between 25,000-65,000 miles before needing replacement. Follow your vehicle owner’s manual or brake pad manufacturer’s recommendations for ideal change intervals.
Can low-metallic NAO pads be used on high performance vehicles?
Low-metallic NAO pads can work for street performance driving, but may not handle intense track days or racing as well as more aggressive semi-metallic or carbon/ceramic pads. Consider your specific needs and demands.
Do low-metallic NAO pads work well in cold weather?
Low-metallic NAO pads perform adequately in cold weather, but semi-metallic and ceramic pads are often better choices for extreme cold and icy conditions. Make sure to follow proper break-in procedures.