Metallic Brake Pads: Meaning, Benefits, Lifespan & More
What Are Metallic Brake Pads?
Metallic brake pads, sometimes called semi-metallic pads, contain a combination of ingredients like iron, steel, copper, graphite, brass, and binding materials. The high metal content gives them superior heat transfer compared to non-metallic pads. Metallic pads work by pressing against the brake rotor when pressure is applied to the brake pedal. Friction from the pads against the rotor slows the vehicle down. The heat generated during braking is dissipated through the metal portions of the pad into the air. This helps prevent brake fade which can decrease stopping power.
The key difference between metallic and ceramic pads is composition and braking characteristics. Ceramic pads contain ceramic fibers and fillers but little or no metal, providing good stopping power with less rotor wear. However, ceramic pads aren’t as effective at heat dissipation. Metallic pads can withstand higher heat but produce more noise and dust. They also tend to wear rotors faster than ceramics. Both perform well overall, so the choice depends on individual needs and preferences.
Pros of Metallic Brake Pads
Metallic brake pads offer several advantages over other pad materials like ceramics:
Better heat dissipation – Metallic pads disperse heat better than ceramic pads. The metal within metallic pads conducts heat away from the rotor and caliper more effectively (source). This allows them to operate at higher temperatures without fading or glazing.
Lower cost – Metallic brake pads typically cost 20-30% less than premium ceramic pads. The metal used in metallic pads is less expensive than the ceramic compounds in ceramic pads (source).
Higher friction when cold – Metallic pads provide better braking when cold compared to ceramic pads. The metal fibers bite into the rotor quicker before warm-up (source).
Less brake fade – Metallic pads experience less brake fade during repeated heavy braking. The metallic composition resists glazing better than ceramic pads when hot (source).
Cons of Metallic Brake Pads
While metallic brake pads have their advantages, they also come with some drawbacks compared to other pad materials like ceramics. Three main cons of metallic pads are:
1. More noise/squealing – The metal used in metallic pads can vibrate against the rotor, causing squeaking or squealing noises when braking. Metallic pads tend to be noisier than other pad types (Bridgestone).
2. More dust – Metallic pads produce more dust than ceramics since the pad material wears down more quickly. This dust builds up on wheels and brake components (Minit-Tune).
3. More rotor wear – The metal in metallic pads is harder than other materials, so it causes more abrasive wear on rotors over time. Metallic pads can lead to grooves and uneven wear on rotors that may eventually require replacement (AutoZone).
Ideal Uses for Metallic Pads
Metallic brake pads are well-suited for certain driving conditions thanks to their high heat resistance and friction stability. Here are some of the ideal uses for metallic brake pads:
Performance Driving/Racing
Metallic pads can withstand extremely high temperatures without fading, making them a top choice for performance driving and racing applications (1). The metals in metallic pads retain coefficient of friction in high heat, maintaining stopping power on the track or during aggressive driving.
Towing/Hauling
The strong braking performance of metallic pads also makes them ideal for frequent towing and hauling heavy loads. Metallic compounds can handle the increased brake heat and friction that comes with stopping a vehicle under heavy load (2).
Cold Weather Climates
In cold temperatures, metallic pads warm up quickly and reach peak braking effectiveness faster than other pad compounds. The metallic composition resists hardening in cold weather, maintaining responsive braking even in freezing conditions (3).
(1) https://www.bridgestonetire.com/learn/maintenance/ceramic-vs-metallic-brake-pads
(2) https://www.autozone.com/diy/brakes/ceramic-vs-metallic-brake-pads
(3) https://www.advicsaftermarket.com/technical-resources/tech-tips/ceramic-vs-semi-metallic-brake-pads-how-they-work-and-what-theyre-made-of/
Metallic Pad Lifespan
Semi-metallic brake pads tend to last longer than organic brake pads. On average, semi-metallic brake pads can last anywhere from 30,000 to 70,000 miles. However, lifespan can vary greatly depending on factors like driving style and driving conditions.
Aggressive drivers who do a lot of heavy braking will wear out brake pads quicker than those with a smooth and gradual braking style. Pads also wear faster in conditions like stop-and-go city traffic versus steady highway cruising. Extreme weather like heat, rain, and snow can accelerate wear as well.
To maximize the lifespan of metallic brake pads:
- Avoid hard braking when possible.
- Drive smoothly and avoid abrupt stops.
- Accelerate and decelerate gradually.
- Check pads regularly and replace before they are fully worn.
Properly bedding in new metallic brake pads can also help them last longer. Follow the bedding procedure recommended by the brake pad manufacturer.
Bedding in Metallic Pads
Bedding in refers to the process of properly wearing in new metallic brake pads to achieve optimal braking performance. When metallic pads are brand new, they have a smooth surface that needs to be lightly roughened up through controlled use.
The recommended bedding in process is as follows:
- Accelerate to around 30 mph and then brake moderately to scrub the surface of the pad.
- Repeat this 5-6 times, allowing the brakes to cool for a few minutes between cycles.
- Next, accelerate to 50 mph and brake hard but not to a full stop. Repeat 2-3 times.
- Finally, accelerate to 60 mph and brake hard to around 10 mph. Repeat once more.
Properly bedding in metallic pads helps transfer an even layer of friction material onto the brake rotors. This allows the pads and rotors to mate evenly for optimal performance. Bedding in also avoids glazing, where an uneven or smooth surface leads to reduced braking power.
According to forums like Drive Accord, bedding in is crucial when installing new metallic brake pads to get the most out of them from the start.
Noise and Dust Reduction
Metallic brake pads tend to generate more noise and dust than organic pads. However, manufacturers have developed solutions to help reduce noise and dust when using metallic pads:
Low-dust formulations – Companies like EBC, Akebono and others offer low-dust versions of their metallic pads, using a combination of chamfers, slots, and compounds to help minimize brake dust. These low-dust pads give comparable performance to standard metallic pads with less mess.
Shims/insulators – Installing shims between the brake pad and caliper can dampen vibrations that cause squealing. Companies like Akebono offer noise insulation shims on some of their pads. Aftermarket shims are also available to install on existing calipers.
Overall, while metallic pads will likely generate more dust and noise than ceramics, there are formulations and products available to help minimize these drawbacks for drivers who prefer the performance of metallic brake pads.
Brand Recommendations
When choosing metallic brake pads, going with a reputable brand is important to ensure quality and performance. Here are some top brands to consider:
Brembo
Brembo is one of the premier names in brakes, known for high performance in motorsports and on supercars. Their Serie Uno and Serie Due metallic pads offer great bite and low dust.
Hawk Performance
Hawk is well respected in the brake community for aggressive, track-focused pads. Their HPS and HP Plus lines are top choices for metallic street and track pads.
EBC Brakes
Known for innovation, EBC produces unique metallic compounds like their Black Chili pads. Great for reducing brake dust while maintaining stopping power.
Akebono
Trusted OEM brake supplier Akebono makes ProACT premium pads with high friction, low dust and noise. Great for European vehicles.
Focus on fitment for your specific vehicle’s make, model, and year when choosing metallic brake pads from quality brands like these.
When to Replace Metallic Pads
Metallic brake pads should be replaced when they reach the manufacturer’s recommended minimum thickness, which is typically around 3-4mm. Using a brake pad gauge, measure the pad material thickness in various spots to get an average. Pads below the minimum should be replaced right away for proper braking performance.
There are also a few indicators that your metallic pads need replacement:
- You hear a high-pitched scraping or squealing sound when braking. This means the pad material has worn away and the metal backing is making contact with the brake rotor.
- You see visible cracks or breaks in the pad material. Surface cracks can lead to broken chunks of material coming off.
- You notice a significant loss in braking power. Faded braking can mean the pads are too thin and worn.
- The brake pedal has excessive travel or feels spongy. This points to thin, compressed pads.
Routine brake inspections every 5,000-10,000 miles can identify when metallic pads are getting too thin. It’s best to replace them before they wear down too far and cause damage to rotors. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific pad inspection and replacement intervals.
Source: https://txynnkobf.slowfoodlazio.it/
Switching to Metallic from Ceramics
When switching from ceramic to metallic brake pads, there are a few important considerations. According to Bridgestone, metallic pads put more stress on rotors compared to ceramics. Therefore, it’s recommended to resurface or replace rotors when making the switch to prevent uneven wear. Metallic pads also tend to be noisier, so expect some extra brake squeal and noise until the pads properly bed in.
Speaking of bedding in, this process is critical when installing new metallic pads according to experts. The bedding in procedure involves making a series of hard stops from moderate speeds to transfer an even layer of material across the entire rotor surface. This helps the pads achieve maximum braking performance and reduces noise. Follow the bedding in instructions provided by the pad manufacturer to ensure proper break-in.
In summary, when going from ceramics to metallic pads, plan to resurface or replace rotors and take extra care to properly bed in the new pads. This will ensure optimal braking performance, pad life, and noise reduction.