Brake Pads

[ceecpa]

I removed the brake pads from the LF wheel before I
took my car for state inspection, 'cause I like to know what
they're gonna find.  The car has 53,000 miles on it
and measurement indicates about 50% of usable pad is
gone.  I'll probably replace them in the late summer
of 2006.

I looked at TireRack and found OEM pads for not much
money, and found ceramic pads for twice the price.
Are the ceramics likely to last twice as long or
merely stop the car better?

Thanks,
Chuck Edwards

[Conicidal]

Ceramic pads last longer, handle heat better, and produce less dust - I don't know if they last TWICE as long, so you'll have to decide if they're worth the extra dinero . . .

[Autox]

You can't use ceramic in stock can you?

[CoryB]

Section 13.6 on page 66 of the SCCA 2005 rules states:

A. The make and material of brake linings may be changed.
B. Substitution of clutch and brake hydraulic lines with solid metal or braided metal is allowed on all cars manufactured before model year 1992.
C. Alternate brake bleeder fittings such as "Speedbleeders" are permitted. They may serve no other purose(sic).

So it appears that ceramic brake pads should be legal in stock class.

[getfast]

Originally posted by ConicidalCeramic pads last longer, handle heat better, and produce less dust - I don't know if they last TWICE as long, so you'll have to decide if they're worth the extra dinero . . .

Depends on the brand.  I have Akebono Ceramic pads (like the ones Tire Rack sells) on my Grand Cherokee and they don't produce any more dust than stock.  They also stop it very well every time, even when towing.  They were expensive but I would buy (and recommend) them again.

However, the Axxis/PBR Ultimate ceramics I've had on my last three track/autox cars on the other hand... are the dustiest pads I've ever seen in my life.  They stop the hell outta any car up to very extreme temperatures and last a good long time with proper venting/ducting but they definitely make a mess.  Then again, they're the cheapest trackable pads known to man, so I really shouldn't complain.

Hope it helps-

Jon