Ceramic brake pads are high performance and generally perform well in wear patterns, heat generation, and noise. Different formulations offer different characteristics, but they tend to be more expensive than organic and semi-metallic pads. Proper lubrication and shim installation can also affect brake performance.
Ceramic brake pads are typically used to help stop motion in a variety of different vehicles. This is usually accomplished by using a hydraulic caliper to pinch a metal rotor between the pads. Various materials have been used to make brake pads, including organic and semi-metallic components. Braking characteristics such as wear patterns, heat generation, and noise can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, although ceramic generally performs well in each category. Ceramic brake pads can be considered high performance and can be priced accordingly.
Several different factors can be considered when choosing a brake pad material. Semi-metallic pads can tend to wear slowly, though they can create excess noise and heat that can warp brake rotors or even cause them to wear prematurely. Organic brake pads may be quieter, but they often tend to wear out quickly and create a lot of dust. Asbestos may offer superior braking qualities, although pads using potentially hazardous materials may be prohibited in some places. Ceramic generally offers good noise suppression, dissipates heat well, and doesn’t wear out quickly.
Although many brake pad manufacturers offer a ceramic product, each may use a different formulation. Some companies also offer multiple different ceramic options, each with their own characteristics. Different ceramic brake pad formulations may offer different levels of dustiness, fade resistance, or heat dissipation. Other performance brake pads may make use of components such as aramid fibers, which can add additional heat resistance to the mix.
The different types of material commonly used to create brake pads can sometimes be associated with different price ranges. Those made from organic and semi-metallic ingredients are often less expensive than pads made from ceramic. Brake pad manufacturers often have multiple product lines, each offering a different pad material and pricing structure. Ceramic brake pads are often in the higher end range, due to the higher level of performance associated with them.
Although ceramic brake pads can offer good noise reduction, there are other factors that can affect brake performance. Proper lubrication and shim installation can also reduce noise. Even expensive ceramic brake pads can squeal if there is a poorly lubricated or improperly installed shim. Excessive brake wear can also be the result of a poorly lubricated or malfunctioning caliper. Although ceramic brake pads can offer good wear characteristics, a stuck caliper piston can shorten their operating life.
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