My '97 4.6L is ready for front brake pads. I like to keep a clean truck. The pads on there now are semi-metalic which causes lots of brake dust on the rims. I've seen the ceramic pad advertisements stating "virtually dust free". Really? if so the extra $$s to me would be worth it. Are they really that much cleaner running????

 

Yes, a ceramic pad will be significantly cleaner running, but the trade off is that you generally have to put a little more pedal input into them in order to stop the truck. Basically they are a harder compound and don't grip as well so you have to push on the brake pedal a little harder. It just boils down to what you use the truck for the majority of the time. If you don't do a lot of heavy hauling/towing ceramics may be a good option for you.--DIY

 

Keep that statement in mind when you make your choice.
I had a good set of rotors warp from towing with the ceramics.
If you do tow/haul a lot and want less dust, I like the Carquest "blues".

 

i just put a pair of wagner thermoquiets on. great pad. not much dust and not much brake fade have a nice solid feel to them.

 

Ya'll have talked me into staying away from ceramic. I've read a couple of other threads on this too and am leaning toward the Carquest blues. Haven't made up my mind yet but heading that way. Thanks.

 

Another thing to think about is that on heavier vehicles and vehicles that carry a lot of cargo or tow, you'll almost always crack the pads before they're half-way worn out with ceramic...I think that's from the extra heat build up.

They do have some pads that are formulated with some ceramic and some semi-metallic...not sure if that's a marketing ploy or if that actually does any good. Either way, when I need brake pads, I'm getting Bendix.

 

Makes sense. Harder pad, more wear on rotors, more heat on both. Something to think about. My main concern is every week the fronts are trashed and have to clean. I'm looking for something to run cleaner and reliable.

 

Less brake dust...

 

I hear you on the brake dust...I clean my wheels once a week!

 

Thanks

 

Can't beat the Carquest "blue" semi-metallics, I had their "gold" almost positive ceramics and they were fine, until 10 000 km's. They had alot of dust from the word go, but what killed me was the squeels. Right about then, I had to get rid of them, got another set, same thing, only sooner. I went with the blue pads, never looked back. The Wagner Thermoquiet's or Carquest blue pads are the way to go no matter how you compare. Ask for them by name at your local parts place.

 

Will do. Thanks!