Compound vs. ceramic

Handling, suspension, and brake tuning discussions
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Merzbow
Posts: 4280
Joined: Mon Jul 28, 2003 12:51 pm

Compound vs. ceramic

Post by Merzbow »

I changed my pads for the first time last fall and bought some Bendix compound pads. My dad said they were top of the line back in the day so I figured they still were descent.First of all I didn't have the rotors turned when i did them so there's a nice big lip around the rotors.Second, these compound pads produce so much brake dust, I'll wash my car, go up the street a half mile to the gas station and come home and there will be a film already engulfing my front rims.Third, 90% of the time when I compress the brakes they squeek very loud and obnoxiously. Would this be from the pads or from the un-turned rotors?NOW, I heard ceramic pads produce clear brake dust, is this true? If so I will be going to the store emediately to buy them.Thanks!
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/541918-1999 Infiniti Q45t-2003 base Vibe (Rest in peace my love)-2002 Ducati Monster 620 Dark
2006_Salsa
Posts: 36
Joined: Fri May 12, 2006 9:52 pm

Re: Compound vs. ceramic (Merzbow)

Post by 2006_Salsa »

Ceramic pads are great for no dust ! But they don't help absorb the heat like metalic pads do sooooo..... you start eating rotors !My buddy and I both installed them about the same time on a Ranger & F350 the Ranger rotors warped @ 10K and his F350 @ 8K Had to replace the Ranger's F350 could be turned I figure I can wash more often than replace rotorscheers
Merzbow
Posts: 4280
Joined: Mon Jul 28, 2003 12:51 pm

Re: Compound vs. ceramic (2006_Salsa)

Post by Merzbow »

lol....hmmm. Are there any specific compound pads that DONT produce such a huge amount of brake dust?
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/541918-1999 Infiniti Q45t-2003 base Vibe (Rest in peace my love)-2002 Ducati Monster 620 Dark
Atomb
Posts: 1236
Joined: Mon May 17, 2004 1:17 am

Post by Atomb »

i've got ceramic pads and drilled rotors and i'm coming up to 15,000 km. I don't see any issues with rotor wear and they brake REALLY well....and they've been on since last August and i've have seen literally no dust on my rims!the only thing that annoys me a bit is the sound of the pads on the rotors. has a 'hollow' sound (if that means anything) which is strange to me. but, the radio a little louder solves that problem!
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nismo
Posts: 2068
Joined: Tue Dec 02, 2003 11:01 pm

Re: Compound vs. ceramic (Merzbow)

Post by nismo »

Go with Carbotech bobcat pads. They are amazing pads. Or go with the KVR setup. They make amazing pads as well. KVR makes rotors as well.Inder
2008 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo - Fun stuff under there somewhere 1998 Nissan Sentra - Sold2004 Pontiac Vibe - 107k and SoldCosmo CAI
ricecooker
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Joined: Mon May 29, 2006 6:51 am

Post by ricecooker »

how about their dust? a lot? color?
binary
Posts: 1097
Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2005 5:37 am

Post by binary »

Ceramic pads produce dust, it's just smaller and lighter in color (not clear). It also doesn't stick to stuff as well... so you won't If you're getting noise, and the only thing you swapped out were the pads - you may have a squeal clip not seated correctly, causing vibration (noise). It could also be the uneven rotors wearing down the pad to match.Anywho - it's a good idea to get your rotors turned when you swap warn pads, it's really not that hard or expensive. Why not get 100% of your brake force back?
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