I searched for an answer (briefly) before posting this. I didn't see a definitive answer.

Which is better - ceramic or semi-metallic?

It's about that time for me - I need to replace at least the fronts.

I looked at O'Reilly's website. They've got some Wagner Thermaquest ceramics or BrakeBest semi-metallics to choose from.

Autozone didn't have anything to choose from.

What Napa's site shows is a little confusing :

"Brake Pads - Front, Metallic Tru-Stop
Usually ships in 24 hours. TS
TS7653M

OE or Back-Serviced w/ Non-Ferrous Ceramic. Recommend CMX7653"

So does this mean the OEM's a semi-metallic or ceramic?

I can't answer your question but I use Brembo slotted rotors and NAPA ceramic pads front and back and they seem to work better and they certainly last longer.

When i had my front brakes replaced (pads and rotors) i asked about ceramic pads and they recomended against them with stock rotors because they are alot harder than the semi-metalic pads and could cause warping, and we all know how many people are having problems with warping rotors with the stock pads. They installed a set of pads by wagner, i think they said they were the SUV pads. They said they have been using them for quite some time and have not had any problems from them.

When i had my front brakes replaced (pads and rotors) i asked about ceramic pads and they recomended against them with stock rotors because they are alot harder than the semi-metalic pads and could cause warping, and we all know how many people are having problems with warping rotors with the stock pads. They installed a set of pads by wagner, i think they said they were the SUV pads. They said they have been using them for quite some time and have not had any problems from them.

never used ceramic, but i am hooked on carbon metalic (auto zone) no brake dust, no brake fade the hotter they get the better they grab. lifetime warranty.

ceramics being harder than the rotor is crap. the reason that ceramics MIGHT have a higher probability of warping a rotor is due to the fact that they have a percentage of ceramic in them. ceramic doesnt transmit heat very well so the heat created between the pad and the rotor doesnt go through the pad, it stays in the rotor which in turn might warp. hitting puddles can cause rotors to warp too if theyre nice and hot. they stop just as good as a semi-metallic pad and the carbon metallic is another one thats pretty much the same too. the no-dust feature on both is pretty good but i have noticed that ceramics have a tendency to squeak a bit more. its up to you, they all stop very well.

ceramics being harder than the rotor is crap. the reason that ceramics MIGHT have a higher probability of warping a rotor is due to the fact that they have a percentage of ceramic in them. ceramic doesnt transmit heat very well so the heat created between the pad and the rotor doesnt go through the pad, it stays in the rotor which in turn might warp. hitting puddles can cause rotors to warp too if theyre nice and hot. they stop just as good as a semi-metallic pad and the carbon metallic is another one thats pretty much the same too. the no-dust feature on both is pretty good but i have noticed that ceramics have a tendency to squeak a bit more. its up to you, they all stop very well.

Ceramic IS harder than steel. That's why many knife sharpeners are made of ceramic. Also, I had a bowling ball with a ceramic core, and the guy at the pro shop didn't realize it. When he went to drill my ball, he said he went thru about 3 drill bits before calling another shop and the guy there (who had about 15 years experience on him) told him that to drill that ball he needed a special bit.

I searched for an answer (briefly) before posting this. I didn't see a definitive answer.

Which is better - ceramic or semi-metallic?

It's about that time for me - I need to replace at least the fronts.

I looked at O'Reilly's website. They've got some Wagner Thermaquest ceramics or BrakeBest semi-metallics to choose from.

Autozone didn't have anything to choose from.

What Napa's site shows is a little confusing :

"Brake Pads - Front, Metallic Tru-Stop
Usually ships in 24 hours. TS
TS7653M

OE or Back-Serviced w/ Non-Ferrous Ceramic. Recommend CMX7653"

So does this mean the OEM's a semi-metallic or ceramic?

Oem should be a ceramic, Akebono is the factory supplier for gm brake pads since they switchs to the silverado body style. Akebono is an expensive pad, but they are very good and they will last a very long time, unless the truck is pulling heavy loads, or up and down steep hills all the time. I am running akebono ceramic pads on my 94 k1500 I really like them, no dusting, no squeaking, and no warping.

Ceramic IS harder than steel. That's why many knife sharpeners are made of steel.


LOL.........so are the sharpeners made of steel or ceramic?

LOL.........so are the sharpeners made of steel or ceramic?

c'mon man, cut me some slack; I didn't have my coffee yet when I wrote that. I have since corrected it to say what I meant.

For what it's worth, I replaced my rear pads w/ carbon metallics and the front w/ ceramics. I've been a CM fan for several years but wanted to try the ceramics - especially to cut down on dust. No dust with either set. I have had a good experience but the ceramics only had a 2yr. warranty unlike the lifetime warranty w/ CM. The rear have been on for 80K to 85K and the front for 60K. 85% of my driving is highway. I haven't had any squeaking problems.