Brake Pads

Since my inspection is up this month, I thought I'd check the brakes on my 99 Windstar and see if I could avoid having the dealer tell me that I needed brakes before I could get a sticker. I saw that they were pretty worn; so I pulled the calipers and replaced the pads with a pair of ceramic pads from NAPA. The old pads were semi-metallic.

What a difference those pads make! The brakes feel better than they did when I drove it off the lot. There is no sponginess at all - it's as though I can feel the pads contact the rotors right through the brake pedal so I get total responsiveness from the brakes. I tried them on solid ice, and I can feel enough to stop the car without kicking the ABS system on.

Just thought people would be interested. Another reason to not go to the dealer for service. I don't think they can put ceramic pads on since they aren't OEM.

Yep. Ceramic pads are definately the way to go! no fade, spongyness, or black dust on your wheels & they last a LONG time. They do eat into your rotors a bit faster than carbon/metallic's, but do so nice & evenly.
Joel

Hmmm, I'm gonna also try those Ceramics. The rotors are quick to warp as it is so I wouldn't mind the increased wear.

Actually, it's just the opposite for rotor wear. Ceramic compounds are softer and do not wear the rotors as quickly. Ther are several articles on this, and all the major manufacturers of cermic pads make this claim - Bendix, Raybestos, etc. Here is one article about ceramics and rotor wear:

http://onestopundercar.net/page.asp?c=CeramicPads

Good find! I was not aware of that. It's probably the third world rotors I've been getting. :banghead: . It's tough to (easily) get a quality rotor these days.
Joel

I second the ceramic argument. I've used Reybestos quiet stop on the front of my '96 with very fine results. Not cheap, around $70, but well worth it for smooth, quiet braking and minimal dust. Be sure and replace/turn the rotors before installing them.

Yep. Ceramic pads are definately the way to go! no fade, spongyness, or black dust on your wheels & they last a LONG time. They do eat into your rotors a bit faster than carbon/metallic's, but do so nice & evenly.

I agree.