Ok - This may be a dumb question, but what's the deal with ceramic brake pads? I've read about the construction, theory, and benefits of ceramic pads but I can't seem to find a straight answer about using them in towing applications.

During the summer (and anytime I can before or after) I tow a 2500 lb pop-up camper with my 1500 Quad Cab and want to make sure that I'm using the best braking material for the situation. I want to balance component life with safety and reliability. Any suggestions?

David Pershing

 

Ok, here is what I know about the ceramic pads, way more expensive, significantly less brake dust, supposed to last longer. I have installed a set on my wife's Neon ( I have the Hemi Quad....) and so far the brakes are very good and it seems to be doing what it supposed to do. I don't notice any brake dust what so ever and the brakes stop very well. It cost me about $300.00 cdn including the rotors.

 

Just an update:

Replaced the front rotors with replacement units from NAPA ($35 each) and installed the ceramic pads ($43 from AutoZone). Braking is once again smooth as silk and the ceramic pads really do stop better than the originals. In fact, it took me a bit before I got used to them.

I'll let you know how they hold up under a load in the future.

David

 

David,
Thanks for the info, been wondering if they would be worth the money. I just got a boat and I am wondering how well they will hold up to the weight. It sounds as though they should work well for that application.

 

That was my concern too, so I called the Summitt Racing Techline and discussed the issue with one of their techs. He said that if I was keeping the factory rotors that the semi-mets would be better, but since I was using aftermarket rotors the ceramic pads would hold up just fine.

If you are looking for standard replacement rotors, the NAPA units were inexpensive AND made in the good old USA.

Good Luck
David