ltooz_a6_a8_q7

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/61809/a8.jpg"></center><p>Hello all,
What's the difference between the Ceramic and Metallic brake pads?

ryoung

Since a brake pad can contain 200 or more different compounds (see link), "ceramic" or "metallic" probably just refers to what is the largest single component. And since there are many different metals and ceramics used in brake pads, that's no help.

You can't even make any generalizations on performance. Pagid's street and light duty track pads are semi-metallic, and their max performance racing pads are ceramic. The exact opposite is true of SBS pads!

Perhaps the only thing that can be said with reasonable certainty is that metals are better conductors of heat than ceramics. As a result, a ceramic pad is less likely to transfer some of the extreme heat at the pad/rotor interface thru the pad and into the caliper and brake fluid. As a result, brakes with ceramic pads may be less likely to experience fade from boiling brake fluid.<ul><li><a href="http://www.pagidusa.com/organicmaterials.htm">Pad Composition</a></li></ul>

ltooz_a6_a8_q7

WOW. thanks Randy... Very informative!!!!!

BongoCruiser

Ever since I had the pads replaced they squeal every time I brake. I can ride the brake for half a mile and they will squeal the whole time. I'm embarrassed to take passengers. Did I buy the wrong kind of pads?

nanohead

There are ways to deal with this that actually work most of the time. There are anti squeal compounds that you apply to the back of the pad plate, and it acts as a vibration damper and buffer. Lots of companies make this stuff. I've used it on many cars in the past, and it usually has some effect.

You basically paint the back of the pad, and then install it as usual after the glop dries.

This usually occurs due to very small mis alignments that occur between caliper/pad and rotor. ALthough it can occur because of pad design and compound.

I've also filed off the sharp edges of pads on the leading edge of the pad before and this has eliminated the squeal, but this is hit or miss.

ltooz_a6_a8_q7

What kind of pads did you replaced?

JimR

Pretty much the case on any post Randy makes, especially on the topic of brakes.

Jkay

BC: If you bought "street/strip" pads, then they will squeal. This kind of pad is meant to endure the heat of extreme braking, and the compounds in them have to heat up before they bite to their full potential.

What brand and type did you buy?

mission

I originally installed the metals, but after 200 miles, they started to squeal badly. EAS agreed to refund my purchase so I upgraded to PBR Ceramics. No problems yet. I have my fingers crossed.

JimR

The PBR ceramics I got from ECS are what have cooled me off, for now, on getting a brake upgrade.