If anyone has either of these pads let me know what you think

As far as I know, ceramics work better when they've warmed up. I don't do a lot of city driving.

The semi metallic are $5 cheaper, but create a little more brake dust.

Both have a lifetime warranty, and I'm getting new rotors at the same time

Let me know advantages and disadvantages of both

 

I've used both on my ranger and stock 97 exploder.I prefer the ceramics over the semi metallic.
The ceramics stop shorter hot or cold,much less brake dust on wheels, work better when hot, and seem to wear out the rotors quicker because the pads are more abrasive.
The semi metallic generate more brake dust on wheels. I have noticed some brake fade when the semi metallics get hot,and the rotors last longer.
Thats my experience with both.

 

How is the amount of brake dust compared to cheapo pads?

The ceramic's I have don't stop well when its cold. But that might just be because they're not "good" ceramic pads.

I want my rotors to last a long time. Wagner pads are rated between 30K and 50K, so I want the rotors to last just as longer or longer.

 

The ceramics have about 1/3rd less dust than the semi metallics.

As for ceramics wearing out the rotors quicker I mean 3 or 4 sets of pad before they have to be replaced. Semi metallic 5 or 6 sets of pad before they have to be replaced.

If you tring to improve your stopping distance look into a set of crossdrilled rotor I'm running power stops crossdrilled rotors with semi metalics stops a good 20' shorter than stock rotors and pads.

 

I would like to improve stopping distance, but I can't spend a ton of money on brakes.

It would be nice to be able to stop sooner.

How much did you spend on the rotors?

 

Mine were $70 each at summit.

 

They don't have any for my truck that cheap. damn

 

I bought some raybestos premium rotors and the ceramic thermos. I have almost no brake dust! (what dust I do have is very light gray) that alone was well worth it.

I was cleaning my wheels almost daily before the ceramics.

I wouldn't bother with sloted or drilled... they really don't do much of anything for our trucks except for take away valuable friction area. they are also more prone to cracking. many manufactures will tell you that they are for appearances only.

try to spring for a "premium" solid rotor if you can. (their usually last long and less prone to warping) and if you want less dust and a bit quicker stop then get the ceramics.

 

I think I'm going with the Centric premium rotor, they've got great reviews

I'm just afraid I'm gonna end up with the same problem that I've got with my current ceramics.

I know ceramics are great for low brake dust, but have you noticed them not stopping well in the mornings or when they're cold?

That's been my issue with the ceramic pads, every morning when I leave for work and back out the driveway I can barely stop, once they've warmed up, they stop great

 

Are you sure that not just an issue with some air in the lines?
I would make sure your lines are completely bled, and inspect your drums\shoes before you rule out the front pads.

they really shouldn't act any differently if there is no air in the lines..

a air bubble could make it feel weak in the mornings after cooling down all night. the pad would have to then warm up enough to produce good friction, to make up for the lesser amount of pressure being applied to it.

 

Well the mechanic who checked it said the brake travel seemed fine and the pedal response was good. Once we got driving around the brakes were sticking better. ( It was a free test, I didn't want to pay to have him go through the whole thing)

Could it be that the pads are reaching the end of their life and that's why they're not stopping well?

I have noticed I've been getting brake dust on my wheels in the last couple weeks.

 

Its possible. but I think you should try to eliminate the cheapest causes first.
I know Ive pulled some perfectly good pads off in the past only to find out it was something else. like a caliper slide that wasnt lubed or air in the lines, or brake shoes that needed adjusted.

 

Thanks for the help, I'll check that stuff tomorrow.

The rotors do need to be replaced though, they've got some distinct grooves.

I think I will go with the Wagner ceramics if I need new ones.

 

If anyone else has had experience with either of these pads let me know.

 

I have Wagners on all 4 corners of my truck. Decent pad for the price. Long life. Alot less dusting than stock and not tooo much brake fade. Overall they are my go to brake pad right now.

 

Which ones do you have semi metallic or ceramic?

 

All are semi metallic.

 

i had a set, i think they were the semi-metalic, stoped good but they squeked from the day i put them on

 

thats odd ive never heard a peep from mine in the 30k they have been on my truck.

 

You can get ceramic, I just called a shop.

 

ya i thought i had ceramics on the front. but I checked the box and they were semis on mine.

 

yep i got tired of them and swithed to another brand before they got about halfway worn out, i drive a lot and have gone through 5 to 6 sets of pads in the three and a half years ive had the truck, the set that was on the truck when i got it and the thermoqueit were the only sets that always chirped like a bird when stopping

 

I got the wagner ceramics for the front about 3 months ago and they are great, so I just bought a pair for the back today

 

you and your 4 wheel disc get out of here lol

That's my next big upgrade mustang rear disc