Brake pads?

[Muzzy]

I'm looking to change my brake pads just wondering what peoples opinions are? Semi-Metallic, Organic, Low-Metallic or Ceramic.
And Part Numbers would be great.
Muzzy

[marsgal42]

Part numbers: wiki.

Pad type: this is a safety-critical component in a heavy vehicle. This is not the time to go cheap.

People sometimes complain that the stock brakes are anemic, but I can bottom Gumdrop's front suspension and chirp the tires if I stand on the brakes (they are not over-assisted, which may be part of the perception), so I'm not sure I need (or can use) much more. The dual-piston L400/Pajero calipers give better brake feel and modulation. I'd like to compare them some time.

...laura

[Muzzy]

I don't mind shelling out the $$ for good pads. Just wondering what people think about the different type out there. Pro's and con's about them.

[Golf Cart]

I picked up a set of pads off Mardy he recommended. $45

CVI would be another one to talk too. I know Butch has a "Go Really Fast" background and I would think he eventually got around to "Stop Really Fast" too!

[mararmeisto]

The vans were probably sourced with "semi-metalic" pads, given their age (too new for organic). Most vehicles of this era can be upgraded to "ceramic" pads which give a couple of things: better braking power, less brake dust (which can interfere with braking performance), and better heat dissipation (some of the heat is dissipated from the pad and not wholly from the disk/drum).

I changed the front brakes to the GenII Montero/Pajero two-piston-and-bigger-pads setup, and the ceramic pads, mostly because of the towing I do. I noticed an increase of what I call 'grab-and-hold' over the original fit, but it is not necessary. And considering these vans probably wouldn't fare well in the "Go Really Fast" category, having a wicked set of super brakes isn't much of a necessity.

That being said, I agree with marsgal42: having a good set of brakes is important. Being 4WD means you can go lots of places others can't, or through stuff others can't, but the vehicle still only has brakes designed for a two-tonne vehicle, and if they're not up to snuff...

Don't cheap out on your brakes.

[jessef]

I use Raybestos Professional Grade Ceramic Brake Pads

Pro's
- better braking power
- less brake dust
- better heat dissipation
- better grip when wet/cold

Con's
- higher pad to rotor surface wear

And I'll repeat the safety. Don't cheap out on your brakes. These front heavy pigs absolutely need good brakes to stop safely.

And there is a big difference between brake pads that is actually noticeable when braking.