front pads

[Ed Fenwick]

I want to replace the front pads in Feb or March but there are soo many to choose from! What is the difference between ceramic and semi-metallic? So many brands to choose from. Are they all good? I drive like an old man so no drifting anymore. 2002 2wd 162K miles.

 

[DILLARD000]

Id go with CeramicPads, little more expensive, but last longer,
don't squeel as much, & don't get as much brake dust on your shiny alloy wheels.
Be sure to get new mounting clips & use some grease on those to keep them quiet.

 

[blert]

Semi-metallic: better stopping, can be noisy, lots of dust. If you tow stuff or consistently carry heavy stuff in the bed get these.

Ceramic: good stopping, quiet, clean. Get these for a daily driver, grocery getter, kid dropper-offer, point AtoB truck.

I used the Raybestos hybrids: part semi-metalic, part ceramic. Quiet, reliable, clean, no complaints.

Don't skimp on brake parts but you don't have to go crazy either, go with a brand that has some recognition. Ask yourself... should I trust my life to a set of $10 brake pads?

 

[bk10s]

I've had good luck with the Wagner Thermo Quiet brake pads and Bosch Rotors on my 2002 Sport Trac and our daughter's 2004 Honda CRV.

 

[Todd Z]

Akibono and never look back...

 

[swshawaii]

@Todd Z

I'm using Wagner Severe Duty Semi Metallic (SX833B) that you recommended many years ago and have been very pleased with them. Apparently they are no longer available and I can't find anything comparable from Wagner. Tried two sets of their QC833B ceramics and both failed from cracking. Strange thing is I don't tow and am very easy on brakes. Searched for Akebono front pads, but didn't find anything with the "B" suffix. Is the difference without the "B" steel vs. ceramic caliper pistons with smaller bores? Any advice greatly appreciated. TIA

 

[Todd Z]

The back is the smaller issue, Not the fronts...

 

[swshawaii]

@Todd Z

Thanks. Any idea what the difference is between 833 and 833B? Akebono only shows ASP833 (w/o B) TIA

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,2005,explorer+sport+trac,4.0l+v6,1430691,brake+&+wheel+hub,brake+pad,1684

 

[Phil Frady]

@Todd Z

Thanks. Any idea what the difference is between 833 and 833B? Akebono only shows ASP833 (w/o B) TIA

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,2005,explorer+sport+trac,4.0l+v6,1430691,brake+&+wheel+hub,brake+pad,1684

I think the 833 relates to the pad shape. The letters before and after that number are designations from the manufacturer as it relates to how they are made, semi-metallic, ceramic, or carbon.

 

[blert]

...
Thanks. Any idea what the difference is between 833 and 833B? Akebono only shows ASP833 (w/o B) TIA
...

The PN(a/b), PN(null/a), etc... will likely refer to the caliper piston type being phenolic or steel. The clips are different as the phenolic pistons are smaller diameter.

 

[swshawaii]

Thanks guys. I believe 2001-05 front calipers all have dual phenolic pistons. Probably best to remove pads from one side and visit my local auto parts store to compare. Always prefer supporting "local" business, but the price differential makes it difficult to do. Amazon @ $28.13 vs. O'Reilly @ $78.99

https://www.amazon.com/Raybestos-SP833TRH-Specialty-Truck-Brake/dp/B01LZ5ZVKR

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/speciality-truck-medium-duty/brakes/brake-pads---shoes/brake-pads/a99314144bb6/raybestos-speciality-truck-medium-duty-semi-metallic-front-brake-pads/rbs2/sp833trh/v/a/18632/automotive-suv-2005-ford-explorer-sport-trac?pos=4