Is there any down side to using semi-metallic front brake pads instead of ceramic pads? Will the semi-metallic pads dust worse? Will they stop better?

After quite an ordeal with a parts store I finally found a set of Raybestos semi-metallic pads that will fit the L (P/N: PGD702M). I didn't realize that they were not ceramics (P/N: PGD702QS) until I got home. Should I return the semi-metallic pads and try to find the ceramics, or will I be ok with what I have?

Thanks!

 

I tried ceramic pads. At 1000 miles, the front rotors were warped. Ceramics stop great, they just generate too much heat (that's what caused the warping). I ended up buying new rotors and using regular semi-metallic pads. No problems since.

 

semi-metallics will make noise. they do dust more but they also do not create as much heat as ceremics and they are cheaper (usually).

Will

 

Ceramics are not performance pads.

Plus, according to Stop Tech, the pulsation was probably just uneven pad deposits.
See here
"With one qualifier, presuming that the hub and wheel flange are flat and in good condition and that the wheel bolts or hat mounting hardware is in good condition, installed correctly and tightened uniformly and in the correct order to the recommended torque specification, in more than 40 years of professional racing, including the Shelby/Ford GT 40s – one of the most intense brake development program in history - I have never seen a warped brake disc. . . .

In fact every case of "warped brake disc" that I have investigated, whether on a racing car or a street car, has turned out to be friction pad material transferred unevenly to the surface of the disc. . . ."

 

I sell these for a living so here are my takes from my experiences and others:

Semi Metallics: Great pads, not too much dust, little noise occasionally (nothing disc brake quiet on the backs of the pads won't cure), very good ware

Ceramics: These are the only ones I havn't used. They stop well and have little to no brake dust although, like cercuker explained, they can warp rotors due to their heat. No repeated hard stopping with these...

Fully Metallics: My favorite of the three. Best stopping power, NO brake dust, no noise(I still use disc brake quiet ). They cost about the same as Ceramics and usually have a lifetime guarantee(once they wear out, bring 'em to the parts store for your new set). They will wear rotors out fast than the semi metallics due to the more aggressive stopping power

 

Thanks for the replies... I think I will stick with the semi-metallics for now...