Thread: Ceramic brake pads -anyone using them?

A few guys use them on their D3/4's and swear by them, i will probably give them a go when the time comes on my D3.

I’m using Repco ThermoQuiet pads front and rear, the RCT range is their new version. Standard rear rotors and DBA T2 front rotors.

No issues for me with braking, they do seem to work better as they warm up, and virtually no visible dust on silver rims.

Originally Posted by onebob

2 years ago I replaced rotors and pads on my D2 and back then chose Bendix 4WD / SUV pads and I have never been happy with them. They just don’t pull up 1/2 as well as those they replaced and contribute to frequent scary moments when driving in stop start commuter traffic when you need to pull up urgently - oh ****e, will it stop in time

I too run the Bendix 4WD/SUV brake pads and dislike them. They're ok when warm but when cold I can completely relate to what you've said.

I've heard good things about the Repco RCT pads. I fitted a set to my Mothers Hyundai a week ago and no issues, but she is easy on the brakes.

In the past I have used the TRW ceramic pads on my ute and once bedded in are fantastic. They also take the heat better and that was noticed instantly when driving a road which would normally produce a bit of brake fade.

Thanks for the replies - I wasn’t able to do the work last weekend because my part of Gippsland was pelted with hailstones and squally winds for 36 hours from Friday night to Sunday arvo and I have no cover to allow work an my vehicles in bad weather. Should get to it next weekend I hope

The weather gods were kind this weekend and I was able to complete some necessary tasks on the D2. Got Td5 engine oil and filters done, ZF auto trans fluid and filter done, fuel filter changed, tyre rotation done and Ceramic disc brake pads are installed....

Got to say that I'm well pleased with the improvement in braking efficiency of the REPCO RCT pads even when cold.

Originally Posted by onebob

.....

Got to say that I'm well pleased with the improvement in braking efficiency of the REPCO RCT pads even when cold.

I just installed my set too, and have to agree with Bob's assessment.
I got my set maybe over a year ago(can't find receipt now too), but still had plenty of pad on what my D1 had when I got it.
So left them in till they needed replacement.
I've never been too worried about how much pedal force was needed to stop the D1(non vented too), but a few times in a hard braking situation it has needed a LOT of leg power to pull 'er up.
I'm always gentle on brakes too.
But the test drive this morning on the RCTs are a world of difference to the TRW pads installed by the previous owner.
So much so, the very gentle braking I normally do for a few daily driven intersections near home, I was pulling up way too short, so had to lift off .... an already gentle application.

I remember paying something like 60 and maybe 50 or so front and rear respectively at Repco, as said earlier maybe more than a year ago. So not overly expensive.
Hoping they don't wear the rotors out too quickly .. I don't really care if the actual pads wear out more quickly tho.

Definitely recommend RCTs over TRW pads in terms of bite and feel on a D1.