Finally had the Dex flushed from the car today by a local shop. While waiting for the job to be completed, I asked the owner of the shop, who I have done business with for many years, and I know to be an honest guy, what he thought of ceramic brake pads. He stated he was putting them on vehicles for awhile, but doesn't do it any longer because they heat up and warp the rotors far more that standard pads. Ha anyone had this experience? I would like to hear thoughts or comments on this. Thanks.

When I was a Service Manager which they now call advisors) for Firestone. It was know that Ceramic Pads lasted a looooong time due to the fact that the material added to the pads were of stronger material which in turn made them last twice if not longer then the lower priced, lower quality, (depending on your opinion) pads. The problem with these ceramic pads is that since they were of stronger or harder material, they would create more heat on the rotors. If your rotors were of premium quality, they usually stood up to these pads if they were replaced by lesser quality rotors or you were in the habit of stopping quickly on a regular basis. These pads would eventually heat up the rotors or glaze the pads to the point where the rotors would warp or the pads would not be as efficient. We also found that the heavier the car, the more often this occurred.

Don't know if anything has changed since then.

I will never give up ceramics. Haven't had a problem with warping either.

Ceramic pads on OEM quality (or lower) front rotors may very well warp them. Use the ceramics with quality performance and hardened rotors.

Many factors play into it though. Uneven front wheel lug torque, rear brakes not doing their share of the braking, sticking calipers, etc.

I agree with Will in that there was a memo sent out to Tire Shop'* long time ago stating that if lug nuts were not torqued to spec, this may cause rotors to warp, especially with aluminum rims. I believe the standard for Bonnie'* are around 100 ft Ibs. Correct me if I'm wrong.

100 ft/lbs is correct on wheel torque. Torquing in stages to 80, 90, then 100, is a good idea as well.

I have Bendix rotors w/ Bendix ceramic pads. Wheels are torqued properly, and I have new calipers and brake hoses. I'm very pleased.

What'* the going price for quality ceramic pads in the US of A? And yes Benidix is a good brand.

I got my Bendix pads for $70. Rotors were $57 ea. Not bad IMO. Considering I got cheapy $23 semi-metallics and they were gone in 6 months of normal driving.

I went the route of ceramics and bendix rotors... Pretty evil to my brakes and they have not warped or caused any issues yet.

Now..keep in mind..I bought the $50 each rotors..not the $10 each rotors. Had I bought the $10 ones..they'd be warped.

Let me find the pictures and thread I tossed up here.

You can tell which one is the $10 special right?

Holly Cow, the pads were $70. I 'd have thought they were a bit cheaper.