Hi,

I just tried to make an appointment for this new GM Goodwrench brake special for $74.95 for both new front brake pads installed.

The special includes AC Delco DuraStop ceramic brake pads...

Well, when I originally call to make the appointment, the service guy tells me that the ceramic brake pads might not be able to be used on my car, so he sends me over the the parts guy...

The parts guy (supposedly) calls GM and finds out that the ceramic brake pads can "probably" be used on the the car, but that the OEM brakes are better for stopping.

He said that I would get a quieter and less dust brake pad by going with the ceramic, but would not get as good as braking power with the ceramic.

The ceramics sell for $55 at the dealer, and the OEMs sell for $75 at the dealer...

my dad has ceramics on his 05 buick lesabre and they definatley dont stop as well as oem breaks, but there'* not nearly as much break dust and they dont squeel like the oem ones did.

I put ceramic pads on my car and have way less brake dust, better stopping power and no noise. Someone at GM is trying to sell you more expensive brake parts. If you can't do them yourself, go some place other than a dealer.

I've got Duralast ceramics in the front and they stop fine. They've been on for a year and a half.

Ceramics last longer, are quieter, far less dust, and when you slam on the brakes your face will fly off.

I stopped so quick I bit my own nose when my teeth left my mouth!

Ceramics are a far superior compound than the semi metalics. The material does not cause brake fade when heated up by a sudden stop. instead, it heats up and grabs way better... i have an intresting story about brakes catching on fire on my friends Mustang.... if he would have used ceramics, he would have stopped in time, avoided the ticket and not have to repair a ton of stuff on the car.

So... ceramics hold better when hot, are quieter, dont cause very much dust and therefore, imo, are a far better material brake pad than OEM.
Eric

Hmmm...

Ok, well, I called Firestone to get a quote on replacing the brake pads and was told the exact same thing....

That the original OEM brake pads are better for stopping, but the ceramic pads are quieter and less dusty...

LOL, something is strange here...

not trying to kill the thread

but has anyone upgrade there brakes...

maybe getting 12in brake kit

If you can find a brake kit for the 2002 SSEi, let me know...

They have kits for Grand Ams, Grand Prixs, etc, but nothing for Bonnevilles that I can find....

Seems to be the same with a lot of mods - very few to none for Bonnevilles.....