Initial review: Bendix CT-3 pads and Street HP rotors
 

Scored a set of Bendix CT-3 ceramic brake pads and Bendix Street HP premium drilled / slotted rotors for the 1998 LeSabre:
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(See this thread for details of how and why I got them, when I was going to move away from ceramic pads:)
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...er=asc&start=0

Here is one of my old rotors, Bendix 141868 "Made in USA" rotors, after nine months on Raybestos PDG623QS "Quiet Stop" ceramic pads:
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The full shot shows that there are "high spots" all around this warped rotor. In the closeups you can (maybe) see that these high spots show numerous surface cracks / fractures. This was making the car shake like mad when braking at between about 65 and 45 mph.

Here's the 9 month old Quiet Stop pads:
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The pads are all cracked up, too. Did the pads ruin the rotor? Or vice versa? Did I get a bad batch of pads? Are Quiet Stop pads just crap? The other side's QS pads were cracked too, but that Bendix rotor was OK. Did I get one bad Bendix rotor? It is a mystery.

(Note, the ring on the center of the inboard pad is where I pressed the piston in with a clamp while changing pads)

Anyway, installed the new stuff:
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Bled the brakes, bedded the pads.

All I can say is, WOW!!! The stopping power on these CT-3 pads with these Street HP rotors is just incredible. The lightest touch on the brake pedal, and the grab literally launches me forward in my seat. Never had any car this big that braked like this.

Zipping down the freeway today with wife and girls in the car, I came to a sudden traffic slowdown and applied what I had come to consider a "normal" amount of braking force with my foot...all of them were wondering why the heck I "slammed on the brakes like that." :lol:

These brakes are virtually noiseless, too. I will update after awhile on how much dustiness I get.

I just hope these ceramic pads and rotors hold up in the long-term better than my last ones. If these fail prematurely, I'm off ceramics for good.

I'll be watching your updates with interest.