What is the material of brake pads?
4 Answers
The materials of brake pads are: 1. Asbestos, cellulose, sintered glass; 2. Carbon fiber friction material; 3. Powder metallurgy friction material; 4. Semi-metallic friction material. Brake pad replacement method: 1. Open the engine compartment to check the brake fluid level to prevent overflow during replacement; 2. Remove the wheel where the brake is located; 3. Remove the bolts of the brake caliper and take out the brake pads; 4. Install new brake pads, tighten the guide bolts, and complete the replacement. The working principle of brake pads is to use the friction between the brake pads and the brake drum, as well as between the tires and the ground, to convert the kinetic energy of the vehicle into heat energy after friction, thereby stopping the car.
I've been driving for twenty years and have encountered various brake pad materials, with the most common being metallic, organic, and ceramic pads. Metallic ones mix steel fibers and such, providing strong braking power and excellent wear resistance, but they sometimes squeak and can be a bit harsh on rotors, plus they might rust in winter. Organic materials are eco-friendly, quiet, and offer smooth braking, though they wear out faster—fine for city driving but less ideal for long highway trips. Ceramic materials are now mainstream in high-end models, delivering smooth braking with minimal noise and less dust to keep wheels cleaner. Material choice depends on driving habits: opt for metallic if you enjoy aggressive driving with frequent hard stops, organic for daily economical commutes, and ceramic for comfort and cleanliness. Also, never skimp on quality—cheap, inferior pads compromise stopping distance and increase accident risks. Always get OEM-matched replacements from reputable shops for reliability.
As a car enthusiast, I find brake pad materials quite fascinating, typically categorized into semi-metallic, non-asbestos organic (NAO), and ceramic types. Semi-metallic pads contain iron fibers and high-carbon steel internally, offering high friction coefficients and quick braking response, making them suitable for racing or high-load driving. However, their drawbacks include being prone to noise generation, accelerating rotor wear, producing more dust, and being less environmentally friendly. Non-asbestos organic materials are based on resin mixed with fibers, providing smooth braking, low noise, minimal dust, and reduced environmental impact, making them comfortable for daily driving. However, their wear resistance is average, and they degrade quickly under high temperatures. Ceramic materials, utilizing advanced synthetic silicon compound technology, excel in heat dissipation, offer stable braking with almost no noise, produce very little dust, and protect tires. Although more expensive initially, they offer high cost-effectiveness in the long run. When selecting materials, it's essential to consider your vehicle type and driving scenarios, test-driving to experience different combinations, and never overlook regular thickness inspections to avoid potential hazards.
I have been following automotive technology for many years, and there has been significant innovation in brake pad materials, from the phase-out of old asbestos to modern metal-organic ceramics. Metal types are durable but noisy, organic types are quiet and environmentally friendly but wear out quickly, while ceramic variants offer premium overall performance with stable friction and minimal vibration. Matching the vehicle's condition is crucial—don't replace them blindly.
