What is the material of brake pads?
3 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 moving vehicle into heat energy after friction, thereby stopping the vehicle.
Last time I changed my brake pads, I specifically researched the material options. Currently, there are four mainstream types: Semi-metallic pads are the most affordable, containing 30%-60% metal powder. They dissipate heat quickly but tend to wear rotors faster, and many budget cars come with these from factory. Ceramic pads are quite popular, blending ceramic fibers with copper strands. They're quieter than metallic pads and produce less dust, making them a favorite for mid-range vehicles. Organic pads were the early mainstream choice, made from compressed resin and fiberglass. They provide linear braking but suffer from quick heat fade. My car enthusiast friends often opt for high-carbon formulations, which add carbon fiber to metallic materials. These can withstand temperatures above 700°C, making them suitable for mountain runs and track days, though they're more expensive. Brake pad thickness monitoring is also crucial - I recommend checking every 20,000 kilometers.
I remember when I first started tinkering with cars, I was always confused by brake pad materials. Nowadays, ceramic composite pads are common, blending ceramic fibers with metal powders—they offer stable braking distances without damaging rotors, though they might squeak slightly when cold in winter. The repair shop owner mentioned that German cars prefer low-metallic pads, which contain more copper for better heat dissipation but tend to produce black dust. For my motorcycle, I use sintered metal pads, made from copper-iron alloy pressed under high temperature—they give a solid sense of security during hard braking. Material differences greatly affect pedal feel: organic pads are soft initially, ceramic ones offer linear performance, while high-carbon pads respond immediately. Never cheap out on low-quality pads—last year, a friend used a dusty set that ruined his calipers.
