What materials are used for brake pads?
3 Answers
Brake pad materials: Asbestos-type brake pads. Below is relevant information: 1. Semi-metallic friction materials: Used in disc brake pads for passenger cars and heavy-duty vehicles. Their material composition typically contains 30% to 50% ferrous metal content (such as steel fibers, reduced iron powder, and foamed iron powder). 2. NAO friction materials: Broadly refers to non-asbestos, non-steel fiber friction materials, though current disc pads may contain small amounts of steel fibers. The base materials in NAO friction materials are most often mixtures of two or more types of fibers.
When it comes to brake pad materials, I often discuss this with car owner friends. Currently, there are mainly three types on the market: semi-metallic, ceramic, and organic. Semi-metallic pads are mixed with metal powders like copper and iron, making them quite hard and durable, but they tend to produce screeching noises and black dust. Ceramic pads are much more advanced, made from ceramic fibers and synthetic materials. They are quiet and comfortable, produce almost no dust, and can better withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for drivers who frequently take long trips or prioritize driving experience. Organic pads are cheaper, using materials like carbon and rubber. They feel smooth when new but wear out quickly and require frequent replacements. If your wheel hubs feel hot after parking, it indicates heavy braking loads. It's best to regularly check the pad thickness and not wait until they start squeaking to replace them—safety first!
Brake pads may seem small, but their materials are quite sophisticated. Semi-metallic pads are commonly used in regular family cars, primarily composed of steel wool, iron powder, and copper fibers, offering good heat dissipation and strong wear resistance. Ceramic brake pads are more expensive, mainly made of ceramic fibers mixed with aluminum oxide, excelling in high-temperature performance—especially during mountain driving with frequent turns—where they resist heat fade and don't corrode rotors like metal pads. Organic materials are simpler, blending rubber, fiberglass, and asbestos for a softer pedal feel but with temperature sensitivity. Choosing the right material depends on driving habits: for city driving, ceramic pads paired with vented rotors are less prone to squealing.
