Saab NINES Articles

Ceramic Brake Pad Update

In the NINES #256 issue, (March/April 2002), I wrote about the comparison of ceramic semi-metallic and non-asbestos organic brake pads. The supply of ceramic products that I thought would include Saab has just recently arrived on the market. We had expected ceramics to be on the market by late 2002 but the wait has been worthwhile. We have been installing them for several months.

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Ceramic pads now account for over 40% of the market on OEM’s and 9% of the replacement market in 2003 and 18% is expected by 2007 in this country. With the increase in popularity come many more players in the market. AKEBONO is the leading supplier of ceramic pads and has expressed concern about the type and quality of products that have now appeared in the market. There is no agreed formula as to what constitutes a ceramic pad. Many of the products now on the market that are called ceramic could also be called low-metallic, semi-metallic or carbon metallic. AKEBONO on the other hand, uses a unique formula of 20 raw materials to formulate pads for individual brands of cars. All of this is to be sure that NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) is controlled. The ceramic particle size, distribution, shape, hardness, and thermal characteristics are scientifically formulated. Each pad has scientifically engineered chamfers and slots applied to help with the NVH.

Pad wear is considerably improved over the semi-metallic. (See chart) AKEBONO says most drivers’ brake pad temperatures do not go over 482 degrees. At this temperature the ceramics wear less and consequently have less dusting on the wheels. Because of the unique shape of the ceramic particles in the AKEBONO pads they are less abrasive to the rotors while still providing excellent braking power. (See chart). AKEBONO’s test says that 80% less rotor wear occurs with their ceramic formulation which increases brake rotor life to as much as 400%. In NINES #256, I wrote that the ceramics could become the choice pad for performance cars. That hasn’t happened yet. Brake temperatures approaching 600+ degrees can occur and the true ceramic pads that I am aware of are not made to work at those temperatures.

The pictures shown are of our 2001 Aero wagon. You can see the dirty front wheel (drenched in brake dust) and a cleaner rear wheel. These wheels were new 8500 miles ago and have been cleaned several times during that period. This car is on its second set of brake pads (original and a replacement set of semi-metallic). The rotors shown are with 68,000 miles and are below the minimum thickness--so they required replacement. As you can see in one of the pictures, the brake pads had about 50% left on them (I just hate all that black dust on my wheels!) It is typical on 9/5s to replace the rotors on the second set of pads. Many times resurfacing the original rotors are okay after the first set of pads providing the rotors are thick enough. The remainder of the pictures show some of the practices that we use when doing a brake job.

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The additional cost of the AKEBONO pads is a small price to pay for cleaner wheels, and longer pad and rotor life. Saab list price on 9/5 rotors is $116 ea and brake pads are $104 per set. AKEBONO Ceramic pads should be less than $120 for any Saab application. If you drive your Saab for a period of time you should see substantial savings!

AKEBONO has a great product and we use it. There are other brands that may be as good or even better. I would make them prove it. If you are interested, AKEBONO has lots of information on the website. www.akebonobrakes.com

I will pull the wheels and report on the rotor and pad wear and dusting at regular intervals. In the meantime, I would suggest that you specify ceramic pads for all available replacements. I think you will be as impressed as we are with the results.