Ceramic brake pads on my pilot?

[zanzarista]

Howdy,
I have searched the archives of hondapilot.org, for information about the use of ceramic pads. I saw one thread that eluded to the Pilot already having ceramic pads in it from the factory, but, even though I'm not from Missouri, I want to know for sure. My 2003, has about 56k and will need brakes soon.
I have read about D3EA certified brakes and have been searching for some that won't break my checkbook. (Consumer reports link http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/c...U=50&source=DG)

I also see a mention in the archives, of folks using Akebono brand of ceramic pads. Visiting the Akebono site doesn't mention the D3EA certification. Raybestos (Certified) makes em as does EBC (certification unknown)
So to get to it,
Are the Honda OEM Brake pads ceramic?
If not, would you share your experience with the ceramic brakes you chose?

Thank you for your response.

[Medic721]

I haven't had to replace the brakes in my pilot yet (only 5800 miles) but I have used Raybestod Ceramic Pads in the past on the 2002 Accord and on my Jeep Cherokee. They were quieter and lasted longer than other non ceramic pads I have tried.

-Mike.

[ctobio]

I was under the impression that ceramic pads have poorer stopping distances when the brakes are cold, and only excel when brake temps are veyr high. Have you measured your stopping distances with and without ceramic pads?

Or are these some sort of "street ceramic"?

[elbert]

Originally posted by zanzarista

Are the Honda OEM Brake pads ceramic?

I don't think they are. My guess is they are some sort of organic or low-metallic-content organic, based on their low heat tolerance.

I wouldn't get EBC (I'm guessing you're looking at the green compound). I can honestly say those are the worst pads I've ever used. Very susceptible to fade, relatively low brake torque (cold or hot), and quite dusty.

[rocky]

I think Pilot brakes are one of the better features unless the roads are damp and you are driving on the gy integrities....

I have to get rid of those tires before the snow falls...

[zanzarista]

Thanks for your replies, I sort of expected more, but it's quality not quantity that counts right?

I wrote to Hondaman as I figured if anyone would know, he would.
He mentioned that the OEM brake material is Semi Metalic.
He also recomended that the rotors be changed to vented ones to adequately dissapate the heat generated.
Thanks for the tips hondaman!
It looks like the next set will be semi-metallic until I hit the lottery.
G'day.

By the way, I'm very happy with the timberline H/T tires. Noise reduction and decent behaviour in snow and wet.

[rcprato]

So if you got 56K from the original front pads and rotors why would you use anything but the OEM Honda parts again? My '03 needed brakes last weekend at 55K and went with OEM rotors and pads so I can go another 55K without any problems. Never once thought the Piolot had a problem stopping on a dime.

[ictvuser]

Originally posted by rcprato
My '03 needed brakes last weekend at 55K and went with OEM rotors and pads so I can go another 55K without any problems. Never once thought the Piolot had a problem stopping on a dime.

Sounds like you replaced your rotors at 55K. Did you replace all four and if so, just curious if there was any problems with the rotors?

[rcprato]

The outside of the rotors was in very good condition but the insides where worn so I thought about having them turned if there was enough metal left because there didn't appear to be any run out since no pulsating in the steering wheel when stopping. I decided to do the front brake job once and do it right so with new Hoda rotoars and pads I shouldn't have to do front brakes for another 55K. Back bracks are still in great condition, expect them to last until around 100K.

[stevetemple]

I recently replaced the pads on my '03 Pilot. Things went well until we began hearing a grinding noise. Initially this only showed up on slow downhill stops, but eventually got louder and showed up at most stops. Finally it got so bad I pulled the wheels and inspected them. Everything still looked great. I sprayed some brake parts cleaner on everything. The noise went away for about 24 hours. It's starting to come back. Any ideas?

[rcprato]

SteveT, did you use Honda brake pads and did you turn or replace your rotors? Years ago on a Ford Taurus I replaced the pads with a after market pad and had all kinds of problems with a grinding feeling/noise coming from the front brakes. The pads had great stopping power but the trade off was a really hard pad that ruined the smooth feeling the OEM pads offered.

[stevetemple]

First of all, thanks very much for the response.

These pads were the same brand I had used on other cars. They come from AutoZone with the unlimited warranty. (I don't know if this qualifies). They are definitely not Honda pads. I know Volvos have been known to have squealing from aftermarket pads, but I hadn't experienced this situation on any of my cars. If Honda pads are the solution, I'd still like to know what makes them different.

[rcprato]

A grinding noise and squelling are two different things with possible different causes. Grinding comes from a hard friction material that is designed for longer wear but you loose that smooth feel you got from the Honda pads. Squelling actually is caused by very high frequency vibration of the pads that creates the squeling you hear. The OEM pads came with the exact same shim plates that the factory pads had. Did your aftermarket pads have the metal shims in the box? Did you clean the area where the pads sit in the caliper holder bracket? I always clean the area where the pad ends go and then place a very small amount of high temp grease on there and wipe off the excess before I set the pads into the bracket. This helps minimize any possible high frequency noise from there.

[stevetemple]

I'm not hearing squealing. The shims are apparently OK. It's the grinding. It got so loud we just felt something bad was going on. As I mentioned earlier, everything seemed fine upon inspection. I guess I'll call AutoZone and ask them what my options are. I can't leave the pads on there and just ignore the grinding. Thanks again.

[iflypilot]

I once had the same problem with my other car after having a shop replace all pads and front rotors. I even took it back to them and they resurfaced the new rotors and sent me on my way. Needless to say, the sound resurfaced. I finally took it upon myself and took out the pads and simply cleaned up everything real good with cleaner and brush and sound went away. You really have to get in between the pistons and calipers real good.