Unpopular opinion: ceramic pads ain't worth the hype for a daily driver

I put a set of Akebono ceramics on my '14 F-150 last spring and they've been nothing but squeaky ever since. The stopping power is fine but every time I roll up to a stop sign in downtown Spokane, people turn their heads like I'm dragging a cat under the truck. I'm going back to semi-metallics next time, they stop better when wet and don't make me look like a clown. Anyone else ditch ceramics for old school pads?

2 comments

2 Comments

stellas563h ago

Ngl, I feel your pain on that one. Put ceramics on my old Tacoma and they never stopped squeaking no matter how many times I bedded them in. My neighbor actually asked if my brakes were going out and I had to explain I just spent $200 on "upgraded" pads. Semi metallics might be old school but they just work without the drama.

dylan_rodriguez2h ago

I've had the exact opposite experience honestly lol. I put ceramics on my daily driver F150 and they've been silent for like 30k miles now. Maybe it's a brand thing or maybe your bedding process was off but I've never had squeaking issues. The real win for me is way less brake dust though, my wheels actually stay clean for more than a week. I think a lot of guys blame the pads when it's really about getting the right compound for your driving style and doing the install right.