Brake pad specifications?
Thread Starter
CF Active Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 217
Likes: 6
From: Arlington, VA
Brake pad specifications?
I do not see a specification in the service manual for brake pads.
Is there a specification for the pads I just have not found in the service manual?
I have found ACDelco to be the OEM for some other parts.
In this case I am looking to replace the rear brake pads.
There are three sets of ACDelco rear brake pads for my van through the Advanced Auto site and more on the ACDelco site.
I understand brake pads have different characteristics. The obvious one is how they wear.
Personally I prefer to replace pads and not rotors.
Any recommendations on:
- brake pad manufacturer(s)?
- brake pad fabrication and wear?
-- Semi Metallic Brake Pads
-- Non-Asbestos Organic
-- Low-Metallic NAO
-- Ceramic Brake Pads
-- Other?
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2003 Chevrolet Express 3500 Cargo Van; LQ4 6.0L V8
Is there a specification for the pads I just have not found in the service manual?
I have found ACDelco to be the OEM for some other parts.
In this case I am looking to replace the rear brake pads.
There are three sets of ACDelco rear brake pads for my van through the Advanced Auto site and more on the ACDelco site.
I understand brake pads have different characteristics. The obvious one is how they wear.
Personally I prefer to replace pads and not rotors.
Any recommendations on:
- brake pad manufacturer(s)?
- brake pad fabrication and wear?
-- Semi Metallic Brake Pads
-- Non-Asbestos Organic
-- Low-Metallic NAO
-- Ceramic Brake Pads
-- Other?
-----------------------------------
2003 Chevrolet Express 3500 Cargo Van; LQ4 6.0L V8
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,584
Likes: 7
You can use either semi metallic or ceramic. Ceramic makes way less dust so your wheels will stay cleaner. Ceramic pads fade under heat a little sooner, but under most conditions you will never notice it. Maybe pulling a trailer down mountain pass, but you should be gearing down anyway.
As for brand Dont be fooled. OE and the top brands are hardly different, and I make my choice on price or best value. Not brand
I use ceramic pads on my 2013.
The three sets on your list may be ceramic, metallic, and organic, or there may be a larger set for 1 ton etc.
On the older vans with drums, there were 2 drum depths, and 2 drum widths to confuse things.
As for brand Dont be fooled. OE and the top brands are hardly different, and I make my choice on price or best value. Not brand
I use ceramic pads on my 2013.
The three sets on your list may be ceramic, metallic, and organic, or there may be a larger set for 1 ton etc.
On the older vans with drums, there were 2 drum depths, and 2 drum widths to confuse things.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 9,175
Likes: 521
agree with that
if i was working the brakes hard or towing i would go semi metallic to reduce brake fade but they have a harder pedal feel and may be noisier than organic linings.
Some people prefer organic pads as they have a nice pedal feel and are quiet but fade more when worked hard.
I have never used ceramic so can't comment on them. I'm not opposed to them, just haven't tried them.
I usually buy cheaper pads, give them a burnish and never have problems. Make sure your rotors surfaces are rust and pit free or they will score up the new pads.
if i was working the brakes hard or towing i would go semi metallic to reduce brake fade but they have a harder pedal feel and may be noisier than organic linings.
Some people prefer organic pads as they have a nice pedal feel and are quiet but fade more when worked hard.
I have never used ceramic so can't comment on them. I'm not opposed to them, just haven't tried them.
I usually buy cheaper pads, give them a burnish and never have problems. Make sure your rotors surfaces are rust and pit free or they will score up the new pads.
