I need to replace my front brakes and I am considering going away from the factory ceramic pads since they seem to be a problem point. I know semi-metallic pads transfer less heat in to the rotors under braking but have a trade off of less life and more dust. Has anybody else here gone to semi-metallic pads and noticed a difference? I was thinking going this route you would have less of a chance with heating up and pad transfer of material which causes the dreaded rotor pulsation.

 

Semi-metallics will also give your rotors a shorter life because they are more abrasive.

Why do you say that factory pads "seem to be a problem point"? These HHRs aren't a heavy high performance car that needs some crazy braking compounds. They are just built as an everyday regular driver, that a grandmother could drive without having any of the problems or issues associated with a high performance vehicle.

 

Factory hhr pads are not ceramic.

I am still running my stockers with no issues..

 

52,000 miles on my front ceramics, and there far from needing replacment. ( Wagner thermo quiet )

 

The issue isn't the stock pads but the stock rotors, get rid of them and you get rid of a lot of the fade and warpage. I don't know if they don't use enough material in them or what but they're terrible. That said get a good rotor first , also I don't see any reason not to upgrade to a quality pad they generally do feel better but at the premium price.