Hi,
I just put on new pads yesterday...they came from Auto Zone and are semi-metalic. The rotors were in good shape for 52K miles. I just read a post that the Millenia use ceramic pads specifically. Do I need to undo my work and put on new ceramic pads instead or will the installed pads suffice?
Thanks.

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design host

 

The ceramic pads are supposed to be quiet , dust free, better stopping ability, and also cost more! You should be fine with the semi metalic pads.

 

No disrespect intended, 2000s, but I disagree somewhat. For the few extra dollars, it is beneficial to buy the ceramic. Quieter, yes, because the squeak is outside of the human ear's audible range. I personally believe they have better stopping power. I replaced my brand new semi-metals when I bought my S with ceramics and it made a significant difference in pedal feel (mostly vibration) and stop power. Don't let the name fool you though. I believe the ceramics are still made with metal, just softer metals than steel. Spend the extra 10 bucks in my humble opinion.

 

i also tried axxis semi metallics, and they were not acceptable. lots of noise, lots of dust, and less stopping power. akebono ceramics are excellent for street use.

 

Is anyone familiar with Federal-Moguls new Thermoquiet ceramic pads? Can they possibly be an alternative to akebono. I have an estimate from Tires Plus but they won't let me supply my own pads. They also measured the rotors which are at 1080 and told me the minimum is 1050. Can I just replace pads? There are no defects in the rotors just the wear.

 

Poet: rotors will be expensive from a shop. Make SURE they get the 01-02 millenia front rotors. The later models have bigger front rotors. That for some odd reason puzzled the brake shop that it was the same car, just different years having different brake sizes. They literally stood around looking at it and couldn't believe it. (and this is a large chain brake shop)
They ordered the 2000 model rotors which are easier to come by and then realized they don't fit and I had to wait 2 days to get the new ones. They said they took a beating on the price too but who knows.
One note: your ceramic pads will be much easier on your rotors than the metals. So that last bit of rotor will last significantly longer... if that helps your decision. You can always tell when a brake is warped too, so you could just wait until they go. But good job not settling and getting the ceramics.

Let me know how it goes.
Anthony