Ceramic brake pad question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 314
Likes: 64
Ceramic brake pad question
I have Z51 (cross drilled) brakes on my car, and its getting close to time to replace the pads. Can I replace the OEM pads with ceramic pads without doing anything to the rotors, or do the ceramic pads require special rotors?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
No, ceramic pads don't need special rotors BUT........
What condition are your rotors in? How many miles? Any scores, scratches, blue heat spots? Grooves?
My guess so far is, if you've actually worn out the stock pads then you probably should replace the rotors. Alternatively, at least have the rotors turned but that's generally much less desirable.
So, we'll wait for your reply to see if there's more to discuss. And be patient, it will probably take a day for everyone who has something to say about brakes to chime in.
What condition are your rotors in? How many miles? Any scores, scratches, blue heat spots? Grooves?
My guess so far is, if you've actually worn out the stock pads then you probably should replace the rotors. Alternatively, at least have the rotors turned but that's generally much less desirable.
So, we'll wait for your reply to see if there's more to discuss. And be patient, it will probably take a day for everyone who has something to say about brakes to chime in.
SUBVETTE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 93
From: San Diego CA
Nothing special needed. Same rotors if they are not damaged (warped grooved etc.). Recommend you lightly sand the rotor(s) surface to remove glaze before you install the new pads. You will be happy you changed over if you love getting rid of dust; but don't use ceramics for competetive/track use; street only.
Last edited by SUB VETTE; Oct 8, 2012 at 06:52 PM. Reason: sp
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 14,475
Likes: 785
From: Las Vegas NV
I changed over to AD Delco ceramics at 48K miles. I didn't do anything to the Z51 rotors at all. Just stuck the pads in place and did the usually bedding routine. They work perfect and no more squeak and dust. Just make sure all the guide pins are greased and move freely. That's a must.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 314
Likes: 64
I changed over to AD Delco ceramics at 48K miles. I didn't do anything to the Z51 rotors at all. Just stuck the pads in place and did the usually bedding routine. They work perfect and no more squeak and dust. Just make sure all the guide pins are greased and move freely. That's a must.
I do have a BRM brake hone brush tool, and was planning on using it to knock off the glaze before I change them out.
Here is a photo of the BRM brake disc hone I plan to use.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 314
Likes: 64
Does anyone know if there are any differences in the part number pads needed for a standard 2008 C6 that has the F55 suspension with the cross drilled rotors, (which I assume is what everyone means by the Z51 brakes). All my build sheet and window sticker say is "larger cross drilled brake rotors". Can I assume that to mean that I need to order Z51 brake pads?
The code on my build sheet says J55 H/D brakes.
The code on my build sheet says J55 H/D brakes.
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Thread Starter
Racer
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Burning Brakes
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From: Long Island NY
Supporting Vendor
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From: Cleveland OH
St. Jude Donor '11,'13
The Carbotech™ 1521™ is our high performance street compound. The 1521™ compound is known for its release and modulation, along with unmatched rotor friendliness. 1521™ is also a very low dusting and low noise compound with an excellent initial bite. This compound's excellent linear torque production provides incredible braking force without ABS intervention. Carbotech™ 1521™ operating range starts out at ambient and goes up to 800°F (426°C+). 1521™ is suitable for ALL street cars, perfect for your tow vehicle or fleet vehicle. Carbotech™ 1521™ is NOT recommended for ANY track use.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Long Island NY
A quick google search for "can cross drilled rotors be turned" will come up with plenty of search results saying they can be turned just like any other rotor.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 314
Likes: 64
see what they tell you.
If Google could turn rotors, that would be great, but I don't think they do that.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 14,475
Likes: 785
From: Las Vegas NV
How many miles on the rotors? If they are smooth dont worry about having them turned. Just put the pads on, do proper bedding and go. If it were me and my rotors were in need of turning I would instead just replace them with new ones. They are fairly inexpensive.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,063
Likes: 82
From: Tumwater, WA
I changed over to AD Delco ceramics at 48K miles. I didn't do anything to the Z51 rotors at all. Just stuck the pads in place and did the usually bedding routine. They work perfect and no more squeak and dust. Just make sure all the guide pins are greased and move freely. That's a must.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 314
Likes: 64
I seem to recall some folks complaining of squeaking with aftermarket ceramic pads. I think the general consensus is that the GM ceramic pads are less likely to squeak as some of the aftermarket ones, but I think they all can do it under the right circumstances.