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The Four Main Types of Brake Pads

Semi-Metallic

Semi-metallic brake pads contain a mix of 30 to 65 percent of metal and typically include chopped steel wool or wire, iron powder, copper or graphite mixed with inorganic fillers. They also contain friction modifiers that bond all the components together. These pads have a reputation of being durable and of having excellent heat transfer; however, they wear rotors down quickly, are noisy and may not perform up to par in cooler temperatures.


Non-Asbestos Organic

Sometimes listed as organic or NAO, these types of brake pads are made from fibers such as glass, rubber, carbon and Kevlar. In addition, non-asbestos organic brake pads have filler materials and high-temperature resins. These pads are softer and quieter than other types of pads, but they wear faster and create more brake dust.

Low-Metallic NAO

These types of brake pads are made from an organic formula mixed with small (10 to 30 percent) amounts of copper or steel to help with heat transfer and provide better breaking. With the added metal, there is more break dust and they might be slightly noisier.

Ceramic

These are composed of ceramic fibers, nonferrous filler materials, bonding agents and possibly small amounts of metal. They are lighter in color and more expensive than other brake pads and are cleaner and quieter. In addition, they offer excellent braking without wearing down the rotors. Most ceramic-based linings perform well in a wide variety of areas; but for some, other materials work just as well – if not better. Ceramic is not a generic term for a type of friction material – it is a description that covers a wide spectrum of friction materials. The only thing they have in common is that they contain some kind of ceramic as an ingredient.