Brake Pads-Ceramic or Semi-Metallic?

[steve333]

Hey all,
I have a 2006 Cobalt LT2 Sedan. I had my front pads changed with ceramic pads and the brakes felt good but a month later they started sueaking a little. (The Rotors were turned by the shop). I brought it back and thought they were just going to clean them out but they ended up changing the pads to semi-metallic (I found out later) and they didn't feel as good, requiring more force on the pedal to stop the car and they made a grinding noise after settling after coming off a stop. I took it back a month later to see if they would improve and they are going to go back to ceramic (I'm bringing it back next week).
Does it matter between ceramic and semi-metallic? Is there an advantage to one or the other and does GM care which is used?
The Ceramic Pads felt better to me, as long as they don't squeak all the time.
Thanks

 

[423]

Ceramic by nature is quieter, cleaner (low/no brake pad dust) and the best daily driver pad. If you did track racing/police or maybe commercial taxi, the semi met pads may be the way to go.
Semi Mets generally require more pedal pressure (especially cold) and are noisier, but offer a little better fade resistance when heated up.
Ceramics are better all around for normal street rides...

423

 

[steve333]

Ceramic by nature is quieter, cleaner (low/no brake pad dust) and the best daily driver pad. If you did track racing/police or maybe commercial taxi, the semi met pads may be the way to go.
Semi Mets generally require more pedal pressure (especially cold) and are noisier, but offer a little better fade resistance when heated up.
Ceramics are better all around for normal street rides...

423

I had the ceramics put back on and they definitely feel better to me. Just like you said about the semi metallics they required more pressure and the noise was annoying. Much happier now.
If i could only get my front end and steering issues fixed. steering wander, loose sloppy handling, clunks over bumps. Bringing the car in tuesday

 

[ZapFrog]

i could only ever use ceramics . they just feel really good while braking honestly.

 

[Tuner923]

Ceramic by nature is quieter, cleaner (low/no brake pad dust) and the best daily driver pad. If you did track racing/police or maybe commercial taxi, the semi met pads may be the way to go.
Semi Mets generally require more pedal pressure (especially cold) and are noisier, but offer a little better fade resistance when heated up.
Ceramics are better all around for normal street rides...

423

seen the dust my stock brembos make? yes they're ceramic from the factory

 

[RONN]

seen the dust my stock brembos make? yes they're ceramic from the factory

Where did you hear that? They are Ferrodo Pads with the Brembo label and are definitley NOT ceramic. They are a special semi metallic compound.
I did find a ceramic application and will trying them when the stock pads are worn out. Those dust like you mentioned. BTW, you can get a brake dust spray from Armor All that really keeps the dust off. I use it.