Brake Pads. Semi-metallic vs. ceramic?

So I’ve owned my taco for a few months now and last time I went to the shop, they told me the brakes are quite low. Looking at new pads I see the option between semi-metallic and ceramic. I’ve only looked on rock auto so far so I’m not sure which brand is best. I’ve seen the pros and cons of each but I’m still unsure. The ceramics don’t seem that much more expensive. I do live in Vermont which gets to negative temperatures in the winter. I don’t really tow anything and it’s just a daily driver. I’m not sure if that makes a difference. Also which rotors should I be looking at? The truck has 160k so should I think about replacing fluid? That’s for the advice!

 

You'll likely want ceramic pads and OEM rotors or Brembo rotors.

 

regular daily driving I would use the OEM ceramic pads, cost effective,no dust, and get the job done. if I was heavy hauling trailering I would go with the more costlier OEM semi metallic pads for a slightly better bite

 

Where do I find OEM pads?

 

I have always had great luck with CENTRIC High Carbon Alloy Brake Rotors. As for pads, Hawk - Centric - Advics

 

Ceramic are quiter/less dust/softer
Downside is they wear faster.
Semi-Metallic are harder on rotors and more likely to warp. OEM for the win

 

isn't it believed that centric makes the oem rotors?
i've had the best luck with stock rotors (from toyota or centric) and akebono ceramic pads or oem pads

i tried a few hawk trailering and performance pads that were semi-metallic and they abused rotors and warped them every time

 

I've always had fine luck with parts store brake pads and rotors. I normally get ceramic so that noise and dust is minimal.

 

For a 2002 Tacoma: http://amzn.to/2jvwO3y

 

Good advice guys. Thanks. How about the rear brakes? Is it just the shoes I need to replace? I’m new to all of this although in my old jeep I had to replace the springs and everything in the drum. How hard is it to get in there and replace the shoes, granted that’s all I need to do?

 

@gunny1005 for the best price around TW!

 

So does anyone have an opinion? Should I replace shoes, hardware, and drums? Do I need to inspect first or since I have 160k should I replace everything? Or just shoes? I’m new to all of this so anything helps. Thanks.

 

Would do all complete if needed

 

Many here have found their rear brake shoes still with plenty of life left once they pulled the drum off. If I was in your shoes, I think I'd pull the drum and inspect before ordering anything for the rears.

 

I'd pull the drums and see what you get. Even though you have 160k it's possible they don't need to be done, and since it's kind of a pain in the ass you don't want to do it if you don't need to. Pro tip: if you can't pull get the drum off, the bolt holding on the E-brake cable bracket is right there under your nose and is just the right size to thread in the little hole and force off the drum.

Nice...