2000 Passat rear brake pads

Semimetallic. I just go to

Google ceramic brake pads to read sales >so it is finally time to change the rear pads on my sisters 200 Passat V6,

A couple of things on brake pads.

Soft pads =3D longer wearing rotors but much higher pad wear. Hard pads =3D shorter wearing rotors, but the pads will last much longer.

Failing warps and severe gouges, and writing for myself, I would prefer to keep an eye on the pads and replace pads more often to preserve the rotors. I will not "turn" rotors, and am wary even of 'truing" them as they are the critical heat-sink in the whole shebang. Brake fade is *no* fun at all. Our VW Eurovan Camper is no lightweight and sees a *LOT* of hills in its travels.

After that - what Jim wrote.

Peter Wieck Melrose Park, PA

Harder pads= faster breaking, less stopping distance, more dust and noise

I am not so sure of the "less stopping distance" bit. ABS pretty much maximizes braking power under threshold-braking conditions whatever the composition of the pads. In such cases it is the heat-absorbing capacity of the rotor that determines brake behavior overall - and the tires and road conditions that determine braking distance and skid behavior overall - again, NOT the pads.

Peter Wieck Melrose Park, PA

Do you buy the "more dust" bit?

It is all dust, eventually. The organics and softer composition pads do tend to hang around more - sticky. So I would think that harder pads might give a conception of less dust.

As to dust on the road - Not worth comment.

Peter Wieck Melrose Park, PA

According to rockauto.com, the OEM is ceramic. I don't know what VW uses for OEM (EBC, etc), but Akebono has worked well for typical driving.

AKEBONO Part # EUR768A More Info {Includes electronic wear sensor.; Original Equipment Ceramic} Ceramic; J-IV w/280mm rotor; Includes electronic wear sensor.; Front $73.89

Check