O.E., Semi-Metallic or Ceramic?
When it comes to brakes, Mopar has what you need.
All brakes are not the same. Here are some things to consider when your vehicle needs brakes.
Probably no vehicle safety feature is taken for granted more than the brake system. Vehicle owners rightly expect their brakes to work every time, with minimal to zero brake-associated noise, vibration or harshness (NVH). What else is important to motorists when it comes to brakes? Not surprisingly, owners of Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge want long life out of their brake components, and most don’t want to be troubled with cleaning brake dust off of their wheels.
What types of brakes are available?
Mopar offers three types of brake lining compositions for most Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. We’ll discuss the attributes of each. What ever type of brakes you prefer, it’s important to have the entire brake system inspected annually.
O.E. Brake Lining
Designed with an O.E. friction compound mixture, this non-asbestos organic brake lining is engineered for O.E. quality performance. In short, this is the same friction material that is used in the factory. This compound is more brake rotor- and drum-friendly than semi-metallic or ceramic formulations since it’s made of a “softer” composition. However, the service life on the lining is shorter as a result. Mopar O.E. brake lining features include:
- Original equipment on Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles
- Premium materials provide optimum performance
- Meet or exceed all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)
- Nationwide 12-month/12,000-mile warranty
Semi-Metallic
Semi-metallic brake linings, as the name implies, have metallic steel fibers in the compound. Let’s take a look at some of the features of Mopar’s Value Line Semi-Metallic brake features:
- Authentic Mopar Quality at a competitive price
- Designed specifically for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles
- Factory tested to meet stringent performance standards
- Nationwide lifetime limited warranty
Ceramic
Ceramic-based brake linings have come a long way since their introduction in the mid-’80s. Over the years, engineers have developed more durable formulations. As a result, they have become very popular, particularly in the aftermarket. Today’s ceramic compounds perform better under high brake temperatures than earlier 1980s and ’90s formulations. Ceramic brake compounds are also noted for less heat-related fading and a longer service life than earlier versions.
Even with their premium price, customers like the reduced NVH benefits ceramic brakes offer, such as very quiet operation (minimal to non-existent squealing or grinding noises). Furthermore, ceramic brake linings don’t leave behind the undesirable “visible” byproduct (black or brown dust residue), that is often seen on wheels and tires when non-ceramic brake pad applications are used. Value Line Ceramic brake features include:
- Ceramic technology and organic friction materials reduce visible dusting and virtually eliminate noise
- Computer-designed, angled chamfers improve contact profile and surface for smooth, ultra-quiet braking
- Thermally bonded noise insulators with a five-layer noise dampening system and rubber-coated insulators absorb more noise than conventional pads
- Nationwide lifetime limited warranty
Mopar Brake Kits
Whether you’re a professional technician or a skilled do-it-yourselfer, getting a brake job done right is important. To that end, Mopar now offers complete brake kits that include everything you need for brake service on most popular Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. Features include:
- All necessary brake hardware included for a quality job
- All-new components provide optimum durability and performance
- Reduces brake service time
- Eliminates the need to machine worn rotors
Mopar now offers five brake kits, each designed for a different purpose:
Make it Original kits
Includes O.E. Brakes, O.E. Rotors and Brake Hardware
- Nationwide 12-month/12,000-mile warranty
Make it Ceramic Kits
Includes Value Line Ceramic Brake Pads and Value Line/O.E. Rotors
- Nationwide lifetime limited warranty
Make it New Kits
Includes Value Line Brakes, Value Line/O.E. Rotors
- Nationwide lifetime limited warranty
Make it New Rear Brake Kits
Includes Value Line Pads, Value Line/O.E. Rotors, Emergency Brake Shoes, and Value Line Hardware
- Nationwide lifetime limited warranty
1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Heavy-Duty Brake Kit
Includes Value Line High-Performance Pads and Rotors
- Nationwide lifetime limited warranty
A Word About Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is the lifeblood of automotive braking systems. Make sure to check the brake fluid level, or have it checked regularly. When brake fluid falls below the factory recommended level, use Mopar brake fluid for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles*. When filling the reservoir, keep the reservoir covered except for the time you need to top the fluid off, and never leave a can of brake fluid uncovered. Brake fluid must maintain a very high boiling point, and exposure to air allows the fluid to absorb moisture, which lowers the boiling point.
Brake fluid level will drop slightly as brake pads wear. This is normal. If you notice a sudden drop in brake fluid, however, have your brakes inspected immediately.
*Refer to the owner’s manual for the correct brake fluid recommendation. Some vehicles require Mopar DOT 4, Part No. 04549625AC, others require Mopar DOT 3, Part No. 04318080AB.
