Well the truck was in this morning for the clockspring recall. Completed and ready in 1.5 hours. Pretty good! Kudos Richmond Ford.

During the multipoint inspection they found that my pads are down to 3/32 and state law is 2/32 to pass inspection. My inspection isn't up until August, so I'm good for a couple months.

So...what are you guys currently running?

I'm considering the following:
EBC Premium Replacement Solid Rotors, front L&R
EBC Greenstuff 6000 Series SUV & Light Truck pads

Comments?
Suggestions?

 

I have my original rotors and duralast semimetallic pads on the back. On the front I put on duralast rotors (51 bucks a piece) and Akebono pads (63 for the set). I have been pleased with the front brake set up so far. Granted I haven't ran them that long. I don't know anything about the ebc stuff, I'll have to research it.

 

I've used Raybestos rotors on mine with Wagner Ceramic ThermoQuiet pads. I like the premium or preformance rotors because they are made in the USA. The ceramic pads creat very little dust unlike semi-metallics. Just my 2 cents. There are several good rotors to choose from though. Rock Auto has some great prices on several good name brands.

 

I've had not-so-good luck with OEM rotors on my van. When the van was new, rotors warped and got turned under warranty. When the pads were gone at ~35k miles, rotors were too thin and it got a new pair of Motorcraft rotors, which warped, got turned, and at 80k when the pads were gone, the rotors were too thin....so it got another set of very expensive Motorcraft rotors. I do not remember where the newest Motorcraft rotors are being made--think they are either Mexican or Chinese and I have always leaned toward American parts. (The Motorcraft brake pads were, to my surprise, made in China.)

Next time, it will get some Brembo or EBC rotors, I think. I believe in the "Made in USA" stuff generally being better.

Unrelated, I put some Thermoquiet pads on my wife's car; they are ceramic in her application and they are GREAT. Very quiet, very little dust. My son also put some Thermoquiets on his old bimmer and they work very well for him also; I believe his are metallic to match the OEM material. I believe the Thermoquiets are American made as well. Instead of a stainless shim, they have a thick paint type coating which does the anti-squeal function (very well, I might note). There was a big rebate on the pads when I got them, so I think the net price was only like $30-40 for one axle.

George

 

Wagner Thermoquiet pads are an excellent choice. I just put 2 sets on the wife's Exploder. There's a rebate on them now, it will save you 30 bucks if you buy both axles.

http://www.fmsmartchoice.com/_wagner/steps_DIY.html

http://www.fmsmartchoice.com/_pdfs/Wagner_TQ.pdf

 

Thanks guys.
Where are you picking up the Wagner parts?

 

I got the Thermoquiets at Advance Auto parts. I just checked their flyer and they're still doing the rebate on purchases thru 5/31.

Good luck,
George

 

Oreilly also carries wagner products. I have had very good luck with the duralast c max from autozone on many applications but have not put any on an f150. They might be worth looking into though.

 

I typically buy most of my parts thru rockauto. But will compare them against local sources when the parts are heavy and likely expensive to ship.

 

Rotor problems;
took my F-150 in for brakes, was informed that I would need new rotors,at the cost of a small fortune. It turns out that for a few months Ford integreated the hub,rotor,bearing and abs ring into one unit ,now at 50,000 miles I will have to replace the entire unit.
Will this be the normal occurance or is there a retro fit to convert to seperate items

 

Many Ford trucks use this approach, including my van. I doubt very much that Ford used this design only "for a few months" on the pickups.

The dealer will charge $125+ per rotor for my van, but if I look on Rock Auto, there are rotors available ranging from $45 to well over $100. With hub, abs ring, etc. Bearings are re-useable; you may need new bearing seals.

Is your truck at the dealer, or at some other mechanic? Upcharging bigtime for parts is how a lot of repair facilities make their money, especially with parts that have to do with safety, where they can scare the customer into shelling out the big bucks.

George

 

Just put Wagner ThermoQuiet pads on my daughter's Trailblazer front and rear. Very quiet, no sqeaks/squeals.....just waiting on the $30 rebate. Hope it arrives.

 

TO YoGeorge
dealer quoted me $315.00 per side for rotors and pads,told him to stick it where the sun does'nt shine and will now take the time to do it myself.
found parts at local Motive Supply rotors(complete) $125.00 and pads $28.00
thanks YoGeorge

 

$28 for pads is either a great deal or they are complete junk. Napa trustop and brake best from oreilly are cheap and I know on those you get what you pay for. I personally do not mind paying a LITTLE more for a good brake pad (wagner, duralast cmax, motorcraft) The motorcraft tend to leave a little dust but dont destroy the rotor or make noise. I am sure others will have more suggested brands for you. Just make sure that your not getting a product that comes in a white box and says brake pad on it.