I'm about to do a full brake job and originally was going to use all Motorcraft parts but I see aftermarket pads and rotors are much cheaper. Should I spend the extra or is Wagner, Bendix, Monroe or Raybesto decent? Anyone using cross drilled or slotted (or both) rotors? What about the OEM pad material is it be ceramic or metallic, which one should I use? I'm not a speed racer but occasionally tow with mines so wanted to know which would be better?


Thanks

 

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Just bought a complete set of (4) rotors and (8) brake pads for my '04 Explorer. The rotors are made by Powerstop and the whole kit cost $271 from discountbrakes.com. I installed the front rotors and pads this morning and hope to finish the rears tomorrow. I'll follow up and let you know how they are working. The real test is 50-100,000 miles down the road.

 

I have tried a couple different aftermarket brands. Think the best I did is go back to OEM on everything. Cost more (but not that much) but the fit and performance (so far) has been the best. The other brands seem to have problems holding up to the salt and sand were I drive (live on dirt road in New England).

 

Yeah, I have to agree with you MikeVT. Whenever possible I always like to buy OEM and a lot of the time the price is the same or better than aftermarket. In the case of the brakes I just didn't have the money at this time. All 4 rotors and pads completely shot (95,000 miles). I keep reading positive feedback about other people using aftermarket so I thought I'd give it a try. We'll see what happens.

 

check rockauto.com for motocraft
google for a 5-10% off coupon
also southwest ford in weatherford tx has ok mail order pricing

walk-in dealer ... at least here in VT is a joke

If your going to keep the truck I would try to stay OEM.

 

If I were towing with MINES, I would want the best brakes available regardless of $$$.. Philip

 

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