I'am having a issue with the front brakes on my 2011 SD FX4, I use my truck to tow a small trailer everyday ...weight of trailer and supplies 3300 lbs. I do not have brakes on the trailer, in Dec I replaced my front brake pads and I did not have the rotors turned. So for the next 10,000 miles I would notice a brake odor, possible over heating ,after a few day alot of brake dust on the front wheels. So today I removed the front pads and rotors....had the rotors turned and installed new pads. I have only used Motorcraft pads BR1069 both times. The pads I took off today were not showing any excessive wear...when I took the rotors in to have them turned. The parts guy stated that the rotors were VERY DARK....because of excessive heat. I'am in need of some help.....so let me know what yall are thinking.

When towing the trailer.....I don't drive like a Nascar driver, When coming to stop light or signs ....I don't run on them and slam on the brakes...

Today before working on the brakes, I dropped the trailer at the shop and spent about 1/2 hour at the shop before heading home. Drove the truck home about 8 miles ...once home started to work on the front brakes...I noticed whiile working on the brakes they were very warm....hub/rotor...warm enough to leave a burn.....

The calibers were easy to compress with the caliber tool...so I'am guessing I don't have a one sticking...I had someone state ...I could have a bad brake line....this will effect the calibers not in a good way.

I was getting the brake odor ....from both front wheels areas

After I completed the front brake job....test drove the truck stop and go traffic.....got home no excessive heat or brake odor. I guess the real test will be Saturday towing the work trailer....I will keep yall posted.

 

3300lb is not exactly a light trailer and since you tow it everyday, I would consider putting on brakes to take the stress off the truck.
Some maker (axle) let you bolt on drums they are only $60 each it's nothing to wire them up, for $200 you can finish the whole thing.
It's cheaper than replacing the front rotor.

 

Your front brakes are doing the lions share of stopping around 12,000 lbs. For safety sake, get some brakes on your trailer.

You will recoup the cost in several ways. Better stopping power, less wear and tear on your truck, fewer brakes changes and rotor problems. You might even avoid an accident with the better stopping ability.

I would not pull a 3300 lb trailer everyday without brakes on the trailer. One time use, occasional use (couple times a year to the landfill) but not daily. I've pulled trailer for 40 yrs, small 2 wheel to 65' stretch for oversize

 

I agree with the advice given so far.

But you could also search for aftermarket performance stuff spend some big money and get drilled rotors and upgrade to composite brake pads. Slotted or drilled rotors are specifically for getting rid of heat build up.

 

Here's a new rotor I saw at SEMA this year. Check out the price for this rotor & caliper combo:

 

Wow, with all the money I saved I should hired a chauffeur to pump the break pedal.

 

Are you sure your calipers aren't hanging up a little, keeping a constant pressure on the pads?

 

In the days before ABS it was not unheard of to have a problem from the distribution valve that controls how much break goes to the rear. True the fron does most of the work but not all. As stated by others 3300# is a lot of weight. I think anything over 2K should have brakes.

 

Everyone....Thanks for the info, I used to own a 2008 Ford SD 6.4L FX4 with that truck I towed my small work trailer everyday and never once had the Brake odor or worried about over heating. I will this week have the work trailer fitted with brakes and if the problem with the front brakes continue .....I will have to take it to the dealership. As for towing the trailer this morning...all went well...no excessive heat or odor.

 

I was thinking about that...but I saw no excessive wear to both rotors and the pads all 4 showed not excessive wear.....