I am to the point where I need to replace the front brake pads on my 2011 F250. Should I just get the OEM parts from Ford or are there better aftermarket pads?

Thanks and Merry Christmas!

-Chris

 

It depends on your use, but based on your signature, I would be looking at some heavy duty Hawk pads for heavy towing. http://www.hawkperformance.com/truck/superduty.php

 

When I ask that question to myself I ask myself how many miles did I get out of first set and did they perform as I expected.On my 2002 f350 they lasted 75k.... I went oem again

 

yea, I got 57K so far on my original OEM's, and when the dealership rotated my tires, they said I had 40% left. I doubt I will wait until 100K to change them out, but they are hanging in there. I will put OEM's back in along with new rotors. BTW, my LTX AT/2's are original yet too with 57K. I have rotated them pretty religiously about every 10K or so. They too have about 50% left according to the dealer.

 

The decision for me will not be based on the fact that the OEM pads last a long time. When you tow heavy loads, there needs to be a balance between maximum performance and maximum service life. Pads are cheap enough that I am more than willing to replace them every 50,000 miles if they perform at least marginally better than the OEMs.

BTW, I would expect to easily see 90-100k out of the original front pads. I traded my 06 with 88,000 miles and it still had the original front brakes with plenty left. That truck did a lot of heavy towing as well.

 

I replaced my front brake pads right after picking up my truck, it had right at 90k, previous owner said he never did 'em, so I put OEM right back on there

 

My pads went pad and destroyed a rotor at 80,000 miles. The oil change just before that, they were inspected and still had life. But they fractured and came apart. They get down to that 30% range, I'm swapping them in the future.

 

One more question.... Should I have the rotors turned? Any opinion on how often that should be done?

Thanks,
gascan

 

If they will still be within spec after turning them, I'd turn them. If not, I'd buy OEM again with pads....also check and see what the price of the rear pad is and then ask what the price of the rear caliper set is. I think you will be surprised. I was on my X...

 

They are heavy rotors. Probably one of the best features of these trucks is the OEM brakes. Check the rotors but you will likely find they are fine. I recommend OEM pads as well.

 

I just ordered new OEM pads and rotors for all 4 corners. $450 including $35 in shipping from Tousley. 148 pounds in 5 packages. Still running original pads/rotors at 69K.

 

If you are having no pedal vibration or pulsing I wouldn't mess with them. Don't fix something that ain't broke. It usually opens up a can of worms. I would however flush the brake system and service the caliper hardware.

 

Yup, that is exactly the page I was on....

-gascan

 

Brake fluid.........one of the cheapest service items but always the most neglected on any vehicle! It is especially important on a heavy vehicle that can put some heavy demands on the system. Brake fluid is cheap and it is easy to flush the system on these trucks. I replace the brake fluid every time I change brake pads. It is amazing how much moisture brake fluid can attract even in a sealed system. Most caliper failures are caused by unseen water in the brake fluid.

 

I flush mine every 2 to 3 years wether it needs brakes or not.