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On my 1995 F-150 it's getting close to being time to change the front brake pads. And my question is what's the best one's to get. My last set from Auto Zone have raddled and made noise the whole time. Unless you where applying the breaks.
Your first mistake was going to Autozone. That's a toy store. Go to Napa if you want quality parts. That said, I just picked up some semi-metallic (mid grade) disc brake pads for like 35-40 dollars. They will last years and years and don't squeak. I almost went with ceramic but they were quite a bit more and I didn't feel it was necessary.
I agree about the Auto Zone comment. The deal is my pads float and make noise like the center cap is loose. And that's what drives me crazy.. It's like the inside pad should clip to the caliper.
I would go get some new pads and look at them. One time I bought a ranger that had really loose brakes to the point where I didn't feel safe. Turns out the PO had put F150 calipers on the ranger and so when I put ranger pads in they were too small.... Very dangerous.
I'm fix'n to get new pads and they are the correct ones for my truck. It's just I remember pads that clipped into the caliper. I've added RTV before and they stick for a while and come back loose you know.
If the new brake pads you get do not come with shims, get a disc brake hardware kit at the same time that will have new shims that the brake pads sit in on the caliper bracket. Also be sure to check your slide pins at the same time.
Buy the best pads you can get your hands on. I like NAPA, will buy from Advanced Auto or O'Reileys in a pinch, NEVER from Auto Zone. I've been a rural mail carrier for 20+ years and will tell you there is most certainly a difference in brake pads. I replace brakes 2-3 times per year. The $70 pads are more than twice as good as the $35 pads. Last longer, stop faster, less noise, less mess. You definitely get what you pay for.
If you don't have brake lubricant, buy some. I think Advanced Auto has a container of it for around $17. Pricey, but it will last you a lifetime. This will help ensure your pads wear evenly and correctly. If your caliper isn't moving as it should your brakes will wear prematurely. You can put it on the back of your pads to help prevent squealing. Just keep it off the pad material itself, bad mojo there.
I have Wagner Thermo quiet in right now. 5 years old now? 60k miles. No squeak but i have the shims pictured above. I'll get at least another 10k miles on this set. I primarily drive my truck on highway trips, not much in town, thus the high mileage.