Well the time has come for new brake pads on the 2003 Expy. It only has 37k miles. I am a little disappointed in the life of these pads. I don't know why I expected more since I have seen the results of disintegration since day one. DUST DUST and more DUST. Now I have read many posts regarding the pads and the dust problems, but I can't find a definitive post regarding the best pads. I would like maximum wear and minimum dust. My rotors are worn, but I will probably just have them turned. Which pads are for me?

Thanks,
Tom

 

As mentioned in many posts before, your rotors are completely shot. The original pads for the '03 are harder than the rotors and chew them up. Some people say good things about ceramic pads. I had the new Ford pads put on. They work fine and don't wear the rotors out.

 

So you don't think that the 3/32" ridge left around my rotors can be removed and still leave enough rotor behind for another 40k? As long as the minimum rotor thickness spec can be maintained after turning, then I will have them turned. Otherwise, I will get new rotors. Is there some reason you used the new Ford pads over aftermarket replacements? I have never used any "dealer" pads when doing a brake job. I always assume the "dealer" pads are made by Wagner or some other major manufacturer anyway. I have never used ceramic pads before so I am not sure how they will compare with semi-metallics. I definitely don't want to replace my rotors every 40k, and I would prefer to lose all the dust. How has the dusting been with you r new Ford pads?

Thanks,
Tom

 

I don't believe that after turning your rotors you will have enough metal left. The way I came upon the brakes I have is through a warranty claim where they replaced all of the pads and turned the rotors. The dusting is minimal. After having turned the rotors they determined that they were just past the limit so they replaced them. This occured at around 9000 miles. I now have 22k on the truck and there is no wear ridge, as you pointed out, on the discs. The updated pads are much easier on the discs. If I had to buy the pads, I would definitely go after market, but don't have a recommendation for you. Just stick with well-known and reputable manufacturers.

 

I would recommend replacing the rotors for the following reason: if they are turned to the minimum thickness they will not dissapate the heat very well and warp very easily. ( l learned this the hard way on previous vehicles).

As far as the pad I put ceramic pads on new rotors 10K miles ago and could not be happier. The pads do make a little noise when cold, but only take one stop to quite down. The ceramic pads seemed to help the overall brake performance. As an added bonus the ceramic pads also leave no brake dust on the wheels.

These are just my opinions based on my experiences