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I’m in the process of doing some major maintenance now that I just rolled over 100K and I’m planning a major trip later this summer with my truck camper.
I want to upgrade the pads and rotors and am wondering what, those of you that tow/haul heavy, like to use. Google seems to think that Powerstop is the best butI would like some real world experiences.
I tried searching this site but wasn’t able to find what I was looking for.
Thanks!
On my 22 I switched the front pads out to Powerstop Z36's at 35k miles. The OE pads and rotors were still great, but I got tired of all the brake dust on the front wheels. I have no doubt that the rotors and pads will easily get me to 100k since I am currently at 70k and they still look great. When it comes time to change them, I think I will do OE rotors and the Powerstop Z36 pad's all around.
However, I haven't done a brake fluid flush... I should probably do that this summer...
Is this the first service to your brakes? If so, I’d replace with oem. 100k life seems pretty good to me
No it isn’t. I replaced the pads with Hawk LTS (I think) at about 50k. But in both the original and the Hawks I didn’t feel real confident in panic stops, particularly at GVWR so that’s why I’m asking.
On my 22 I switched the front pads out to Powerstop Z36's at 35k miles. The OE pads and rotors were still great, but I got tired of all the brake dust on the front wheels. I have no doubt that the rotors and pads will easily get me to 100k since I am currently at 70k and they still look great. When it comes time to change them, I think I will do OE rotors and the Powerstop Z36 pad's all around.
However, I haven't done a brake fluid flush... I should probably do that this summer...
Interesting…
I used to race sports cars and one thing you learn is that drilled rotors are stupid !!! So when I saw the Powerstop rotors were drilled that didn’t sit well with me. But the possibility of using OEM rotors and Powerstop pads sounds like a possibility…
My 250 is loaded all the time, I buy cheap "carbon" pads on Amazon along with cheap rotors and get 50-60k for the money the service life is acceptable with the benefit of minimal brake dust and surprisingly adequate stopping performance. I don't have a go to brand as they are never available from the same vendor but all in all very happy. I also use the exhaust brake religiously and keep panic stops to a minimum. My dad can kill a set of premium pads and rotors scary fast, but he gets everywhere we go at least 2 minutes before I do yet my maintenance bill is 25% of his. As they say YMMV.
No it isn’t. I replaced the pads with Hawk LTS (I think) at about 50k. But in both the original and the Hawks I didn’t feel real confident in panic stops, particularly at GVWR so that’s why I’m asking.
if you mean when towing, then the brake controller needs to be turned up. I’ve always gone with oem on all my superdutys since 2005 with good results. Brake dust hasn’t been a problem, but then I have a wash plan and run it through weekly.
The stock rotors seem to be fine, and I have read that drilled/slotted rotors aren't the best idea either. I had 35k on the OE pads up front and now I have 35k on the Powerstops and I honestly can't tell a difference, however, I have never felt a lack of confidence in them. Our camper is a little lighter than yours may be though... it's only 6K-ish, so I am closer to 16k gross. I do use the exhaust brake, and I have my trailer brakes set a little high, however, they don't lock up.
Have you done a brake fluid flush? At 100k, you may want to do that too!
I've tried many different common brand pads and rotors on different vehicles throughout the years. Duralasts are junk and I don't recommend them regardless of lifetime warranty. Doubt the other house brands (O'Reilly, Advance Auto, etc) are any better. Other name brands, like Bosch, seem to be average. Brembo (not the high performance ones) were probably the best so far, but that's just going off of feel.
I think OEM is the best, but keep in mind the replacement Motorcraft pads/rotors are of inferior quality than the ones that came on the truck.
I too would like to know if there's anything out there that's an actual upgrade over OEM.
Thanks for all the responses so far. I truly appreciate this forum.
I guess I didn’t make myself too clear as some people suggested adjusting the brake controller. I am not towing anything in this application. I am carrying my truck camper fully loaded which is about 11,500 pounds. I’m running 35” tires which is slightly negatively affecting my braking capability so that coupled with the weight is why I’m looking to upgrade my brakes if possible. I did do a brake flush several years ago and am planning on doing it again as part of this major maintenance series.
