advice for getting brakes done

[Jason Brusca]

I have a 2002 4wd Sport Trac with 41k miles. My brakes are not squeaking yet, but I can notice they are not stopping my truck as quick as I would like them to. Anyway, I wanted to hear some feedback from some of you who have had yours replaced. Questions like having them done at the dealer vs a brake specialist? What pads do you recommend? How much should I expect to spend? Any info is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[POJ Irving]

Carbon or ceramic pads are the best...I did the pads on my 02 at around 42k, two months back. There were no sensors on the pads to indicate that they were low. I just felt the trac was not stopping or slowing down fast enough when I applied the brakes.



If it is just the pads you are doing, you can do them yourself. I did mine. Just make sure you have jack stands as additional support to the jack and a C Clamp to push the pistons on the Calippers back in, along with a good set of socket / rachet tools.. Search the projects and posts, you will see further instructions on how to do the job.



When you are done, you will have the greatest feeling in the world. Just take your time and double check everything. Remember brakes are not to be taken lightly. If you are unsure about your diy skills, take the track to a brake specialist. They should be cheaper than the dealer.



PJ

 

[Greg Bosin]

Power Slot Rotors and Hawk Pads are working well for me.

 

[Tom Schindler]

I have Hawk pads on my Escort GT. They stop very well.





Tom

 

[Richard L]

If you have the brake work done at a Ford Dealer, you will not have any choice in the products used and will only get the same cheap crap that's already on your truck.



If you want to use quality parts, you will either have to do the brake job yourself or go to an independent mechanic who will buy the quality parts us specify. Avoid brake specialty shops, They are notrious for overcharging for parts and services. And don't be fooled by lifetime warranties on parts, etc. There are just a come on to get you to keep comming back and paying for their inflated labor rates.



Brake pads should be Ceramic or Carbon-Metalic pads manufactured by a quality brake parts manufacturer. If you need or want to replace the rotors, you will get better braking and better service from a slotted rotor. I would not recommend cross-drilled rotors since they are designed for racing applications and prone to crack. And by all means, don't buy some cheap drilled rotors from some Chinese company on ebay etc.



...Rich

 

[Casey B]

I put ceramic pads on my '01. Around $50 for the set of front pads and I did it myself. Pads alone wasn't too hard considering it was my first time. I changed the rotors at the same time which took me some time with the bearings and all. In the end I saved a lot of $$ by doing them myself.



The ceramics have been great. Good stopping power and no noise.

 

[Johnny O]

Find a shop that installs NAPA parts and get their Ceramix brake pads. I've used these on a few vehicles and like them a lot. If there is a Pep Boys near you, I think they will install EBC Green Stuff pads and Powerslot rotors (if you need them).

 

[Jason Brusca]

Thanks alot for the advice everyone.