Ceramic Brake Pads and cross drilled rotors

[NoDonut]

I just went in for a routine service on our 2003 Exoy and (I did miss a couple) was advised that the front pads were down to about 15% of pad left.
We have 19000 miles (cant stop driving it), on our Expy and since it appeared as if I needed to have the front pads replaced, I was not about to go with the standard FORD issued pads and the respective brake dust problem.
I have a friend in the brake business who located a ceramic bake pad from ARI. I just had them installed this morning and will let everyone know how the the ARI ceramic pads hold up as far as brake dust goes.
For further info, go to - www.ariparts.com
Anyone have any updated info on using cross drilled rortors on the 2003 Expy's?

 

[Keydo]

Would like to hear how the ceramic pads are working out. What's the cost of the pads and do you have a part number for those of us who'd like to try ordering it.

Personally, I think getting slotted rotors is much better than cross drilled.

If you have vented rotors already, cross drilling won't add significant cooling, unless you're racing and I doubt anyone is pushing their Expeditions to those kind of limits.

Slotting would be better. It gives the rotors more bite and provides a place for gases to escape. Of course, brake pad life will be diminished somewhat, but well worth it considering the extra stopping power you get.

 

[rwinch]

I would like some feedback on this myself. I take my truck offroad, but not a lot, so the brakes will see sand (beaches) dirt and mud (trails), and I did not want to put on slotted or crossdrilled, because I reasoned it just provided more places for crud to build up and get jammed into, causing early brake failure. Therefor, I just stayed with standard rotors (upgraded to Brembo units though). Any comments on this would be greatly welcomed.

I suppose its not a big deal though since I am not trying to be an Indy racer, where the slotted/crossdrilled would be of benefit.

 

[Guest]

My wife's G35 (our trade for the Expedition) needed pads -and- rotors at just under 15k miles. That was a cause for concern...
Infiniti now has a program for brake repairs to 36k miles. Of course the $$$ we spent we'll never be reimbursed.

As far as slotted/cross drilled rotors- save your money. Besides, crossdrilling may propagate cracking. Slots can create more wear.

New pads don't need venting like older pads did.

I've been driving at high speed events for a while and only used slotted disks once. The system was stock, upgraded pads for a single piston brake. It's rare to see anyone using slot/drilled rotors.

Here's a pic of the commuter car at the track...

 

[Guest]

Doh!

Hey... that's me^^^^^^^
We gotta figure that out.

 

[Keydo]

Nice car.

Which track is that?

I'm restricted to the tracks in northern and some parts of southern california.

 

[Guest]

I've got less choices than you... Texas World Speedway in College Station or Motorsport Ranch.

That pic is from Texas Motor in Ft Worth, using the LeMans configuration. It was the only night HP driving event held there. That was a freaking blast.

That pic is doctored up- lowered the car, added more glow to the rotors. Makes a good sig pic.

 

[NoDonut]

I paid retail price for the ARI pads, @ $85.00, but I am sure that someone out there can get a better price.
I didnt care about the price because I was so unhappy with the Ford OEM pads.
So far, the pads have been in for one week and I have almost no visible dust showing.
Of course, individual driving patterns may produce different results. (I have NO affiliation with ARI... ;-)
I will post further info on the dust or lack of, as we continue on.

 

[Guest]

$85 sounds about as good as you'll find without a pal on the inside. I wouldn't be surprised if FORD charged twice or three times that amount.

 

[NoDonut]

Yeah, I had absolutely no problem paying the $85.00 for the ARI pads since Ford wanted me to pay them $345.00 just to replace and service the front disc pads.
I went to a trusted brake and tire service business where a friend is employed and I paid $156.00 for the same thing that Ford wanted me to pay almost twice for. Dont get me wrong, I am absolutely happy with the Dealership where we purchased our 2003 EXPY and the service department has always treated me right. I get in and out for routine services and I had to have the left rear taillight and the windshield washer bottle/sensor replaced under waranty for minor hiccups and both replacements were conducted expeditiously. Why they wanted to charge me $345.00 for the replacement of substandard, dust infested brake pads is beyond me.

 

[Guest]

Dealer service is hard to take... I spent about $300 for the 30k service on the Mustang. I did the 60k myself and saved $280.

Hopefully as people work on their trucks, they'll post pics or descriptions so we can service the vehicle ourselves.

 

[Keydo]

Disc brakes are fairly easy to change. That in itself is easy.

However, the dealership usually argues that they do more than that. They'll inspect the rotors for warpage. They'll usually say you've got warpage and will eithe replace or turn the rotors. I think there are some other stuff they check, but that's pretty much it. They just check it. For a fairly brand new truck, the things they check shouldn't be of issue.

Rear disc brakes, you may need a special tool to push the piston back into the caliper.

A tool I always suggest that everyone should get is a disc brake tool kit. A GREAT PRICE on one can be found at The Tool Warehouse

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/AP-7860.html

Best price I've ever seen it allows you to work on German, American and Japanese vehicles.

 

[Guest]

It's time for me to replace my brake system and I can't seem to find a good place to get them. I'm looking for Brembo discs and Bosch or ARI ceramic pads. Any info on these products would be helpful as well as places to buy. Thanks!

 

[rwinch]

I got my Brembo's at:

http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/brembo/index.jsp

I also bought Raybestos Ceramic Pads. Work Great, and virtually no dusting on the front wheels. We got the same Exby, so I can tell you the setup will work great!

 

[daveplot]

Does anyone know where you can buy ARI pads? I googled but couldn't find anything.

 

[gibsonj]

Keydo,

Another source for the disc brake tool you mentioned is at www.harborfreight.com. Occasionally, they run this tool on sale for about $20.

 

[Guest]

rwinch,

Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it. Can't wait to get them!