4th Gen Brakes Q&A

[DWs-TTEB]

One thing I noted while removing the factory pads/rotors, is that the rear pads were 3 times as worn as the front pads (35K miles on them). Also, learning the fun way that you need to put the Expy into "Parking Brake Maintenance Mode" prior to resetting the rear calibers. Broke the pads in, but waiting for after another wk of driving before I attempt 911 braking. So far stops a little better w/o any noise.

^Confirmed to work on 4th Gen Expys^
*The button he is referring to is the "Parking Brake Release" button (Expys on left side under headlight control panel).

 

[DWs-TTEB]

Post install pics

 

[xrcsl]

How are you liking the brakes you installed? I think mine are about due for replacement, any weird stuff to look for other than the parking brake maintenance mode?

I just noticed you're in Evans! I live right down the road in North Augusta.

 

[DWs-TTEB]

How are you liking the brakes you installed? I think mine are about due for replacement, any weird stuff to look for other than the parking brake maintenance mode?

I just noticed you're in Evans! I live right down the road in North Augusta.

Just the maintenance mode. I originally had semi-metallic pads all around & they stop on a dime (lots of brake dust). Had an issue with one front inner pad sticking. Replaced the front pads with a nice set of ceramic pads (very low on brake dust).

 

[DWs-TTEB]

Since your in the area, Fairway Ford sent me this yesterday (their lot is empty):

This is Dick, the General Sales Manager at Fairway Ford Evans. Our Memorial Day Sales Event is happening now! Due to an unexpected demand in the market, we are in need of pre-owned vehicles and will pay top dollar for your trade this Memorial Day! Would you be willing to sell or trade your vehicle for above market value?

 

[xrcsl]

Just the maintenance mode. I originally had semi-metallic pads all around & they stop on a dime (lots of brake dust). Had an issue with one front inner pad sticking. Replaced the front pads with a nice set of ceramic pads (very low on brake dust).

Do you like the ceramic pads? The brakes are the worst thing about my XLT's performance right now... not confidence inspiring when you really push them. If you don't' mind checking, what specific pads are you using, if you like them it would save me some time in shopping around.

 

[xrcsl]

Since your in the area, Fairway Ford sent me this yesterday (their lot is empty):

This is Dick, the General Sales Manager at Fairway Ford Evans. Our Memorial Day Sales Event is happening now! Due to an unexpected demand in the market, we are in need of pre-owned vehicles and will pay top dollar for your trade this Memorial Day! Would you be willing to sell or trade your vehicle for above market value?

That's funny, my previous vehicle was a 2020 Explorer XLT that I bought in February 2020 for $31k OTD from Stokes Hodges Ford. Six months later Carvana offered me $36k for it... so I sold it to them and bought the 2019 Expedition I have now from Gerald Jones Ford for $33k. I checked the other day, and Vroom would buy my Expedition for $37k after I've owned it for 9 months and put an additional 12k miles on it.

Selling is tempting, but there isn't really anything that could replace it. The Suburban is too weak, the Armada is too small, the Landcruiser is too expensive and too small. The Explorer was too small, which made selling it to Carvana a no brainer... the space behind the 3rd row was tiny (kind of like the non-Max Expedition) and I've got too many kids to have the 3rd row folded all the time.

 

[DWs-TTEB]

Do you like the ceramic pads? The brakes are the worst thing about my XLT's performance right now... not confidence inspiring when you really push them. If you don't' mind checking, what specific pads are you using, if you like them it would save me some time in shopping around.

What I put up front. Very happy with them. Also, I installed drilled and slotted rotors 3 months prior. These pads transfer material to the rotors filling in any scoring that may be there.
https://www.autozone.com/brakes-and...per-free-ceramic-brake-pads-de2087/645344_0_0
Rotors used:
https://brakeperformance.com/brake-rotors/premium-dimpled-&-slotted-brake-kit-black-zinc-coating.php
While I was installing the rotors I did a brake fluid flush. Stops like a car now.

 

[xrcsl]

What I put up front. Very happy with them. Also, I installed drilled and slotted rotors 3 months prior. These pads transfer material to the rotors filling in any scoring that may be there.
https://www.autozone.com/brakes-and...per-free-ceramic-brake-pads-de2087/645344_0_0
Rotors used:
https://brakeperformance.com/brake-rotors/premium-dimpled-&-slotted-brake-kit-black-zinc-coating.php
While I was installing the rotors I did a brake fluid flush. Stops like a car now.

Thanks! I may just do the pads for now... depending on what the rotors look like.

 

[rltrbill]

My 2019 is already almost ready for rear pads(29k mi)- can I put the ceramic pads on the factory rotor??

 

[Soliyou]

What I put up front. Very happy with them. Also, I installed drilled and slotted rotors 3 months prior. These pads transfer material to the rotors filling in any scoring that may be there.
https://www.autozone.com/brakes-and...per-free-ceramic-brake-pads-de2087/645344_0_0
Rotors used:
https://brakeperformance.com/brake-rotors/premium-dimpled-&-slotted-brake-kit-black-zinc-coating.php
While I was installing the rotors I did a brake fluid flush. Stops like a car now.

I tried These pads copper-free that you recommended on my Honda Odyssey and they are AMAZING. The brake feel and stopping power are waaay better than the OEM Advics or Akebono ceramic pads that I had before.

I will definitely use them in the expy when it is time for new brakes!

 

[Soliyou]

My 2019 is already almost ready for rear pads(29k mi)- can I put the ceramic pads on the factory rotor??

Sure! I generally prefer to turn the rotors with fresh pads, but I also installed pads on used rotors and nothing exploded!

 

[rltrbill]

Sure! I generally prefer to turn the rotors with fresh pads, but I also installed pads on used rotors and nothing exploded!

Assuming they look nice and smooth of course- It was the ceramic vs metallic? that is factory is what I was most concerned with.

 

[Soliyou]

No problem with using ceramic in place of metallic. The initial bite of ceramic pads when cold could be lower than metallic, but the pads recommended above have a great cold bite.

 

[DWs-TTEB]

My 2019 is already almost ready for rear pads(29k mi)- can I put the ceramic pads on the factory rotor??

Yes if there in good shape

 

[DWs-TTEB]

Ceramic pads are OEM on the 4thGen Expy.

 

[rltrbill]

Wonder mine

Ceramic pads are OEM on the 4thGen Expy.

Really? I wonder why mine are almost in the wear tabs at 28k??

 

[DWs-TTEB]

When I changed my OEM pads out at 33K the rear pads were almost gone. Fronts were not bad. When you search the auto websites the OEM pads for these are ceramic. I put semi-metallic pads all around at first but, had an issue with a stuck against the rotor always front inner pad & switched the fronts with ceramic. I am loving these Elite ceramic pads I picked up at auto zone. The rear semi-metallic pads are doing fine, just loads of brake dust.

 

[keny01998]

I just pulled my rear wheels and measure my pads. I still have 7mm after 20k miles on my 2019 XLT 4WD. I recommend to buy the brake measure blades and check your brakes whenever you have a chance to remove your wheels.

 

[FlyBry]

You can install any brake pad that will fit, just follow the proper break in procedure to transfer the new pad material to the rotor.