brake pad recomendations

[Gary Waugh]

Okay peeps, my brakes started pulsing when braking, my local Ford dealer said the rotors needed to be skimmed, they skimmed them and all was well for a few weeks, then they started pulsing again. I have a 2008 EL Limited with 160K miles and the rotors are original. I decided to just buy a set of Bosch Quietcast rotors and change them, its only been a few days, but the brakes are nice and smooth. Whilst changing the rotors I noticed the brake pads are getting low probably need to be changed in the next 10K miles, so I wanted to ask what people recommend? I love this car and the brakes work great so no problem to go with the FORD pads, but am happy to try something else!!

Any suggestions?

Gary

 

[Dannyboy11222]

Centrix pads n rotors....

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[Trainmaster]

I use Motorcraft, but had good results with Hawk ceramic. Don't know if they are available for the Expeditions, but they solved big problems on my Excursion.

 

[ExplorerTom]

I’ve never liked ceramics. Sure they don’t dust much, but that first brake application after miles of highway cruising have never felt great. Sorta felt like I was not going to stop in time.

I just ordered Hawk LTS for my Expedition. I had run some EBC Orangestuff and Yellowstuff previously, great pads but they wore out quickly. I had the Hawk LTS prior to the EBCs and liked them as well- and they lasted longer.

 

[Trainmaster]

The Motorcrafts are ceramic, and while they stop steady and true, they do give the feeling of a long stopping distance when cold. A bit un-nerving, but better than what I've had with lots of the auto part store junk.

 

[sjwelds]

Just took delivery on a set of powerstop rotors and pads for the front axle from rockauto. Went with the stock replacement level. Haven't got them installed yet, will be curious to see how they do.

$121.21 delivered, including 5% discount.

 

[Eric Mowrer]

I just changed my Autozone Duralast Gold ceramic pads with 90k+ miles. Installed them with Duralast rotors. Been great for 4 years. You can pick up a set of rotors and pads right now with their sale for $154.

Lifetime Warranty on pads.


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[adamsdaddy]

@Eric Mowrer did you lube the pins or anything when you replaced the pads and rotors?

 

[bobmbx]

Okay peeps, my brakes started pulsing when braking, my local Ford dealer said the rotors needed to be skimmed, they skimmed them and all was well for a few weeks, then they started pulsing again. I have a 2008 EL Limited with 160K miles and the rotors are original. I decided to just buy a set of Bosch Quietcast rotors and change them, its only been a few days, but the brakes are nice and smooth. Whilst changing the rotors I noticed the brake pads are getting low probably need to be changed in the next 10K miles, so I wanted to ask what people recommend? I love this car and the brakes work great so no problem to go with the FORD pads, but am happy to try something else!!

Any suggestions?

Gary

Search the forum. There is a recent post on a brake pad "break-in" procedure. It involves a series of hard brake applications to heat up the pads (tempers?). Seems to work. And the post has a decent write on why its generally a lie when you're told your discs are warped.

Apparently, this procedure even cures the pulsating brake pedal, which is diagnosed as warped rotors.

 

[ExplorerTom]

I just changed my Autozone Duralast Gold ceramic pads with 90k+ miles. Installed them with Duralast rotors. Been great for 4 years. You can pick up a set of rotors and pads right now with their sale for $154.

Lifetime Warranty on pads.


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I had a set of those. Hated them. Never felt confident in the brakes.

 

[Eric Mowrer]

@Eric Mowrer did you lube the pins or anything when you replaced the pads and rotors?

Yes. I check the pins for lube and free movement. The gold pads come with new brake retaining clips.

Takes 45 minutes.
6 lug bolts
2 caliper bolts
2 caliper carrier bolts (need 24” breaker bar)

Takes longer to get out the tools, put them away, and clean up.


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[Eric Mowrer]

I had a set of those. Hated them. Never felt confident in the brakes.

I’ve tried many different brands in the 30 years that I’ve been turning wrenches and didn’t notice a difference. I used to be Wagner only. Towed my 21” center console to the keys every year 700 miles, no problem. No warping, no excessive dust, even stops the 35s easy.


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[ManUpOrShutUp]

I'm running Akebono ProACT ceramic pads in back and front. Quiet, smooth, low dust and no complaints about stopping power either.

 

[ExplorerTom]

I’ve tried many different brands in the 30 years that I’ve been turning wrenches and didn’t notice a difference. I used to be Wagner only. Towed my 21” center console to the keys every year 700 miles, no problem. No warping, no excessive dust, even stops the 35s easy.


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I used to Autox and road race. I know the difference good brakes can make. House brand brake pads are great to install when you’re flipping a car for profit. I won’t use them on any car I plan to actually own.

 

[Gary Waugh]

Search the forum. There is a recent post on a brake pad "break-in" procedure. It involves a series of hard brake applications to heat up the pads (tempers?). Seems to work. And the post has a decent write on why its generally a lie when you're told your discs are warped.

Apparently, this procedure even cures the pulsating brake pedal, which is diagnosed as warped rotors.

Thanks Bobmbx, I saw that article and tried the braking maneuver that it suggested and it did improve the brakes (less pulsing) but did not cure it, tried it a few times but no improvement after the first time so changed the disks and they are now lovely and smooth. I am breaking the new rotors in gently for a few days and will then try the suggested procedure to finish bedding them in.. I am very sure the disks where warped, but after 12 years and 160K miles I can't complain!! It was suggested that the biggest cause of warped rotors is not correctly torquing the wheel lug nuts up (the wheel lug nuts hold both the wheel and the rotors in place) I can see that it might cause an issue, but I have always used a torque wrench and tightened the lug nuts in a star pattern!!

Looks like the ceramic pads get a reasonable review just be aware that they need a second or too to heat up and become effective when braking!!

Cheers Gary