Thread: brake pads

so ive decided to do my own brakes. This will be the first time on my truck. I need some tips on which pads to use, just overall tips. I know on bmw's most of the time the rotors are changed every brake job. What do i do with the rotors? Do I get new ones? Ive done brakes on other cars in the past, hondas etc. heck thats when i was younger and never even thought about resurfacing the rotors back then. I need some advice here. thanks

depending how you are with the breaks...you normally wont need to resurface them until XXXX amount of miles or signs of wear (gnarly vibrations under breaking). if rotors begin to show hot spots or you can feel with your hands major wear then it is time for resurfacing, you can only do it so many times though.
i found it best to just stick to the factory rotors and pads since thay havent done "me" wrong. maybe upgrade to a different pad for better wear will benefit you in the long haul.

When it comes to brakes I see the Hawk LTS pads recommended on here allot for these super duties. I've never ran them myself but haven't heard any bad about them either.

I personally recommend PFC's. They are carried by most major auto store chains (Auto Zone, Kragen, Pep Boys) and sell for a reasonable amount. These are a race tested brand and I have been more than happy with mine. Heck just this morning I locked up the 37" MTZ (heavy tire) in a panic stop with no problem.

Previously they came with a lifetime warranty but I believe they've since reduced it to only a 2 year. Regardless you can get at least one free set of pads under warranty out of the deal .

As far as rotors, I've seen most recommend the Cryo rotors. I personally went with a cheap set from Autozone and haven't had any problems running the PFC pads. These rotors don't like too much heat (from previous experiences on smaller cars) but the PFC's stay so cool it hasn't been a problem at all on the truck. You can never go wrong with sticking to factory - keep that in mind - I'm just throwing out alternatives per your request.

If your rotors look and feel smooth to the touch and you don't have any unusual wobbling on application of your brakes then they should be fine, no need to turn or cut them. Myself I usually turn my rotors every other pad change for good measure. If you have a digital caliper you can check their thickness, (or let the guy turning them for you do it... they have to by law) there is a minimum you cannot go below regarding their thickness. If it goes below this replace them as they are no longer safe and cannot be relied upon. Once they get too thin they have more of a tendency to crack.

Hope you find this helpful. Keep in mind, I'm no pro just some guy who works on his own junk.

I like the Ford pads for mine over 100,000 miles on the last set



Pitt you know your hands will get dirty doing this ................................unless you wear gloves

Originally Posted by weweld

I like the Ford pads for mine over 100,000 miles on the last set



Pitt you know your hands will get dirty doing this ................................unless you wear gloves

Gene, keep this up and your gonna get me thrown out of this place. the old pitts just dyin to get out ya know !

excellent! now where can i get the rotors turned? it seems the pad would seat better if they were resurfaced and etched....im assuming they are still useable as my truck only has about 70k on it. i thought i would get more than 70k out of my pads?

i know what grinding on a honda feels and sounds like but the noise im getn from my truck is like a veryyyyy low pitch grinding type sound almost inaudible.. will have to put that thing in the air soon to see. what can i expect to pay for pads and rotors?

NO JOKE Pitts Machine shop on Waterman

Originally Posted by PITBULL62

Gene, keep this up and your gonna get me thrown out of this place. the old pitts just dyin to get out ya know !

I can take care of that for you if you want me too

Just replaced mine last night. I used Motorcraft BRSD-756 and BRSD-757. Be sure to clean and lube your caliper pins. I don't resurface unless the rotors are really ugly.

The previous set were aftermarket, can't remember the brand. The reason I replaced the pads was that I heard a funny noise from the rear. I found that one of the pucks had separated from the backing plate. The remaining pads still had about 1/3 material remaining. I replaced them all. From now on, the only brake pads going on my truck will be Motorcraft.

New pads were put on my truck just before I bought it. I believe they were an auto part store brand. Within about 500 miles they were squealing and had warped my rotors. I was told that the best pads for these trucks were the ford factory brand, which I was told by another org member are a step up from motorcraft. Anyway, put the new ford factory pads on, turned the rotors and all is good now. THey stop great no sqealing and no warping so far.