I just wanted to hear from anyone with experience using Napa's brake products. I have been going round and round with them and am kind of feeling alone. Maybe it is me. I could use some feedback.

See topic "beware, lifetime warranty doesn't always mean lifetime warranty."

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'97 F150 Lariat, Flareside, white/sliver, SC, ORP, 5.4 (FQR), Mods: 305/70/16 GY ATS, AR Baja wheels, dual exhaust, Smittybilt Nerf Bars, Edelbrock IAS Shocks, K&N Filter, Carbon Fiber Bug Gaurd and rigged the fog lights too.

 

The only brake hardware I used from Napa was the new brake springs for the truck a year ago. They were the only one available at that time. Never buy transmission filter from them, 45.00 compare to the Ford dealer 15.00. Their brake pads also sucks, the worst kind you can get. If you're looking for pads, get Advance Ferodo or PF Z pad. I tried them both and took the Z pad off because it's get my AR wheels dirty but stops on a dime. I got the Ferodo gold on now and it's seems OK. I also tried the Raybesto pads but their shims breaks and caused the brakes to squeal. Hope this help.

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1997 XLT Supercab emerald green,4.6 auto superchip, MSD 8.5 wires and Bosch plat4 plugs, rear dual exhaust, Atlas wheels w HP 275/60/17 tires, P/F Z pads, Lund steps and quarter window shades, Outland grille guard w KC daylighters (for sale cheap), piaa 1000 in bumpers openings, Trenz billet grille, edlebrock ISA shocks, Powerslider, stainless steel fender trim, Fluidyne tranny cooler, Airaid kit, Gentex electronic compass dimming mirror,Downey SST tonneau cover(for sale cheap),A.R.E. lid, Steeda sway bar(at least it doesn't make noises like the Hellwig), newly installed B&M cast aluminum xtra 3 qt tranny pan, Firestone Sport-Rite airbags system with remote pressure gauge mounted on Autometer dual pod with Autometer tranny temp gauge. Other half also owns a 97 F-150 (plain jane)

 

I am starting to think you are right!

Anyone know how much the rotors and pads are from Ford?

 

I've got Raybestos on my truck and had no probs. Its their premium pad. I've also exercised the liftime waranty and had no problem.

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'93 Regular Cab XLT Shortbed, 5.0, K&N, Borla, 160,000 miles; Future Expedition owner.

 

Yea me too, I'm on my 4th set (buy 1 get 3 free) on my 92 explorer 4x2. I get about 10K per set.

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2000 F-150 4x2 XLT Supercab Flairside 4.2 Auto 3.55 LS axle 255/70R16" Factory CD, Keyless entry, sliding rear window. Slim-Top hard tonneau, Front spoiler, K&N, Lund Interceptor, Kleen wheels

 

Well, here's the story:

After three sets of pads and rotors I sent the NAPA website an e-mail. To make a long story short they sent out their brake guy to meet me at the store. We took my truck to a local shop (their arrangement) and had it checked out. The new rotors felt like they were still had too much lateral runout. I get a shimmy while applying the brakes over 50mph!

At the shop the mechanic checked the rotors for runout. Okay, he used a screwdriver resting on the caliper as his dial indicator - what a joke. Anyway, after he "checks" the front rotors he proclaims "no rotor runout here!"

Anyway, he then take the back drums off and slaps them on his lathe to check for runout. Sure enough they did have some runout so I thought, great I will get them turned and walla, no more shimmy.

I guess it just wasn't meant to be. Replaced the rear shoes last weekend and had the rotors turned and I'm still geting the shimmy. What gives? Can someone accurately check for rotor runout with a screw driver? Does the shimmy sound like a rotor runout problem?

Help!

 

Okay, I stand corrected. I bought a cool little dial indicator on E-bay the other day. I checked the run-out of the rotors and only measured .0015. The spec on them is .003. I will look elsehwere for my problem.

I have to say Napa really did come through when I was searching for the fix. They could have just told me to stick it but after a little persuassion they came around and really tried to help!

P.s. E-bay is awesome! Really just started looking around in there while searching for a dial indicator. I got a Craftsman in great shape for $35. Retail on it is $140. The guy even delivered it (he lived in the same city.) These guys on the auction sites are scouring the country side looking for good deals and then seeling them on the web at great prices. If you are on a budget and are looking for tools - www.ebay.com!

 

Napa Brakes are junk. They lasted about a year. put on ford oem.

1992 Ford flair side
K&N filter
800 watt MTX stereo

Ford Rules Chevy drools

 

kkirt.
try having the bearings removed and re-seated, it took me two rotor turns on my old GT to realize the problem was elsewhere. I had a shop press the new bearings in and the shimmy never came back.

 

Good idea Indyfan. The question is how do you get the freakin front hub off to get to the "factory sealed" bearings. I tried a time or two but no way were they budging. Any help would be appreciated!

 

I have said NAPA was substandard and overpriced for a long time, and the last time I spoke out, I was FLAMED! I always go with major brands; Raybestos, WIX, Bendix, Standard Motor Products, etc. I have received from NAPA the EXACT SAME lousy customer service and attention to detail. And NO, I don't use Autozone, Pep Boys, or the like, EITHER!

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'98 F150 XL Regular Cab, LWB, 4.2L V6, 5 Spd, 3.55 LS, Rhino Lining, factory heavy duty suspension, 3" Gibson Swept Side Cat Back, K&N filter, Oxford White minus the two tone garbage. BIG TIME FoMoCo p/u fan, not some fair weather hammerhead.

 

You speak the truth my son. Be gone with the flamers!

 

Its sad that they would give you that service. As far as Napa products go let me help you with some of the "Private Lable Brands" Napa carries. Raybestos IS Napa Brakes, Both are Brake Parts Inc. McHennery, Ill. Formally Known as Affina Group. By the way WIX is Affina Group and if you look on any Napa Filter Package it says Affina. Napa Echlin is made by Standard. Bendix is the cheapest made rotors next to import japan, But napa carries them too. MAYBE, Just MAYBE its the Mechanic and not the parts. Mechanics think they are god and know all. Napa peeps are not techs but we receive just as much training if not more. Remember ANY parts Manufacturer has to adhere to Federal standards with their products and thats just what OE does, sticks with standards. OE is THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM.

 

I buy at NAPA often, and I buy at Advance often, once in a while I go online to Amazon, etc. When I buy, I consider the use intended and my expectations against cost and manufacturer. Some things I'll buy cheaper, some I'll go with a higher grade part. I know about all of the counter people at my NAPA and Advance, known most of them for years, some 30+ even like those at NAPA .... as well as the man who runs the machine shop.

I don't recall the last time a part left me dissapointed or that I got less than GreaT ServicE! The folks are great about steering me back on track if they see I'm looking at a brand that might be of poorer qyuality (they know where the come backs are, and it ain't always the cheaper part).

I go to the dealership at times for parts like when I needed a new manifold that bolts to the AC compressor back end on my 1992 T-Bird Sport, Donny (parts man at Ford Parts) got it through an obsolete parts search from down south and at a fair price.