I'm about to replace my brake pads on my '97 F-150, 5.4L, 4x4, which I bought about six months ago, for the first time. I have checked with different auto parts stores in my area and they have a variety of pads to choose from. For example, Autozone and Advance both have their brand, (Albany and Wearever), for about $20. Then they have the Peformance Friction Carbon Metallic, Bendix and Raybestos, which costs between $45-$75. What is a good pad?? I don't want to spend a fortune for brake pads if they aren't any better than the cheaper ones, but also I don't want to be replacing they again in 10,000 miles. I need some advice from people that have tried the different ones and some honest opinions on how they worked.

 

I've used Wearever pads on other vehicles, and they seem to work fine. They're soft enough that they don't tear up rotors, like a harder set of pads would.

BTW, I'm going to replace my pads this weekend. I have 42K on the original ones. How difficult of a job is it?

 

I wish I could help on the difficulty thing Jag, this will be my first time also. I have read that it is not too bad, but of course, it's different for everyone. I mean, I ain't no mechanic, I'm just trying to save a few bucks, like most of us.

 

I've got the performance friction pads on my front. If they wear out I turn 'em in for a new set. Lifetime Warranty

 

its a real easy job.
raise the truck,
pull the wheel,
undo the two bolts holding the calipur, r
emove the calipur,
suspend the calipur using wire or a coat hanger (so it doesnt tug on the brake line),
let old pads drop off,
spary some brake cleen and wipe everything up,
put in new pads (spray em with some anti squel first if you like)
push the pistons into the calipur (i use a piece of wood and a c clamp)
put everything back together.

Thats the basics, if you have someone who has done it before it helps. Hope i didnt leave anything out.

 

Grin,

I'm assuming you don't turn the rotors either if they don't need it, heh

Zap

 

hey he said change pads. You wanna turn the rotors while your down there go ahead, but thats slightly more painful. www.fordf150.net has a good walkthrough.

 

if your going to buy brake pads please stay away from the wearevers and any other cheap pads. with all the problems on these trucks with warping rotors wearevers will have your rotors warped in about 10,000 or less. im speaking from expierence these pads are cheap but are very hard and build up a lot of heat. i have a 97 f150 4x4 and i have used bendix and raybestos with very good success. i would definately spend a little more now as it will save you in the future. on average and i say average, front brake pads should last about 50,000 miles if you have a premium set of pads. hope this helps

 

Raysbestos ceramic pads = no noise and no dust, have them in the front and rear of my Expy about six months now.Along with Powerstop slotted rotors.

 

grinomyte had the steps to changing pads. Are there any aditional steps for changing ABS pads?

Thanks

 

im not positive since i have a 98 (no anti locks in the front just back) but i believe the process is identical. Thanks renegade for the raybestoes recommend, i put em in since my semis were squeking and braking sucked, great pad.