I just had my 2003 F-150 inspected today, and they said that I will need new rotors by next inspection. It shakes when the brakes are warm like they are warped, so I know they do need replaced soon. They are too far gone to be turned down also. I have 48,000 miles on my truck. I thought that they should be able to be turned down at least once before replacing them. Anyway, they want about $700 to replace everything, that includes new brake pads, rotors, and installation. I'm hoping to do the work myself. The rotors from Ford are around $75-$85 a piece. I called NAPA and they wanted about $40-$50 per rotor. Are the Ford parts worth the extra money? The NAPA price kinda scares me a little because I know you sometimes get what you pay for. Also are there any special brake pads that I should look to get when I put the new rotors on? Thanks in advance for the help.

 

I have a 03 screw 4wd and just replaced front brakes rotors and all myself @ about 49,000 miles. As cheep as rotors are I buy new ones every time, I don't wast the time or money on turning them down. I went with ceramic in the front. and I'm very pleased with the result. very little brake dust if any and I have no problems with stopping. I got all my parts at advanced auto parts.

 

I also forgot to say everything was $200 bucks or less not sure on the exact amount. but I know labor is a killer

 

3f150: you replaced the original rotors up front? or had you replaced the originals already/before?

 

I replaced the originals up front. I had a good time getting the rotors off. pb blaster and big hammer.

 

i just replaced my front rotors and pads on my 03 screw 4x4 and it took me a whole 1.5 hours. the rotors only cost me $35 each and the pads were $100. you will not be able to turn your orginal Ford rotors with that many miles on them. my truck had over 100000km(approx 50000miles) and they had markings/grooves on them that were to deep. For the price of turning them compared to new ones, wasn't much of a decision. i hope the shop that quoted you $700 provides the vasaline for free when they give you there invoice

 

To the original poster of this thread: Was that quote of $700 only for the front or for front and rear?

I concur, but $700 for all that seems over inflated even by typical labor standards. OUCH! I would think between $200 and $250 would work, depends on what performance level and where you buy the set from. With that quote above, I will never go to a dealership, but rather replace the rotors myself every 3 or 4 brake pad changes.

I will be replacing my rotors at my next brake change. I am a little surprised to hear others' rotors are seizing and having to use PB Blaster or the like to loosen them. I live in the salt/snow belt and have over 56k on my original rotors and even though they are rusted everywhere except the braking surface, they are not in the least way binded to the hub or lug bolts. I have changed my brakes pads a couple of times so maybe that kept them a little looser, eh?

 

The quote was for both the front and rear. I decided to go to NAPA and get them to do it myself. The garage (Ford Garage) that inspected the truck said that they dont need replace right away, just by the next inspection. I figure i will replace the rear ones now and the front ones within the next couple weeks. The rear ones are the source of my bouncing anyhow. I just picked them up at NAPA last night and will be installing them tomorrow night. My bill for rear rotors and pads was about $160. The fronts are right around the same price.I have read a lot of good things about the NAPA rotors, so time will tell. Thanks again for all of your help.

 

I put new pads on at 30k and then 40k i turned the rotors myself at school. Eventually will throw new rotors on the front with ceramics. I havent touched the rear yet

 

Me either, I can tell they are worn versus new pads, but not quite the rate that the fronts wear out. Does someone know the typical brake ratio between front and rear?

At this rate I may not need to replace the rear pads till about the 100k mile mark.

 

if i had to guess i would say your rear pads should last 50% longer then the fronts. i myself check them every time i rotate my tires which is every 10000km. i figure i will be replacing my rears when i hit the 120000-140000km (62000-80000miles) mark, which is 20000-40000km more then my fronts had. that's jusy my opinon.