Advice on Changing Brakes

[Silvergto2]

Before anyone tells me to try the search feature, I spent the last 3 days reading a TON of threads and couldn't find answers to my specific questions. I decided to take a stab at changing my own brakes for the first time myself. I wanted to get a couple of things cleared up before I attempted this. I am not interested in people telling me that I should get the cobra brakes and/or mach 1 so save yourself the typing energy. I decided to keep it basically stock. 1.) I am going to be replacing the rotors with Brembo blanks all the way around. I wanted to get OEM pads, but they are really expensive, would Motorcraft pads be ok? I DONT want noise, and I don't want something that puts out alot of dust. 2.) Is there a tool that I can pick up or order online for pushing/turning the rear calipers or will needle noise pliers do?
3.) What kind of brake fluid is recommened? (I believe its DOT3 type) 4.) I wanting to paint the rotors so they look a bit better than normal. Is painting the hat of the rotor is ok? Any particular paint brand recommended? 5.) I am thinking about upgrading to the SS lines. Would I see any benefit from doing this since I am keeping my braking system stock? Anything else anyone would like to give to me in the form of advice I would appreciate.

 

[san~man]

1. OEM=Motorcraft. They are actually good pads that don't dust too badly.
2. Why do you need to push/turn the caliper?
3. Motorcraft is fine.
4. Painting the hats are recommended so they don't rust.
5. SS lines will help with the mushy pedal feel, but won't decrease the stopping distances.

 

[Silvergto2]

1. OEM=Motorcraft. They are actually good pads that don't dust too badly.
2. Why do you need to push/turn the caliper?
3. Motorcraft is fine.
4. Painting the hats are recommended so they don't rust.
5. SS lines will help with the mushy pedal feel, but won't decrease the stopping distances.

According to some research and Randy Stinchcomb OEM does not equal Motorcraft for brake pads. There are Ford OEM pads which are $77 bucks for the fronts or Motorcraft pads which are $44.00 for the front. There is a price difference for the rear pads as well.

What I mean by pushing/turning the caliper is the piston for the rear calipers. Is there a specific tool I can order online or pickup at a parts store.

Thanks for the answers.

 

[san~man]

If OEM=/ Motorcraft, then the OEM pads are fine. I'm using them (came with Bullit calipers) and they stop just as good as the Hawk HPS' I threw in the trash can due to their noise. They also dust far less than the Hawks.

 

[bdcardinal]

OEM is different than Motorcraft. OEM pads are the exact same ones that were on the car new. the Motorcrafts are a cheaper alternative.

yes you will need a tool to turn in the rear caliper pistons. you can pick up the cube version at sears or rent the one that work a lot better from most parts stores.

the motorcraft fluid is good, also consider Valvoline SynPower Dot3/4.

 

[CRZYHRSGT]

1. I agree with San~man: OEM pads work just fine. Ceramic pads are also known to not dust much. You can visit this Tire Rack link and check out the reviews on the different brands.

2. Rent the tool from Auto Zone/Advance Auto.

3. I use ATE brake fluid, but most any DOT 3/4 is fine (including Motorcraft).

4. I'd recommend painting the hat with a hi-temp grey paint (i.e. engine paint).

5. Short of doing the dreaded Cobra/Mach brake setup S/S lines are gonna get you the best performance upgrade for your brakes.

 

[thomas91169]

you can buy the tool set from Harbor Freight for 20$ to push the rear caliper pistons back in. id just buy the tool, youll need it again anyways, and since it works on any of the other types of vehicles with turn-type pistons, it will likely come in handy.

 

[steve_stang2003]

you can buy the tool set from Harbor Freight for 20$ to push the rear caliper pistons back in. id just buy the tool, youll need it again anyways, and since it works on any of the other types of vehicles with turn-type pistons, it will likely come in handy.

I think that's the one I have.
It comes in a red case and includes the adapters for just about any size system.

I agree with san~man about Hawk pads.
Mine ended up in the trash with 1/2 the pad still on them because of the noise and dust.
Horrible pads IMHO.

Not sure what is meant by the "dreaded Mach/Cobra" upgrade though?
It looks like plug-n-play to me assuming you have 17 inch wheels?
I agree with SS lines. I have them on my 92 Caprice and with no other upgrade they made a big difference in pedal feel. Much firmer.

If you are going to paint your calipers, get the Duplicolor kit and take your time!
It takes A LOT longer than you think it will and make sure to have everything spotless clean before painting. I'd suggest buying an extra can of brake cleaner.
You might also look into having your calipers powder coated. Powder coating shops are springing up all over the place where I live.
The ricers are keeping them in business

It wouldn't surprise me to learn that Motorcraft != Ford OEM as Chrysler has several lines of parts. Some are better than others.

 

[CRZYHRSGT]

Not sure what is meant by the "dreaded Mach/Cobra" upgrade though?
It looks like plug-n-play to me assuming you have 17 inch wheels?

I personally have it and love it. I just said that b/c Silvergto2 isn't interested in the upgrade and from the sounds of it his extensive use of the search button (gotta salute him for that ) has come up with a million threads that eventually suggest that he do the upgrade.

 

[steve_stang2003]

I personally have it and love it. I just said that b/c Silvergto2 isn't interested in the upgrade and from the sounds of it his extensive use of the search button (gotta salute him for that ) has come up with a million threads that eventually suggest that he do the upgrade.

Gotcha!

I'm thinking of doing the upgrade myself but I'm concerned if it will fit under my wheels?
I have the stock 17 inch Bullitt "Special Edition GT" wheels that came with my 2003 Centennial Edition GT but the backspacing is
5.72 where a lot of wheels seem to be 6.12 back spacing?

I'm wondering if I will have clearance issues?

 

[CRZYHRSGT]

Same brakes as on the Bullitt (those are the ones I have...red with the running pony). No clearance issues...

 

[the98stang]

Just don't get Hawk pads. They stop great, but they make a SH1T load of noise, and they create enough dust to fill up the great lakes.

 

[bdcardinal]

Just don't get Hawk pads. They stop great, but they make a SH1T load of noise, and they create enough dust to fill up the great lakes.

which hawk pads do you have? i have the HPS on my brake setup and there is no noise at all. did you put a lube on the back of the pad? also i have no dusting at all.

 

[the98stang]

which hawk pads do you have? i have the HPS on my brake setup and there is no noise at all. did you put a lube on the back of the pad? also i have no dusting at all.

I think I have the HPS . Every thing was lubed properly, disc brake quiet and all. I don't WTF is wrong, but others have complained too.

 

[03ghoststang]

as far as pads go everyone has there opinion for them i like my Hawk pads they grab real good as for the dust i can careless about it, the noise i only get it in the morning when its cold but after 2 good stops it goes away...........


to the thread starter you can buy the tool at harbor freight or any parts store

 

[bdcardinal]

I think I have the HPS . Every thing was lubed properly, disc brake quiet and all. I don't WTF is wrong, but others have complained too.

new rotors too? i always install new rotors with pads, except for track sets.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Before anyone tells me to try the search feature, I spent the last 3 days reading a TON of threads and couldn't find answers to my specific questions. I decided to take a stab at changing my own brakes for the first time myself. I wanted to get a couple of things cleared up before I attempted this. I am not interested in people telling me that I should get the cobra brakes and/or mach 1 so save yourself the typing energy. I decided to keep it basically stock. 1.) I am going to be replacing the rotors with Brembo blanks all the way around. I wanted to get OEM pads, but they are really expensive, would Motorcraft pads be ok? I DONT want noise, and I don't want something that puts out alot of dust. 2.) Is there a tool that I can pick up or order online for pushing/turning the rear calipers or will needle noise pliers do?
3.) What kind of brake fluid is recommened? (I believe its DOT3 type) 4.) I wanting to paint the rotors so they look a bit better than normal. Is painting the hat of the rotor is ok? Any particular paint brand recommended? 5.) I am thinking about upgrading to the SS lines. Would I see any benefit from doing this since I am keeping my braking system stock? Anything else anyone would like to give to me in the form of advice I would appreciate.

#1) OEM pads are supposed to be a better quality pad than motorcraft...hence the price difference. I use only OEM pads. Does help to have a friend who gets a discount. I just paid $37 for rear OEM pads through him. Motorcraft would be OK though.

Where did you get Brembo Blank rotors from?? I've had my rear Brembo rotors on backorder from tirerack.com for 3 months now and they said they won't have any at least til after 4th of july. I'm gonna cancel, but I need another source.

#2.)Yes there is a tool, already been covered in this thread. I have used the small cube and rachet with good sucess though. A lot of guys hate it, but i have no problem and find it quick and easy.

#3) I use valvoline synthetic brake fluid

#4) Paint hats is OK. I used high temp engine paint...aluminum color for my rotors. Just mask off the area the pad will travel and spray the hat and let dry. Mine still look good a year later

#5) SS lines are a great upgrade, i noticed an improvement when i did mine.


#6) The 13" cobra brakes will fit behind your 17" wheels with no probs

 

[Thundermouse]

#1) Where did you get Brembo Blank rotors from?? I've had my rear Brembo rotors on backorder from tirerack.com for 3 months now and they said they won't have any at least til after 4th of july. I'm gonna cancel, but I need another source.

Brembo rotors- check here

 

[the98stang]

new rotors too? i always install new rotors with pads, except for track sets.

Not new, but they were turned. They don't squeek as much now (I think because it's hotter outside), but they do create tons of brake dust.