• Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-

Brakes...what's Good?

  • Thread starter Thread starter IIGood
  • Start date Start date Oct 21, 2016

IIGood

Founding Member
Aug 1, 1998
4,252
1,214
224
Churchton, MD
Oct 21, 2016
#1
  • Oct 21, 2016
  • #1
I'm starting to prepare for a brake job on my '03 GT. It's been a while since I've done the pads and I'm starting to experience vibration in the steering wheel when I'm coming to a stop. So this time around I'm thinking pads and rotors.

About 9 years ago I upgraded the front brakes to the Mach 1 setup. Basically the same thing as the Cobra setup, just with plain calipers rather than having them emblazoned with "COBRA." The pads have been replaced since then, but the rotors have not and they've probably got about 100K miles on them now.

The rear brakes are still the factory GT size and had the rotors replaced maybe 7 years ago...I think that's the last time the pads were replaced too...and that whole setup has about 75K on them (the car was at almost 100K when they were changed).

In looking around, it seems a little difficult to find Motorcraft stuff. And all the other names that are coming up I've not really heard of except for Brembo or Hawk of course. Names like Centric and Stop Tech.

The car is just a "cruiser" now with some spirited driving. Doesn't see the track so I don't need anything crazy...no cross-drilled/slotted nonsense. Just a good replacement that's durable and won't be noisy. I'll need the 13" rotors up front with accompanying pads, and then just the factory-size GT setup for the rear.

It's just been a while and I don't know what's what. I'm not looking to spend a fortune on some uber-awesome setup that will be too much for what I need, but I also don't want garbage. I mean, this is a safety system I'm dealing with here. Oh...but friendly on the wallet too, at the same time. So...what's good?
 
Last edited: Oct 21, 2016

90sickfox

Wasn't a pretty sight...and I've got big hands
SN Certified Technician
Mar 2, 2015
6,945
5,816
213
Oct 21, 2016
#2
  • Oct 21, 2016
  • #2
I just put eline brakes front and rear on my cobra equipped fox. Bought them from eBay. A friend referred them to me....and I'm pleased.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,238
17,923
224
Massachusetts
Oct 24, 2016
#3
  • Oct 24, 2016
  • #3
Rockauto.com has the motorcraft pads.

MOTORCRAFT BR12B is the pad for the front Cobra style brake
MOTORCRAFT BR65B is the pad for the rear GT style brakes

The have motorcraft rotors as well, but I tend to prefer to Centric blank rotors these days. I've had great luck with them
 

IIGood

Founding Member
Aug 1, 1998
4,252
1,214
224
Churchton, MD
Oct 24, 2016
#4
  • Oct 24, 2016
  • #4
Thanks for all the input so far. I guess RockAuto has the Motorcraft pads back in stock...I had looked sometime back and didn't see them listed; I just assumed they weren't carrying them anymore. Guess they were just out of stock.

I'll next be looking at shocks/struts probably. They've got as much mileage on them as the front brakes do. They're Tokico D-Specs and given the car's "cruiser" status, I really don't need another set of D-Specs. Not to mention I don't quite have the money for a damper of that caliber.
 

squeak93

15 Year Member
Jun 2, 2005
2,269
367
164
Joplin, Missouri
Oct 26, 2016
#5
  • Oct 26, 2016
  • #5
Wagner Thermo Quiets if you're looking for a good quiet pad that doesn't dust a lot.

I've used EBC green and red stuff pads and both bite HARD. But dust a lot. It all depends on your goals.

Is this a DD car or a track whore?
 

IIGood

Founding Member
Aug 1, 1998
4,252
1,214
224
Churchton, MD
Oct 28, 2016
#6
  • Oct 28, 2016
  • #6
It's a DD/cruiser. Doesn't see the track anymore.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

C
Fox Need help identifying brake setup
  • Cypher02xd
  • Apr 25, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
2
Views
133
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Apr 27, 2026
Mustang5L5
L
05GT brakes on a 98GT?
  • lparsons42
  • Sep 6, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
0
Views
168
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Sep 6, 2025
lparsons42
L
H
Strange steering/brake issue
  • Haxmaster
  • Jun 2, 2026
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
1
Views
72
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Jun 3, 2026
squeak93
F
5 lug disc brake pad help
  • Foxrider714
  • Nov 14, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
3
Views
233
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Nov 17, 2025
KRUISR
Brakes FOX BRAKES ISSUES
  • PonyGTrider
  • Jan 11, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2 3
Replies
53
Views
2K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jan 31, 2026
Mustang5L5
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?