2011 Ford Explorer - recommendations sought for brake parts and LCAs

[Number_35]

I'm looking for brake parts (rotors and pads) all around, and lower control arms for my friend's 2011 Ford Explorer 3.5 4WD. It's got about 180,000 km (c. 112,000 miles) on it.

There are so many options on RA that it's like trying to drink out of a firehose.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...brake+&+wheel+hub,rotor+&+brake+pad+kit,13824

For the LCAs, I'd be tempted to stick with the Motorcraft (genuine Ford) parts.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,2011,explorer,3.5l+v6,1447248,suspension,control+arm,10401

For the brakes, particularly, are there any manufacturers to stay away from?

Thank you!

 

[Klutch9]

For LCAs and pretty much any suspension component, I'd go OEM. I've been bitten several times with aftermarket brands, even "good" brands, that have failed in short order.

 

[bdcardinal]

On those front control arms, the bolt that goes in the front, the vertical bolts and nuts in the rear and the ball joint nut are one time use HM1, HN2, HN1, and HB2 in the illustration.. Also the caliper bracket bolts are not supposed to be reused per the manual.

 

[Timmastertech]

Just to add to BD Cardinals comment, essentially every brake, steering and suspension fastener on a domestic vehicle in the last 10-15 years is one time use per the service manual. The exception sometimes is caliper bolts. I stock a 6 quart oil box full of brake caliper bracket bolts for GM, Ford and Chrysler and Honda has gotten in on that recently as well. Pads and rotors are almost always available locally but the fasteners that are specified for replacement arent always and I dont want to wait a day on a brake job so whenever we order a set we order a second for stock.

 

[Number_35]

Just to add to BD Cardinals comment, essentially every brake, steering and suspension fastener on a domestic vehicle in the last 10-15 years is one time use per the service manual. The exception sometimes is caliper bolts. I stock a 6 quart oil box full of brake caliper bracket bolts for GM, Ford and Chrysler and Honda has gotten in on that recently as well. Pads and rotors are almost always available locally but the fasteners that are specified for replacement arent always and I dont want to wait a day on a brake job so whenever we order a set we order a second for stock.

Dealer-only, or are there good aftermarket replacements?

 

[Timmastertech]

Dealer-only, or are there good aftermarket replacements?

Caliper bracket bolts are sometimes available aftermarket from Dorman or Carlson/IBI but not complete line. I stock OE. Most of the other fasteners are dealer only. Standard rule in our shop is before we quote any repair I take a perusal through the R&I instructions looking for one time use hardware and stuff like that so that it makes it on to the estimate and is on hand before we start the job. Some of the hardware can get a little expensive, some GM wheel bearing bolts are almost 20 bucks a piece and the aftermarket ones I have tried do not feel right when torquing.

 

[AutoMechanic]

I’ve been having really good luck with the Napa SilentGuard pads. Great for the money if you have a Napa in your area and aren’t opposed to using parts store pads. Duralast Elite is my second choice too great. I’ve put them on many of my personal cars and customers cars and have never heard a complaint. Rotors are rotors some are coated some aren’t. I’ve never been one to spend big on rotors. If you don’t want to get them at a store I’d recommend Raybestos pads. As for LCAs I’m unfamiliar with anything except OEM and parts store brands because that’s all I’ve ever used and I’ve never had an issue with them but haven’t done that many either.

 

[Kruse]

Also the caliper bracket bolts are not supposed to be reused per the manual.

While I'm not doubting you one bit, I found that statement rather amusing. 5-6 years ago, I was working on a vehicle of mine (was it my 4WD Navigator? ) and the front axle nut was listed as a one-time-only in my repair manual. So I thought "What the heck" and I decided to play along with that game. I was a former Ford tech and I know they always got reused when I was there, but I decided to call my local Ford parts man and order one. IIRC, it was listed as something like $60/each and was told nobody had one because it was discontinued. The local parts stores couldn't get one either. So....I (like I had in the past) simply reused it and put a little RV on the threads.
Now I do believe in doing it right, so a couple of days ago when I was exploring the "Closeout section" on RA for my Explorer, I found one and had them throw it into my order. They only had one, it was a Dorman, and I believe it was listed for about $1. My RA package should arrive today.
Hopefully, I'll only have to replace ONE front drive axle.

 

[benjamming]

I really like EBC rotors.
Pads can vary quite a bit. EBC Ultimax is pretty similar to OEM, but I typically prefer the Greenstuff pads.
Yeah, OEM for those suspension components. But you can get discounts by ordering from some dealerships who have an online storefront.

 

[D60]

While I'm not doubting you one bit, I found that statement rather amusing. 5-6 years ago, I was working on a vehicle of mine (was it my 4WD Navigator? ) and the front axle nut was listed as a one-time-only in my repair manual. So I thought "What the heck" and I decided to play along with that game. I was a former Ford tech and I know they always got reused when I was there, but I decided to call my local Ford parts man and order one. IIRC, it was listed as something like $60/each and was told nobody had one because it was discontinued. The local parts stores couldn't get one either. So....I (like I had in the past) simply reused it and put a little RV on the threads.
Now I do believe in doing it right, so a couple of days ago when I was exploring the "Closeout section" on RA for my Explorer, I found one and had them throw it into my order. They only had one, it was a Dorman, and I believe it was listed for about $1. My RA package should arrive today.
Hopefully, I'll only have to replace ONE front drive axle.

I've been in the same situation with crankshaft bolts on Tritons. I opted to reuse OEM than use new Dorman.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

Why do caliper bolts and some of these suspension bolts need to be replaced?

 

[BMW Dom]

Why do caliper bolts and some of these suspension bolts need to be replaced?

Prolly cuz they aluminum and/or torque to yield

 

[bdcardinal]

Why do caliper bolts and some of these suspension bolts need to be replaced?

Also a bit of liability. They usually come with some sort of thread locker already applied.

 

[D60]

Also a bit of liability. They usually come with some sort of thread locker already applied.

I think this is most of it. AFAIK the caliper bolts like FCA/Stellantis claims you have to replace (with large-ish e-torx heads) are NOT TTY

I see no reason with a quality, steel bolt that is not TTY. But I don't have the letters behind my name of the guys who make those decisions. Curiously, most of the guys who make those decisions also don't service what they draw on paper. Funny how that works.....

 

[bdcardinal]

I think this is most of it. AFAIK the caliper bolts like FCA/Stellantis claims you have to replace (with large-ish e-torx heads) are NOT TTY

I see no reason with a quality, steel bolt that is not TTY. But I don't have the letters behind my name of the guys who make those decisions. Curiously, most of the guys who make those decisions also don't service what they draw on paper. Funny how that works.....

I try to use the one time use parts on my own projects when I can. I do have to say it is nice putting on all new hardware.