Brakes - 2006 Ford Focus 2.0

[MysticGold04]

I just picked up some Duralast rotors (China) and Duralast Gold C-Max ceramic pads (India) from Autozone. Any one else try these pads? Supposedly they are the best they have and are "coated" on the rear to reduce noise and come with new hardware (clips, etc) I also found a $10 mail in rebate, making the total cost of everything with tax about $150.

The pads are almost gone and the rotors have some pretty deep grooves in them. That is why I elected to buy both. I would think that these pads and rotors should be just fine for daily driving don't you? I don't autocross or anything like that... yet!

 

[HTSS_TR]

Is the total $150 for both front and rear pads and rotors ?

 

[MysticGold04]

Nope, just the front. Pads + 2 new rotors. I don't want to mess with the rear just yet-- they are drums. I'd love to do a rear disc conversion but that is $$$$$!

 

[Billbert]

IMHO The Duralast Gold pads are better than the Duralast Gold CMAX pads, (and cheaper).

 

[HTSS_TR]

I think you can get better quality parts from Amazon for less than $150 shipped.

For rotor ACDelco 18A2364A Advantage is pretty good at $33.50 each.

There are some good pads: Bendix CT-3, Wagner ThermoQuiet Ceramic, Akebono ProACT Ultra-Premium Ceramic ... for about $38 to $55 a set.

The total should be about $120 or less.

 

[SLCraig]

For just daily driving you can buy pretty much anything.
I am confident you'll be fine.

 

[MysticGold04]

Thanks HTSS, I looked at the AC rotors too. The Duralast ones claim a 2 year warranty... does that count for anything? Most I've seen for warranty is about 90 days. Also the pads have a lifetime warranty too... not that any of that matters..

 

[MysticGold04]

found these for $26 each: Centric Parts 121.61082 C-Tek Standard Brake Rotor.. any good?

 

[HTSS_TR]

I think ACDelco 18A2364A Advantage is much better than Centric Parts 121.61082 C-Tek Standard Brake Rotor. The cost of ACDelco rotor is only $15 more than Centric Parts for a pair, spread that amount to 4-5 years then the extra cost per year is less than $4.

 

[CBR.worm]

This thread makes me realize how ridiculous the parts prices are for my cars.

 

[MysticGold04]

HTSS-

Raybestos 680319R Professional Grade Disc Brake Rotor

What about this Raybestos rotor? Would you still recommmend the AC Delco over the Raybestos? I think I'm going to bite on the Akebono pads... we'll see.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Raybestos 680319R Professional Grade rotor is not better than AC Delco Advantage rotor and costs a couple bucks more.

Of all the rotors available on Aamzon for 2006 Focus, I think Delco Advantage is the best value. Good rotor for fairly low price.

Akebono Ceramic pad is very good, just a little pricier than Wagner Thermoquiet.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Originally Posted By: CBR.worm
This thread makes me realize how ridiculous the parts prices are for my cars.

If you go with OEM parts and pay dealer price then it is incomparable.

When I need parts for my MB E430, I bought mostly online. The only parts I had to buy from dealer was ATF, could not find MB ATF cheaper online. The list price for the ATF was $7.xx a liter and dealer charged $10.xx.

 

[antonmnster]

I dunno, I just bought all new rotors and pads from my e46 BMW for about $300. It's all NAPA's "mid-grade" stuff, but so far I'm perfectly happy with it.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: antonmnster
I dunno, I just bought all new rotors and pads from my e46 BMW for about $300. It's all NAPA's "mid-grade" stuff, but so far I'm perfectly happy with it.

For that price you are much better off with OE or the German aftermarket brands.

 

[MysticGold04]

Ok, so I bought the following on Amazon:

AC Delco Rotors
Wagner ThermoQuiets
Motorcraft Brake Hardware Set

$113.01 Shipped. Not including the $10 Wagner rebate, so actually $103.01 after the rebate. I'll be returning the Duralast rotors and pads Monday.

Thanks for the suggestions, HTSS_TR!

 

[HTSS_TR]

I don't think you need brake hardware for the 2006 Focus. My 2000 E430 had many pads and rotors, on average it needs new pad every 18-22k miles and new rotors every other pad changed, and it still has original brake hardware.

I think you'll like the Thermoquiet pad, I have it on my car and virtually no dust on the wheels after 2-3 weeks without washing the car.

 

[MysticGold04]

Only reason I got the brake hardware kit is because the condition of the clips, etc are unknown, and I also could not pass it up for $4 and change...

Supposed to receive the parts tomorrow.

... Thanks again for the suggestions.. not too bad. $103 for brand new rotors, pads and hardware. I saved about $65 after the rebate ordering from amazon, and am certain I'm getting better parts than from Autozone.

 

[The Critic]

From my experience so far, the OE clips always fit better than the aftermarket clips that come with the new pads, but ymmv.

 

[MysticGold04]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
From my experience so far, the OE clips always fit better than the aftermarket clips that come with the new pads, but ymmv.


This is a Motorcraft hardware kit. I did a search on the part number and sure enough... OE. The next day I looked at it and the kit had jumped over $16 to just over $20.