Brakes - 2006 Ford Focus 2.0

[Klutch9]

I replaced the front rotors and pads on my Focus last year. I used whatever the AAP house brand was for the rotors, and I think I bought Wearever 'Silver' pads. The rotors are still doing great, but the pads (non-ceramic) don't have the breaking performance that the OEM pads did (ceramic). I DID break/bed them in properly. They still work well, but I will definitely be using ceramic pads next time around. FWIW, it was one of the fastest, easiest brake jobs I've ever done. Kudos to the Ford engineers on this one.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Originally Posted By: 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.

Check all parts carefully to be sure there is no damages of any part before doing the brake job to save your time, in case any part had been damage during shipping. I never had any damaged parts bought from Amazon, but I always check to be sure. You don't like to raise the car, remove the old pad and rotor and found that one of the parts had some damage and want to exchange.

 

[SLCraig]

Originally Posted By: 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.


Probably no different.
I put Napa mid grade parts on my Maxima when I had it and the braking was phenomenal afterwards. Smooth as glass, powerful, low to no dust at all. Great parts.

 

[MysticGold04]

Parts arrived today. All look to be in good shape. I was reading the installation instructions for the pads and they say NO chemicals on the back of the pads because of the built in noise isolators - just install right out of the box. Hmm this will be my first set of pads that I haven't put silicone on the back when installing... any thoughts on that?

 

[stephen9666]

Looks like a good setup.

What are the countries of origin on all the parts?

I'm going to guess China on the rotors, but what about the pads and hardware?

 

[MNgopher]

I have three pairs of thermoquiets on the car fleet right now, and had two pairs on the last truck I owned as well. All of them went on dry and I've never had an issue with noise. The last set of Napa pads was the same as well.

 

[MysticGold04]

Originally Posted By: stephen9666
Looks like a good setup.

What are the countries of origin on all the parts?

I'm going to guess China on the rotors, but what about the pads and hardware?


Rotors: China
Pads: USA
Hardware: USA

Most if not all rotors are made in China now anyway

 

[MysticGold04]

... should I give the rotors a bath before installing? First time replacing rotors, I've never replaced any before.

 

[ChrisW]

Originally Posted By: MNgopher
I have three pairs of thermoquiets on the car fleet right now, and had two pairs on the last truck I owned as well. All of them went on dry and I've never had an issue with noise. The last set of Napa pads was the same as well.


I too have never put anything on the back of pads with integrated shims. Never any problems or abnormal amount of noise.

 

[ChrisW]

Originally Posted By: MysticGold04
... should I give the rotors a bath before installing? First time replacing rotors, I've never replaced any before.


Many will suggest to wash with warm soapy water. I do so and give it a quick spray with brake cleaner to clean off the oil/protect coating they ship with that didn't come off with washing. Some rotors are shipped without this coating and use a rust inhibiting paper, but I still give em a quick spray down with brake cleaner. Plus, that stuff smells great!

 

[HTSS_TR]

Originally Posted By: ChrisW
Originally Posted By: MysticGold04
... should I give the rotors a bath before installing? First time replacing rotors, I've never replaced any before.

Many will suggest to wash with warm soapy water. I do so and give it a quick spray with brake cleaner to clean off the oil/protect coating they ship with that didn't come off with washing. Some rotors are shipped without this coating and use a rust inhibiting paper, but I still give em a quick spray down with brake cleaner. Plus, that stuff smells great!

+1

At least spray some brake cleaner on the rotors then dry it off with a clean shop towel or paper towel.

Make sure to use jack stands to support the car, also use wheel locks. If you have full size spare tire(s) throw them under the car too. Take your times to have fun and don't hurt yourself.

 

[MysticGold04]

Started this this morning...

shoot, it appears the rotors are rusted to the hubs. According to a write up I found, the rotors are supposed to slide off after removing the mounting bracket. I've been using PB Blaster and a wire brush to remove some of the rust.. been hitting it with the hammer too, but dont wanna damage the rotors just yet in case I need to put it back together... any ideas?

 

[MysticGold04]

Finally got it off... had to wedge something (sharp end of tire iron) between the rotor and hub and pound it.

 

[ChrisW]

Originally Posted By: MysticGold04
Finally got it off... had to wedge something (sharp end of tire iron) between the rotor and hub and pound it.

Take the time to wire-brush the hub to clean off the rust there after you've gotten the old rotors off. This really helps to make sure the new rotor is sitting true on the hub and won't cause additional runout. I don't know if it's a good idea to apply any anti-seize between the rotor and hub (heat transfer? its not as if it is a torqued fastener); I've never done so, I just simply clean.