Why genuine Ford brake pads from the dealer?
Because, they check your vehicle VIN to verify fit.
Because, they check your vehicle VIN to verify fit.
Excellent question. The point most are trying to make is that Motorcraft can appear on OE parts and aftermarket parts. They may not be the same part. Factory Ford engines used to come with Motorcraft Champion Labs made oil filters while the "same" Motorcraft filter on the retail shelf was made by Purolator. My OE Akebono brake pads are completely different than the aftermarket Akebono pads.What is the difference between rockauto's number BRF-901 vs Ford's number # BT4Z-2001-B
I’m a mechanic who’s worked at a dealer from 2003-2013, and still a mechanic now but doing government fleet now and sidework occasionally.But back to the OP question - The Raybestos E3 line has a lot of favorable opinions from some very knowledgeable and well respected fellow Bitoggers. I haven't tried them yet but based on the Bitog poll I'm planning to at some point.
Akebono is US made and is an OEM supplier to a lot of the North American manufacturers so they have that going for them. They do seem to always be at the 90 percentile level on price though.
But before learning about those 2 brands I had a GMC truck with such terrible brakes that I was planning to go all out and order AC DELCO OEM pads from the dealer whatever the cost just to try to fix it. But then at the last minute I decided to gamble on Rock Auto's "OE Performance" AC DELCO pads and they have worked just fine. I would consider the "OE Performance" option at to be a viable alternative as well.
I think all your options are good ones and you will be pleased with the outcome which ever way you go.
Wow, I've heard of grinding down pad ears to make them fit the bracket, but have never experienced it myself. This would be a big red flag to me.I liked my akebono but they did need ground down they wouldnt fit on the subaru without grinding the ears pretty severely.
if you have a 2013 and its never needed brakes.. I'd probably cough up for the ford brake pads too.
Next question is there a difference between motorcraft from rockauto vs dealer?
Wow, I've heard of grinding down pad ears to make them fit the bracket, but have never experienced it myself. This would be a big red flag to me.
Maybe you need a bigger hammer? Just kidding!I've had to do this on every AZ or AAP pads that I've used so far for a Fiesta, Grand Caravan, and IS350 F-sport. Sometimes it was a simple grind that sandpaper could work but usually I needed a dremel.
Excellent question. The point most are trying to make is that Motorcraft can appear on OE parts and aftermarket parts. They may not be the same part. Factory Ford engines used to come with Motorcraft Champion Labs made oil filters while the "same" Motorcraft filter on the retail shelf was made by Purolator. My OE Akebono brake pads are completely different than the aftermarket Akebono pads.
Thank you for that link. This caught my attention:Excellent question. The point most are trying to make is that Motorcraft can appear on OE parts and aftermarket parts. They may not be the same part. Factory Ford engines used to come with Motorcraft Champion Labs made oil filters while the "same" Motorcraft filter on the retail shelf was made by Purolator. My OE Akebono brake pads are completely different than the aftermarket Akebono pads.
Here's a decent description of Ford Genuine Parts vs. Ford Motorcraft Parts: https://www.tomwoodford.com/blog/20...between-ford-genuine-parts-and-motorcraft.htm
I’ve had the opposite happen for me - Wagner and Bendix - were too loose in the caliper bracket, resulting in a clunk.I've had to do this on every AZ or AAP pads that I've used so far for a Fiesta, Grand Caravan, and IS350 F-sport. Sometimes it was a simple grind that sandpaper could work but usually I needed a dremel.
A year ago I did a front brake job on a newer F-140 4wd with about 150K I think. Used OE parts that @The Critic sourced for me. Fittment was fantastic. A pleasure to reassemble... I felt like a real mechanic!I’ve had the opposite happen for me - Wagner and Bendix - were too loose in the caliper bracket, resulting in a clunk.
The newest Duralast pads are made in Mexico by Bosch, not by MAT in China or India. Advance and O’Reilly still sell Chinese/Indian pads.
I have used your same combo for the past several years on a beater Scion xB. They are very cheap from RockAuto. Yeah, they put out some dust, but they stop very nicely and are inexpensive. In my very salty climate in the winter, these are perfect for where I live.I too am a fan of the Element 3 Hybrid pads (combined with their coated rotors). Installed a set on our old 2015 Camry and 2014 Tacoma, along with the beater '95 Talon. All had improved brake performance over OEM. Well, except for the Talon, but that was due to air in the system, but a couple brake bleeders were snapped off...