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treeDodgingCamp's avatar
treeDodgingCamp
Explorer
Oct 27, 2014

F53 Brake Advice

I am looking to replace the brake system on our 1996 Dolphin 535 (Ford F53), as the pads are worn and have begun to gouge the rear rotors. Not to mention the entire system is old, so I want to replace all the rotors, calipers, pads and rubber lines as well as flush the system. It's very important to me that the MH is safe so my question is what is the actual best type of rotor, pad and caliper to use?

Are slotted rotors better for a motorhome? What is the best type of material for rotors and pads? I'm looking for stopping power, longevity and durability. I don't want to spend my life savings on brakes, but at the same time I want the best possible (and safest).
Class A
  • 427435's avatar
    427435
    Explorer
    Oct 28, 2014
    I would go to your local auto parts store and get their best disks and pads they list for the F53 (or ask for parts from an F35--550). All the places I've bought brake parts from have good, better, and best choices.
  • treeDodgingCamp's avatar
    treeDodgingCamp
    Explorer
    Oct 28, 2014
    Thanks Mark. The local Napa has two types available, premium and ultra premium. I'm not sure the difference, other than price (ultra are more than twice the cost), and they are not slotted. I'm wondering if I should look elsewhere for slotted rotors.
  • chuckftboy's avatar
    chuckftboy
    Explorer
    Oct 28, 2014
    If I were to replace my brake parts, I would go to a Ford dealer and get them. Personally I have found Ford parts pretty much in line, price wise, with any high quality auto part out there and if the oiginal parts held up for 18 years on your coach then the new parts should fix you up until 2032.
  • treeDodgingCamp's avatar
    treeDodgingCamp
    Explorer
    Oct 28, 2014
    That's a pretty good argument... but I'm wondering if after 18 years there isn't a better quality brake available? Or, if there is a better brake than came from the factory. I want to have the best brakes possible (without working at NASA).
  • Big_Katuna's avatar
    Big_Katuna
    Explorer II
    Oct 28, 2014
    I would go with OEM. Ford has changed piston material a few times and I'm guessing they finally got it right. I rebuilt mine with OEM and it cleaned up most of my problems.
    Definetly use Ford high temp fluid and grease on the caliper slides. Get new slide pins and all hoses.
  • treeDodgingCamp's avatar
    treeDodgingCamp
    Explorer
    Oct 28, 2014
    Napa claims their parts meet or exceed OEM specifications... is this true? Wouldn't that mean they should be better, or is this just a sales gimmick?
  • treeDodgingCamp's avatar
    treeDodgingCamp
    Explorer
    Oct 28, 2014
    I ended up going with Napa ultra premium parts, mostly because it was easier to know what I was ordering on their site than the fordparts site and I believe the parts to be of the same quality (from what I can tell). I got rear rotors, rear brake lines (3), rear calipers with severe duty pads for $595 with tax. Hope I made the right choice.
  • pkunk's avatar
    pkunk
    Explorer
    Oct 28, 2014
    Your post beat me while I was typing

    Brake parts for that old a Ford are only aftermarket. I had great difficulty finding new brake lines for my '99 F53. Don't be too fussy, just get new parts where you can.
  • treeDodgingCamp's avatar
    treeDodgingCamp
    Explorer
    Oct 28, 2014
    So, I want to flush the brake system as well, from what I understand I should remove most of the fluid from the resevoir, fill with new fluid, then drain until the fluid coming from the bleeder is clear.

    Should I go in a specific order when bleeding to flush the system (I'll try to find info. on this w/google).

    Is it ok to use DOT4 fluid? If anyone has a good reason to use DOT3 please let me know.
  • pkunk's avatar
    pkunk
    Explorer
    Oct 28, 2014
    Dot 3 is good, start at the LF,RF, then look but on mine it's LR, RR

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