2011 F150 Brake Pads?

Teamfour wrote:
Pads are not worn out. Due to my experience racing cars, I would rather upgrade the pads BEFORE I find out they need changing.

So, can anyone recommend a good pad (thanks APT)?

I like Hawk pads. They have a large selection for different applications, and I've used them on track days and endurance racing and been very pleased.

Don't forget to replace all the fluid in the system, you'll probably get more bang for your buck with that anyhow.

Terryallan wrote:

brulaz wrote:

Terryallan wrote:

brulaz wrote:
Just had the brakes on my 2011 inspected, cleaned, lubed and the front rotors turned slightly as I was getting some throbbing when breaking long and hard down mountain grades.

The pads though were still fine at 56K miles. These brakes had been severely over-heated to where you could smell them at least once in the past.

Use the gears to prevent heating the brakes down hill. Use the lowest gear you need to hold it back

Yes, the stinky brakes occurred when I kept it in 2nd. Now I go down that mountain (in your neck of the woods, by the way) in first gear with the engine/tranny screaming at 4000-5000rpm. Don't like it, but it is an EcoBoost with not a lot engine braking.

If these pads ever wear out, maybe I'll switch to something else with more grip but less heat ... if such a thing is physically possible.

I wondered IF the little 6 cly would have much engine braking. I go up, and down those mountains all the time, and the 5.4 holds back the truck, and TT like a champ. I use very little brakes, and never get over 3500 RPM. Fortunately the steepest grades have very low speed limits.

It's all the 20 mph hair-pin turns between 35 mph stretches coming down the west side of Newfound Gap in Smoky Mtn Nat. Park. Never had a problem anywhere else there, the East side of Newfound Gap, or elsewhere.

brulaz wrote:

Terryallan wrote:

brulaz wrote:
Just had the brakes on my 2011 inspected, cleaned, lubed and the front rotors turned slightly as I was getting some throbbing when breaking long and hard down mountain grades.

The pads though were still fine at 56K miles. These brakes had been severely over-heated to where you could smell them at least once in the past.

Use the gears to prevent heating the brakes down hill. Use the lowest gear you need to hold it back

Yes, the stinky brakes occurred when I kept it in 2nd. Now I go down that mountain (in your neck of the woods, by the way) in first gear with the engine/tranny screaming at 4000-5000rpm. Don't like it, but it is an EcoBoost with not a lot engine braking.

If these pads ever wear out, maybe I'll switch to something else with more grip but less heat ... if such a thing is physically possible.

I wondered IF the little 6 cly would have much engine braking. I go up, and down those mountains all the time, and the 5.4 holds back the truck, and TT like a champ. I use very little brakes, and never get over 3500 RPM. Fortunately the steepest grades have very low speed limits.

Terryallan wrote:

brulaz wrote:
Just had the brakes on my 2011 inspected, cleaned, lubed and the front rotors turned slightly as I was getting some throbbing when breaking long and hard down mountain grades.

The pads though were still fine at 56K miles. These brakes had been severely over-heated to where you could smell them at least once in the past.

Use the gears to prevent heating the brakes down hill. Use the lowest gear you need to hold it back

Yes, the stinky brakes occurred when I kept it in 2nd. Now I go down that mountain (in your neck of the woods, by the way) in first gear with the engine/tranny screaming at 4000-5000rpm. Don't like it, but it is an EcoBoost with not a lot engine braking.

If these pads ever wear out, maybe I'll switch to something else with more grip but less heat ... if such a thing is physically possible.

My vote is for EBC green pads. Organic and made in England. A little dusty at first but really stop great. I had to increase voltage on trailer brakes to counter trailer pushing TV cuz they stop so much better than stock.

My 2001 only got ~40,000 on a set of Ford or Motorcraft pads. 80k on rears.
On the fourth set I went to Performance Friction brand and they have lasted longer and performed better. They do need to be a bit warmed up to get full performance. If replacing today I would get EBC Yellow SUV/Truck pads. Wagners or Powerstop premium pads are probably just as good.

Teamfour wrote:
Pads are not worn out. Due to my experience racing cars, I would rather upgrade the pads BEFORE I find out they need changing.

So, can anyone recommend a good pad (thanks APT)?

Check your PM

Pads are not worn out. Due to my experience racing cars, I would rather upgrade the pads BEFORE I find out they need changing.

So, can anyone recommend a good pad (thanks APT)?

I like Wagner Thermoquiet line, ceramic for trucks and semimetallic for cars.

Every vehicle/driver is different. 44k is not unreasonable. I had a minivan that went through 2 sets of front pads/rotors and one set of rear by 45k miles.

brulaz wrote:
Just had the brakes on my 2011 inspected, cleaned, lubed and the front rotors turned slightly as I was getting some throbbing when breaking long and hard down mountain grades.

The pads though were still fine at 56K miles. These brakes had been severely over-heated to where you could smell them at least once in the past.

Use the gears to prevent heating the brakes down hill. Use the lowest gear you need to hold it back