Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"® - View Single Post

*2TimingTom* · 11-05-2010, 09:07 PM

10/14/2010

New front brake rotors and pads.

I've been a fan of Autozone's Duralast brand for quite a few years. The parts seem to be pretty decent quality. I went with a set of Duralast #54035 rotors and Duralast Gold Cmax #DGC652 pads. The Cmax pads are ceramic pads that come with all new brake caliper hardware (the thin metal clips and whatnot). The Cmax pads also come with a lifetime warranty. I'm not a huge fan of brake pads that last forever (they are wear items afterall) but I decided to give these a try. While I was in there I made sure to clean and lube the slider pins.

Old brakes:

The old rotors did not come off without a fight. I think I need a bigger BFH.

New brakes:

Worn front rotors- notice the groove on the outer edge. The old pads still had plenty of life but with the pulsing pedal and grooved rotor, it was time to reset the clock.

So far, I've been happy with the brakes. They seem to grab quite well and are very smooth. I come from a motorsport background, so I think I know good brakes when I see/feel them.

The ceramic compound of the pads have lived up to their low dust reputation so far. I know ceramic isn't the best material for brake pads since ceramic is an insulator and is fairly hard, but these seem to be working great so far.

11-05-2010, 09:07 PM	#2
2TimingTom Elite Explorer Highlands Ranch, Colorado '97 XLT Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 1,307 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	10/14/2010 New front brake rotors and pads. I've been a fan of Autozone's Duralast brand for quite a few years. The parts seem to be pretty decent quality. I went with a set of Duralast #54035 rotors and Duralast Gold Cmax #DGC652 pads. The Cmax pads are ceramic pads that come with all new brake caliper hardware (the thin metal clips and whatnot). The Cmax pads also come with a lifetime warranty. I'm not a huge fan of brake pads that last forever (they are wear items afterall) but I decided to give these a try. While I was in there I made sure to clean and lube the slider pins. Old brakes: The old rotors did not come off without a fight. I think I need a bigger BFH. New brakes: Worn front rotors- notice the groove on the outer edge. The old pads still had plenty of life but with the pulsing pedal and grooved rotor, it was time to reset the clock. So far, I've been happy with the brakes. They seem to grab quite well and are very smooth. I come from a motorsport background, so I think I know good brakes when I see/feel them. The ceramic compound of the pads have lived up to their low dust reputation so far. I know ceramic isn't the best material for brake pads since ceramic is an insulator and is fairly hard, but these seem to be working great so far. __________________ 1997 XLT SOHC Auto 4wd 132,000 miles Explorer registry Also in the garage: 2012 Escape Limited 4wd V6 auto AND 2004 Saturn VUE 4 cylinder 5 speed Colorado 4x4 Adventures