Motorcraft Brake Rotor and Pad Prefix

[ERUSH97XLT]

I've done some searching and haven't had any luck deciphering what the different prefixes mean in terms of pad/rotor material and associated performance. Does anyone out there know the difference between the pad prefixes BR, BRF, NBR, BRSD, as well as the rotor prefixes BRR, BRRF, and NBRR? I understand the "SD" are the super duty pads but wondering who has experience with the others?

thanks

 

[1995E]

I think that's just part of the part number.

 

[swshawaii]

Haven't seen a part number decoder for Motorcraft, but here are links for Ford part numbers. Rock Auto has a Ford part number cross reference on some MC parts, you may be able to get additional info using the Ford number decipher links. GL

http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,2013,explorer,3.5l+v6,1503808,brake+&+wheel+hub,rotor,1896

How to Decipher FoMoCo Part Numbers - Overview - FORDification.com

The Ford Part Numbering system - How to decode | eBay

Very handy link for cross referencing ALL parts.
http://www.kakapart.com/

 

[ERUSH97XLT]

Thanks for the info! Glad to see there are part decoders out there. The rock auto listings seem to indicate all the motorcraft options and fit details but don't tell me compound (e.g., "Heavy Duty Calipers", "High Level Design", etc.). Most just say "standard premium". I've read somewhere that BR pads are organic, BRF are factory OEM compound (whatever that is), but I'm unsure of the others' compounds, NBR, and BRSD. The different rotors appear to be for different caliper and design level options.

 

[ERUSH97XLT]

So I called the parts counter at my local Ford Dealer to ask the question and he indicated all the Motorcraft pads are ceramic, but I'm not sure I buy that since in a lot of the parts' descriptions, some specifically say "organic". So take that with a grain of salt.

He did say the BRF prefix indicates OEM material and quality, and that BR indicates "value" material and quality which seems to be more of the budget alternative. The price difference appears to be consistent with this.

On a side note, he ran my VIN and indicated to buy the parts listed for "heavy duty" brakes - apparently the parts' fit is physically different between "standard duty" and "heavy duty". Good to know before tearing everything apart to discover I had the wrong parts.

For those of you wanting to know the right Motorcraft parts to use, it might be beneficial to call your local parts desk to confirm fit and part numbers, then buy from Rock Auto for a cheaper price.

 

[peterk9]

On a side note, he ran my VIN and indicated to buy the parts listed for "heavy duty" brakes - apparently the parts' fit is physically different between "standard duty" and "heavy duty". Good to know before tearing everything apart to discover I had the wrong parts.

It has been mentioned in the Forum several times that the brakes on all trim levels were upgraded to the Sport's heavy duty brakes in December 2013. You were wise to confirm as the change was made during the 2013 production year.
Although I have the dealer do all my servicing it would be interesting to see how Rock Auto pricing compares to https://parts.autonationfordwhitebearlake.com/?p=catalog&mode=search&search_in=all&search_str=brakes

Peter

 

[ERUSH97XLT]

I did a cost comparison to see just that. FordParts.com has parts listed at just under $600 for pick up, and I bought them from RockAuto for $360 shipped. That's front and rear pads as well as all four rotors. I'm not including the caliper bracket bolts that have to be replaced - those I got from the dealer for $50 for a front and rear set (8 bolts total).

 

[peterk9]

I did a cost comparison to see just that. FordParts.com has parts listed at just under $600 for pick up, and I bought them from RockAuto for $360 shipped. That's front and rear pads as well as all four rotors. I'm not including the caliper bracket bolts that have to be replaced - those I got from the dealer for $50 for a front and rear set (8 bolts total).

The link I provided is not Ford Parts and usually has lower prices according to many members here.

 

[swshawaii]

^ Ditto. FordParts.com = MSRP

 

[ERUSH97XLT]

Thanks Peter. I just ran the numbers and they're close. Your link comes out to about $370 w/o tax/shipping, RockAuto is $360 shipped.

 

[peterk9]

Thanks Peter. I just ran the numbers and they're close. Your link comes out to about $370 w/o tax/shipping, RockAuto is $360 shipped.

Good to know. Thanks.

 

[peelman]

I did a cost comparison to see just that. FordParts.com has parts listed at just under $600 for pick up, and I bought them from RockAuto for $360 shipped. That's front and rear pads as well as all four rotors. I'm not including the caliper bracket bolts that have to be replaced - those I got from the dealer for $50 for a front and rear set (8 bolts total).

Why new caliper bracket bolts, are they torque to yield? That's strange.

 

[ERUSH97XLT]

The Ford Service Manual says to replace the bolts and torque to something like 120ft-lbs. I've done some research and I suspect either they're torque to yield or you simply need to loctite them in place. I'm not willing to risk a bolt failure if I just loctite them and they're actually torque to yield. $50 for all eight bolts from the dealer is a good piece of mind I think. The bolts came pre dressed with blue loctite. Though I think in the future I'll use the link above to save some money as RockAuto doesn't sell the Ford bolts.

 

[J_C]

Seems like paranoia to me, but suit yourself...

Ford codes? Meh, get major brand ceramic pads unless you drive it like you stole it, then you need severe duty metallic and have filthy wheels.

There is nothing new under the sun. The braking system is standard like any other.

 

[ERUSH97XLT]

Wanted to also share that the rotors I pulled off were machinable, so I have a ready-to-go set for the next brake job. To prepare to for long-term storage after I had them turned, I dipped the rotors in some "prep and etch" I got from home depot to remove any rust, then dipped them in a baking soda/distilled water solution to neutralize any residual acid, rinsed in brake cleaner, and painted them with high temperature primer. I packed them in the same paper and boxes the new rotors came in so hopefully they'll keep a while.