Just want to make everyone aware that changing the complete front end braking system of a Ford F-150 is not only pricey but sucks when it's a 110 degrees out... :-)

Had to completely change out the rotors, pads, and calipers on both side of the truck today. Took me about 5 hours. Parts cost about $450 and I saved the money on labor. Had one shop quote me at $975 for parts and labor.
[Reply]

Wow, good on you for the savings though. That translates into a lot of sticks.
[Reply]

Joe,
Hopefully it stops OK for the savings you realized?:-)

I couldn't imagine doing that as muggy and hot as it was today but it is always satisfying when you do something yourself and save money while at it.
[Reply]

It's supposed to stop!!! Oh man I'm screwed... LOL

Seriously I must have lost about 10lbs in water weight. The truck stops like its brand new. Next I have to swap out the back brake pads. That should be easier since I won't have to change the rotors or calipers. I think I may do that very very early in the morning before it gets to hot.
[Reply]

HOLY CRAP...5 hours on the front!?!?!

But I agree with you Joe...that's a good amount saved...and you feel better about it knowing you did the job too.
Posted via Mobile Device
[Reply]

It was the first time I'd ever broken the system down that far... Typically I just change the pads.
[Reply]

I got sympathy for you. Changed out the rotors and pads (all four) on my F350 last year for just under $800. Few weeks ago ended up having to replace all four calipers and pads again for a cool $500. Lucky for me though I didn't have to do it in 110 degree heat.


Ron
[Reply]

When ever I can't get the brakes fixed, I just make the horn louder....:-)

Good job, I love to save money on the labor. I'm going to do new pads and rotors on my Bonneville tomorrow...:-)
[Reply]

sounds like my brake job recently. Had to change out the rotors, pads, and calipers on a 96 Dodge Ram. Started at $800 and climbed to $1500 when part of the joints had to be replaced also. I checked the parts myself, he wasn't rolling me, just damned bad luck.
[Reply]

Just curious, what year is your F150?
[Reply]

It's a 2006... The caliper on my passenger side when bad and completely destroyed my rotor and pads. This wasn't routine maintenance lol
[Reply]

We live in the mountains and commute to the valley. I seem to be replacing brakes and rotors and sometimes calipers on one or the other vehicle once or twice a year. Just routine any more.
Rockauto and tirerack are good sources.
[Reply]

Huh, I have never had a caliper go bad on my fords..just brakes and rotors..but i don't live in the mountains either. Had a caliper come loose before and poke through the rim..man that was not fun..and damn scary.
[Reply]

Ford, Toyota, Honda, Harley, Dodge, everything I or my family has owned. It helps to keep on top of the maintenance but when a caliper goes bad it self destructs very quickly. Usually a piston or pin gets stuck. Once a pad wore down fast and fell out. Twice I've had one catch on fire. A brake's job is just bad. Heat, dirt, vibration, strain, water...
[Reply]

YEP - caliper goes, it GOES.

Mine was leaking, died pretty quickly. Kinda scary how long I drove that truck with damned near no brakes.... but a PAC engine brake + down-shifting helps if you've got diesel + manual transmission. Saves A LOT of wear and tear on the break system over the years too.
[Reply]

BC and Spec are right... My brakes were fine then one day I heard a scratching figured my pads were almost gone and figured I'd change them at the end of the week, it was Weds. Didn't realize the piston had got stuck. By Fri I had no brake pads, no rotors, I was leaking brake fluid all over the place and my brake pedal touched the floor when I pressed it.
[Reply]