Braking system...
 

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... :r

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.

Re: Braking system...
 

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

Re: Braking system...
 

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

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.

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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.

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

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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

Re: Braking system...
 

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

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

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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.

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Just curious, what year is your F150?

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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

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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.

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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.

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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...

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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.

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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.