Since I could not find any posts about this subject I'll ask it here:
After reading Lisa's experience I thought that it would be a good idea to check my slider pins of the front brakes. After removing the calipers, slide pins and the rubber grommets still looked great. After cleaning and re-greasing they'll be good for a few miles. Looking at the brake pads they are still O K and did not show any burning signs. However, I decided to replace them at this point.
Question: Since prices per set or for each vary so much, what are the best recommended brands and should I replace these with Semi-metallic or Ceramic.
When I replaced the pads and calipers quite a few years ago I used Napa parts.
Any opinions are appreciated.
Aad Rommelse
You might want to check out RockAuto (http://www.rockauto.com) Several manufacturers' brake pads, three "levels" of quality/performance, varying prices. I would look at the heavy-duty semi-metallic pads from Bosch. ;)
As ever, YMMV.
If the Factory brakes felt good to you, why not use the Motorcraft original equipment pads.
Buy them at Rock Auto or ?. Rock Auto's site shows your 2001 using a MOTORCRAFT BRF1389 pads.
2001 FORD E-450 6.8L V10 Brake Pad | RockAuto (https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,2001,e-450,6.8l+v10,1375871,brake+&+wheel+hub,brake+pad,1684)
Consider replacing the rotors at the same time, the front brakes wear at a much higher are than the rear brakes.The front rotors do warp, you will know it when the brake pedal pulsates, when braking.
If you keep the rotors, definitely measure them and see how close the width is to the wear limit.
The wear limit specification is usually cast into the rotor and is also available in the Factory Service Manual.
Since motorhomes usually have brake jobs every 6-10 years, replacing the calipers at the same time is a good idea.
Rebuilding the brakes in a major job and/or expense, don't cheap out on it, having a leaking caliper, six months later, will ruin your day.
Larry