I changed my front brake pads a couple of months ago with the Powerstop Z23 pads and have noticed a significant drop in MPGs. Could this be the result of the brake pads? I also hear grinding/ rubbing periodically when braking but it comes and goes. I greased everything pretty good when I installed them but I can't figure why I still get the sounds and why the MPGS dropped so much. City wise (most of my driving) I use to get about 14.2, highway I would get 18ish. Now city in get 13.1 and the xmas 900+mile road trip I was only getting a **** poor 14mpg. The truck is a 2013 with ~50,000 miles. Thanks for any input.

 

A couple of months ago...

Winter gas? Cold temps? Both would explain a drop in mileage.

IF you had a brake issue, and drove 900+ miles, you'd have a huge burning odor.

 

Agree with above. Lots of ways our MPG can tank at this time of year. I've seen a huge dip too. This spring I happen it comes back up to where it was.

 

I installed the same kit in November, no issues so far. Did you make sure to clean and lubricate all of the relevant parts? Did you check and make sure that the calipers where not binding after install? Did you adjust the parking brake correctly after replacing the rear brakes? Did you Torque everything back to specs?

 

Don’t know your mechanical ability but is it possible you mixed up the inside and outside pads? The one pad has ears that stick up and will jam against the rotor if installed wrong. Like riding the brakes the whole time you’re driving.

 

I've had pads that were oversized and rubbed once, and it was noticeable immediately. You could feel the heat from the rotors after getting out of the truck after just a short drive.

 

Not sure what year yours is, but Ford calipers for....09-14 have a tendency to be crap and stick. Not sure if it's all years, but this was the first thing I fixed when I purchased mine used. The brake shop had done a couple other Fords that same week for the same thing.