chaplinman

I've an F150 King Ranch '01 4x4. I have purchased new brake pads 1-4 times per year the last 3-4yrs. I've purchased new roaters at least twice if not more in the four years and I am beyond frustrated. I take the truck in and they see NO problem besides the pads and roaters (2 shops not Ford). I find it hard to believe that my driving is causing my brakes to go out this much. I'm not pulling anything. I don't ride my brakes and I am not slamming on them every minute or close to. I drive the freeway and it equates to 50 miles per day but that's average for Arizona.
In DEC07 I had new roaters and pads put on the back. They said the front were perfect looking. Days later they were squeeking. Months later when I would go to slow down and stop the truck would shake.
I go in this Saturday as I am metal to metal yet again. At my oil change last week they said my brake fluid was low. It's the front brakes this time although the front pads were just replaced OCT07. I'm about to get some power slots in hopes that'll take me past a year this time.
Could my master cylinder be bad?
Could it be my calipers?

Any suggestions/ideas are MUCH appreciated! Thank you

Wrightskis

Your brake wear seems excessive to me. I'm suspecting that the establishment where you're taking your truck is preying on your inexperience with the braking system. If I were you, I would get that much needed experience by doing your own brakes once or twice with someone that knows them (perhaps a good neighbor). I don't think you have a problem with your mastercylinder. The low level in the reserviour is probably an indication of actual pad wear.

Change to pads that are designed to last longer than the soft pads that I suspect are being installed to keep you coming back. They may sqeal a little bit but that is easily remedied by periodic cleaning to clear the brake dust. I wouldn't spend the money going to Power Slot rotors. OEM brake rotors are plenty for your driving habits.

Good luck and come back and tell us what you find.

Mustanger

I have switched to Powerslot Rotors on my '02 & Hawk HPS pads...They are perfect even though I tow a trailer! I get around 60,000 miles on them, less than 30k on the OEM ones & the Ford rotors kept warping.

The Powerslots were $86 bucks each compared to $55 each for OEM Ford rotors. They are slotted & have ventilated vanes in the middle...no more warping or brake worries. Prices vary a lot check around.

I have discovered that if you HEAR your brakes it is too late! Twice on my other Ford trucks! Now I really log the miles & inspect them often.

Good old Bill

Good advice from both members, if you can change a tire you can replace brake pads on a disc brake system. Its that simple. Just ask and we can go step by step. Trouble shooting needs experience and reference manuals. Once manuals are in place and a basic tool box is in order, you will be doing brakes from now on.

drof

Buy the tool to retract the calipher before you start. I agree it is an easy job once you do it.

chad085

These trucks are some of the easiest vehicles on the road to change brakes on IMO. Especially if you have a 4wd and rear discs which it sounds like you do. All the rotors are "hang ons" no messing with wheel bearings. Basically all that happens is you remove 2 caliper bolts slide the caliper off and you're there.

Grab a Hayne's manual or Chilton's they have great pictures and should boost your wrenching confidence. As far as pads go, get the "lifetime warranty" parts from the local parts store. Don't get the cheapies, spend a few extra bucks on the better ones because you only have to buy them once. Save your receipt and exchange the pads long before they get anywhere near damaging the rotors.

It doesn't sound like you're running oversize tires, but if you are keep in mind that shortens your brake life a bit because of the extra rotating mass. Driving a lot in sandy/muddy conditions will also grind 'em down early. For what its worth, I'm at 75,000 and i've done fronts 4 times and rears twice but i'm running 35's, and used to tow and 'wheel a lot, and i always replace them early.