So my front passenger side brakes started squeaking a lot a few days ago, I just turned 46k on my 2002 Ranger so I figured its time to change the front brakes... I haven't checked them yet but I have a couple questions first...


These stock brakes have always squeaked a bit since I got the truck; I wanted to know what pads you guys recommend metallic or ceramic for these trucks? I want something quiet but good stopping power. I read ceramic pads don't last as long but are easier on the rotors. What type of pads do they put on these trucks stock?

I have a 4.0 4x4 Ranger. I will have the rotors turned and I can see they have only worn maybe a 1/6 of an inch. Do you think I should check the rear drums as well?


Thanks for all the input... Let me know what brakes you recommend! I plan on having the breaks bleed when I am done too.


~ Chuck

 

im stickin with Hawk HPS, i can change them myself, but dont have a way to turn the rotors, im gonna take it to my bros auto shop class at school and do it there

 

Ceramic is fine for your rotors. They stop your vehicle, and you will adjust/get used to them. I have always used ceramic, and the brakes have been changed twice by me in 90,000 miles...and I've had 33" tires on there for the majority of that time. I just used Duralast from an autoparts store.

The other pads are obviously better, but it's 2+ times the price, and you have stock rotors. If I switched to slotted, drilled, or both...I'd definitely upgrade to premium stuff...

Not being cheap, but it's just practical for my 95% street driving...

Just me though...

 

I am all for spending the extra bucks... I thought ceramic was the higher end pads compared to metallic or even semi-metallic.

 

Gr...apologies. I was thinking from your post "ceramic," and typed it TWICE! Yea, I use semi-metallic...

I would recommend not using full metallic.

My friend and I switched his Integra 4-way disc pads. He uses the "Green Stuff" and it has worked flawlessly. He has incredible braking power, and I have nothing bad to say. This is not in relation to my ranger...we both noticed a significant difference before with his stock and after with the GS. Very good product...

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/pr...=brake_pad_set

 

I changed my front pads yesterday as they were trashed with only 35K on the clock. Lots of stop and go driving around here. I used Autozone semi-metallic pads. Was going to go with Green Stuff pads but I couldn't wait for them to be shipped. Changing pads on these trucks is a peice of cake.

 

I did mine with about 70,000 on the truck last summer. I think I used metallic... whichever one has more breaking power is the one I used. Just be careful, I managed to put myself in the ER and was on oxycodone for 2 weeks after that project, which negated the cost savings of doing the job myself.

 

What happened there?!?

 

I messed up my back trying to break the bolts loose. Seriously, when I broke my leg skiing, it felt good compared to this.

 

ouch

 

Those bolts are such a biotch. LEVERAGE !

 

yeah i was painting my calipers on Thrusday, and i wanted to take em off, but left my big bar at work...i was like ***** it and just taped em off, and painted while they were on

 

Have you heard of a breaker bar or stacking wrenches? Maybe even a mallet and some hitting finesse?

First time mine were stuck too..something is wrong there...does not need to require that much force...

 

I took my front tires off today.

Checked my front pads and it is time to replace, the pad on the inside passenger-side is starting to rub the rotor as I suspected. So I plan on picking one of these pads here:
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/pr...=brake_pad_set

Thanks for the help everyone, I have another vehicle I will drive until I get the brakes replaced.

 

Fellow fireman :)....Well just looking for a good department . Anyhow, yea I messed my back up as well and I don't think your ever the same after that. Bent over to pick up the trash and slipped a disc. Now I have 3 verts out of place and pinched nerves...All at the age of 27...I'm screwed...:(

 

Y'are not.

Hang from your knees on the monkey bar, fool.

Stretch, twist, do crunches upside down, work at it.

You're young.

Tread water without using your arms, get a good no-impact twist regime going. I guarantee you'll feel 200% improvement after 6 days, doing SOMETHING like I described at least 20 minutes/day. Start with < 5 minute bends, twists and stretches but DO the total 20 minutes, every day.

There are different color elastic workout bands that can do ANYTHING you need with a doorknob, eyehook in the ceiling, etc. Be creative.

PROVE me wrong.

 

Hm...wow. I don't have problems *knocks on wood* but I've not heard of those physical traning or excerises before.


How are the brakes coming?