Ford Brake Rotors Buyer's Guide
Are you looking to learn more about the rotors on your Ford? This guide is for you. We’ll teach you everything you need to know about brake rotors, including how they’re designed and how to replace them when the time comes.
What Are The Rotors In Your Ford’s Braking System?
If you remove one of your Ford’s wheels, you’ll see a metal disc. That’s a rotor, and its role is to help stop your vehicle on a dime. Most modern vehicles have four rotors. On each side of a rotor is a brake pad. When you apply the brakes, the brake pads are pressed against the rotor and enough heat and friction are created to stop your vehicle in a matter of seconds.
For more information on rotors and how they work, check out this article.
How To See If You Need To Replace Your Rotors
Rotors start to wear out after about 50,000 miles, or as soon as 30,000 miles if somebody tows a lot. Signs that your rotors are worn out include:
- Vibration in the brake pedal or steering wheel
- Increased stopping distances
The best way to confirm that your rotors are bad is to remove the wheels and then visually examine and measure them. This guide has a good set of instructions on doing this.
Are New OEM Brake Rotors Better Than New Aftermarket Rotors?
The first decision you have to make when it’s time to replace your rotors is whether to buy OEM or aftermarket brake rotors. To reach an educated decision, you have to consider the three most important factors in rotors:
- Material composition
- Quality & workmanship
- Warranty
OEM and aftermarket rotors differ from each other when it comes to these three factors. This comparison guide will walk you through each factor and go over how OEM and aftermarket rotors compare to each other.
How To Replace Ford Brake Rotors
If you have the right tools, replacing the rotors on your Ford is something you can do at home. The process basically involves removing the wheels, moving the brake calipers out of the way, and then replacing the rotors. This replacement tutorial has a comprehensive list of steps you can follow, as well as a list of tools.