I have a 2000 Ford Explorer and have to replace front brakes every 15-20,000 miles, is that normal?

Question

By 15-20,000 miles even the rotors have to be refaced or replaced. Three sets of brakes in 2 years. Any suggestions as to what to ask for in replacement pads, or is this normal?

Answer 1

Depending upon the driving you are doing and where can affect life... usually city driving in a major city I expect pads to last at the figure you are talking about... In the country, I've seen them go from 30-90k miles with about 50k the average.

Are you replacing the pads because they need to be replaced as they are worn, or is it the guy who's cutting the rotors changes them no matter what for warpage? As most manufacturers will tell you that unless you have some serois issues with the pads getting hot, all you have to do is cut the rotors.. and usually they warp due to rapid cooling such as breaking in lots os snow/ice/ or water

Usually I look for name brands like motorcraft, wagner, Bendix, Napa and Raybestos for myself and the customers as I have less issues with comebacks due to pad life (I've found some of the discount pads (aka installer grade as they are sometimes called) wear a lot more than the premieums.

Also are you sure that the calipers slide free after the work is done? usually I pull apart the caliper pins that the calipers slide on and clean and lube them as most people don't lube those and will cause issues with eating pads/rotors as much as a bad caliper or caliper hose (Right now I'm about 2 to 1 with no grease on the pins being the frequent cause of frequent pad changes)

Hope this helps...

Answer 2

15 to 20,000 miles for front disc brake pads is pretty good!
If you have had to replace that many times, you must do an
awful amount of driving. Brake life, like gas mileage is affected by many things. Your braking habits are the single largest factor involved. If you have a manual transmission, you can increase your brake life allot by downshifting. Just make sure you know how to do this correctly or you will be going through clutches! As for rotors, you should only have to repair or replace them if you let the pads wear down so bad that you had metal to metal contact. (Negligence on your part). In my opinion, any other "reason" such as "wearing
below tolerance" is a bunch of BS! In other words, a scam
for selling unnecessary parts and labor in the name of "safety". Pads are cheap, and very easy to replace yourself. When you buy them, a good parts house will ask you if you want the cheapies or the higher priced longer lasting kind, with a so many mile guarantee.

Answer 3

That seems a bit excessive, it just depends on the type of driving you do. If your in the cities and doing stop and goes all the time then that explains part of it. But SUV's are very hard on brakes too. Make sure the caliper bolts and pins are clean and lubricated when new pads are installed and the caliper pistons move freely and aren't sticking. Sometimes the brake hoses will break down inside and not let the brake fluid return back to the master clyinder and cause some brake drag.

Answer 4

Average is probably 25,000 - 30,000 miles but it depends on how much you drive and where you drive. So you're probably not too far off. If you replace pads, its best to reface the rotors too, it evens out the rotor surface and prolongs the life of the pad.

If you do a lot of city traffic (like taxi cabs) you'll replace them often. If you do a lot of long distance highway (like 18-wheelers) you'll seldom replace brakes.

Answer 5

I also have a 2000 ford explorer sport.......
So far ...replaced the transmission at 36000 miles brakes 3 times cruise control had to be fixed hood latch had to be replaced , thermastat was in backwards from the factory and overheated.......Not Happy with my Ford....

Answer 6

Yes it is normal many car manufacturers are placing smaller rotors that were designed for cars on SUVs. So you are basically now trying to stop a vehicle that weighs twice as much (5,000 pounds) with a rotor originally deisgned for a car (2,400 pounds). You may want to look at replacing your rotors with aftermarket cross drilled rotors for better heat displacement or larger rotors. Hope this helps.

Answer 7

Assuming you don't drive like an idiot, and you use decent quality parts (including getting the rotors turned by someone competant), I would check the calipers.

Answer 8

It's not normal....I'd dump the SUV and get something thats not so expensive to keep ( it's nickle and diming you now...trade in...don't tell them about the brakes/rotors)

Answer 9

Keep your left foot off of the brake pedal when you drive.

Answer 10

no.......that,s not normal............a lot depends on your driving habit,s.........anticipate traffic in advance.....slow to a sen sable speed before applying your brake,s...........but if only your front brake,s are affected........you may have a problem in your proportioning valve,master cylinder, or your rear hydraulic,s............have a certified [ a.s.e. ] tech. check your hydraulic brake system........hope this help,s you.....good luck!