Brake Brand Check

[RAYJAY]

I'm really in need of changing out my brakes and rotors, but the intended brand I wanted sold out.

I've read up on here and around the interwebs about other combinations and have narrowed it down to two options:

1) Raybestos Element 3 Rotors + Akebono Ceramic pads - $320 shipped from Rock Auto

2) Raybestos Element 3 Rotors + Raybestos Hyrbid pads - $250 shipped from Rock Auto as a kit

I'm kind of favoring option 1 because it seems like a lot of folks across different auto platforms have run Raybestos/Akebono together with great success. Option 2 seems like a newer thing I'm reading people like, but doesn't have as much data that I can find to rely on.

Anyone here have experience with the Ranger or these brands that can offer their opinion on option 1 vs 2? I'd appreciate it.

Edit to add a note: I looked at Motorcraft too, but they were closer to $450 shipped.

i have had great luck with power stop z23 pads and the Evolution Geomet Coated rotors, the factory rotors were sucky at best, even did the power stops on the explorer and rock auto is your best bet for price .....

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[tnewcomb6370]

What rotors do you typically pair with Akebono’s?

Usually get the premium rotors from Napa. They don't seem to warp as bad and they are coated to prevent rust for us Northerners.

 

[Dgc333]

I won't argue that Akebono Brake Pads are good, but I feel it is better to buy the Motocraft Pads since we don't know who makes them right off.

Also for the Rotors, I would recommend sticking with the Factory Motocraft. When compared to most Aftermarket Rotors, the Aftermarket will have more tendency to Warp and Crack. The OEM will have more resistance to that.

FWIW, In my 50+ years of wrenching on vehicles I avoid OE parts if I can. OE parts come from the lowest cost supplier that meets the minimum requirements and yes, Ford, GM and Stalantis will source OE parts from China. Also, many Motorcraft parts are not from the same source as what was originally used when the vehicle was built.

Talking brake rotors; I have never had a rotor from a reputable aftermarket supplier warp but I have certainly had the original rotors supplied on my vehicles warp. Plus the markup on OE parts can be twice or more than a high quality aftermarket part.

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