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You are here: Home / Ford / F-150 / Best Brake Pads and Rotors for Ford F150 – Brake Upgrade Kits for Performance, Stopping Power & Cost

Best Brake Pads and Rotors for Ford F150 – Brake Upgrade Kits for Performance, Stopping Power & Cost

by Jerry Ford | Last Updated April 25, 2023 | 10 min read

Best Brake Pads and Rotors for Ford F150 - Brake Upgrade Kits for Performance, Stopping Power & Cost

As a Ford F-150 4×4 owner, you know that your truck is built for tough conditions. But even the toughest trucks need brake pads that can withstand the rigors of off-road driving. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best brake pads for your F-150. These should deliver optimal performance across different driving conditions.

Best Ford F150 Brake Pads Comparison Table

Below, you will find our brake pad comparison table. In this table, you can compare the different Ford F-150 brake pads we’ve selected based on the order in which we ranked them and the accompanying awards they earned per our reviews.

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS  
fwltbl-table__image Best OverallPower Stop K3167-36 Z36
  • Includes everything you need for installation
  • High-performance ceramic brake pads
  • Drilled and slotted rotors for superior cooling and durability
  • Three-year warranty
  • Installation instructions could be more detailed
CHECK PRICE →
fwltbl-table__image Best F150 Ceramic Brake PadsBosch BC1414 QuietCast Premium Ceramic
  • Ceramic formulation resists fade
  • Delivers consistent braking performance
  • Low dust and quiet operation
  • Comes with necessary installation hardware
  • Pads may squeal when first used
CHECK PRICE →
fwltbl-table__image Best ValueWagner ThermoQuiet QC833 Ceramic
  • Made with ceramic materials for consistent stopping power
  • One piece design resists wear and tear
  • Features molded sound insulator
  • Made with ceramic materials for consistent stopping power
  • One piece design resists wear and tear
  • Features molded sound insulator
  • Some customers have reported issues with brake dust
CHECK PRICE →
fwltbl-table__image Wagner QuickStop ZD1602 Ceramic
  • Exceptional stopping power in both wet and dry conditions
  • Ceramic construction ensures superior heat resistance
  • Rubberized shims reduce noisy vibrations and noise
  • Easy installation
  • Clips may be difficult to remove
CHECK PRICE →
fwltbl-table__image ACDelco 14D679M Silver Semi-Metallic
  • Semi-metallic construction resists wear and tear
  • Comes with a wear sensor
  • Reduces noise and vibration
  • Easy installation
  • Some users have reported squeaking
CHECK PRICE →
fwltbl-table__image Detroit Axle Slotted Rotor + Ceramic Brake Pad
  • Slotted rotors for increased stopping power
  • Ceramic brake pads for reduced brake dust and noise
  • 10-year warranty
  • Quick installation
  • Some reports of rotor issues
  • Pricey
CHECK PRICE →
fwltbl-table__image Power Stop K3167 Front Z23 Carbon Fiber
  • Carbon fiber ceramic compound for superior stopping power
  • Low dust for cleaner wheels and no brake fade
  • Third-party tested to reduce dust by 30%
  • Perfect fit for the F-150
  • Expensive
CHECK PRICE →

What Are the Best Ford F150 Brake Pads?

The best Ford F-150 brake pads are those that can provide reliable stopping power in a variety of conditions. Each brake pad on our list ensures a good choice for your truck, so read on to find out which ones made the grade.

Power Stop Z36 (K3167-36) Brake Kit – Best Overall

If you’re searching for the best brake pads for your F-150 4×4, the Power Stop Z36 brake kit is our top pick. This kit includes everything you need to replace your stock brake pads and rotors, including pads, rotors, hardware, and installation instructions.

The Z36 Extreme Performance brake pads are designed for trucks that see a lot of off-road use. They’re made from a high-performance ceramic compound that resists fading under heavy braking. The included drilled, and slotted rotors provide superior cooling and durability. The kit includes ceramic brake lubricant and hardware kit. 

They’re backed by a three-year warranty.

Pros:

  • Includes everything you need for installation
  • High-performance ceramic brake pads
  • Drilled and slotted rotors for superior cooling and durability
  • Three-year warranty

Cons:

  • Installation instructions could be more detailed

Bosch BC1414 QuietCast Premium Brake Kit – Best F150 Ceramic Brake Pads

If you want the best possible stopping power for your F-150, then Bosch’s QuietCast Ceramic Pads are a great option. For starters, Bosch brake pads are specifically engineered for each vehicle model. These pads are designed to deliver superior braking performance in both wet and dry conditions.

These ceramic brake pads are made with a ceramic formulation that resists fade and delivers consistent braking performance. It also features a powder-coated backing plate that prevents rusting. These pads are also low dust and quiet, making them a great choice for those who want the best possible braking performance without sacrificing comfort when the truck is used for daily driving.

You get the necessary clips and synthetic lubricant in this kit, so you can install the pads right away.

Pros:

  • Ceramic formulation resists fade
  • Delivers consistent braking performance
  • Low dust and quiet operation
  • Comes with necessary installation hardware

Cons:

  • Pads may squeal when first used

Wagner ThermoQuiet QC833 Ceramic Brake Kit – Best Value

The Wagner ThermoQuiet QC833 brake pads are some of the best on the market and offer great value for your money. These pads are made with ceramic materials that help to dissipate heat. They’ll last longer and provide consistent stopping power even in the most demanding conditions.

It features a one-piece design, combining the friction material, insulator, and backing plate into one unit. This helps to resist wear and tear, making them a great choice for those who do a lot of off-roading.

Another great feature of these pads is the slotting and chamfering design. This design helps reduce noise and vibration, making for a more pleasant driving experience.

If you’re looking for a great all-around set of brake pads for your F-150, the Wagner ThermoQuiet QC833s are a great option. As a budget-friendly kit, it’s truly an excellent value for your investment.

Pros:

  • Made with ceramic materials for consistent stopping power
  • One piece design resists wear and tear
  • Features molded sound insulator

Cons:

  • Some customers have reported issues with brake dust

Wagner QuickStop ZD1602 Ceramic Brake Kit

Wagner’s QuickStop Ceramic Pad Set is another one of our top picks for the best brake pads for Ford F-150 4x4s. These brake pads are designed for optimal stopping power in both wet and dry conditions. The ceramic construction ensures superior heat resistance, while the rubberized shims minimize brake noise.

If you’re tired of a vibrating brake pedal, Wagner’s QuickStop Ceramic Pad Set is also the perfect solution. These brake pads feature an application-specific design that reduces noise-causing vibration.

The kit is easy to install, too, if you want to just do it yourself. The set includes the brake pads, clips, and all the necessary hardware to attach it to your brake assembly.

Overall, Wagner’s QuickStop Ceramic Pad Set is an excellent choice for those who want reliable stopping power.

Pros:

  • Exceptional stopping power in both wet and dry conditions
  • Ceramic construction ensures superior heat resistance
  • Rubberized shims reduce noisy vibrations and noise
  • Easy installation

Cons:

  • Clips may be difficult to remove

ACDelco 14D679M Silver Semi-Metallic Brake Kit

The ACDelco 14D679M Silver Semi-Metallic Disc Brake Pad Set with Wear Sensor is a great choice for those looking for reliable stopping power. These semi-metallic brake pads resist wear and tear, and they also come with a wear sensor to alert you when it’s time to replace them.

Thanks to their design, these brake pads offer reduced noise and vibration, making for a smoother ride. They’re also a breeze to install, so you won’t have to spend hours in the garage getting them set up.

Installation is a breeze, ensuring that you can put them readily out of the box. These budget-friendly pads are a great choice for those looking to get the most bang for their buck.

ACDelco also offers organic and ceramic brake pad variants for improved reliability and performance.

Pros:

  • Semi-metallic construction resists wear and tear
  • Comes with a wear sensor
  • Reduces noise and vibration
  • Easy installation

Cons:

  • Some users have reported squeaking

Detroit Axle Slotted Rotor + Ceramic Brake Pad

If you’re looking for a brake pad kit that offers both style and substance, look no further than the Detroit Axle Slotted Rotor + Ceramic Brake Pad Kit. This kit includes slotted rotors, which not only look great but also help to increase your stopping power.

The ceramic brake pads included in this kit are designed to reduce brake dust and noise, and they also offer superior stopping power – everything you’d expect from the best brake pads for Ford F-150.

You can also expect an excellent fit with this kit, as it is designed to meet or exceed OEM specifications. The silver zinc plating on the rotors also helps to prevent brake dust and corrosion.

Installation is easy, and you can expect superior braking and stopping performance from these pads. If you’re looking for a high-quality brake pad kit that offers great value for money and an excellent 10-year warranty, Detroit Axle has you covered.

Pros:

  • Slotted rotors for increased stopping power
  • Ceramic brake pads for reduced brake dust and noise
  • 10-year warranty
  • Quick installation

Cons:

  • Some reports of rotor issues
  • Pricey

Power Stop K3167 Front Z23 Carbon Fiber Brake Pad

If you’re looking for a brake pad that can provide superior stopping power in any condition, the Power Stop K3167 Front Z23 Carbon Fiber Ceramic Brake Pad Set is a great choice.

As some of the best brake pads on our list, these are designed with a carbon-fiber ceramic compound that significantly enhances braking performance compared to traditional ceramic brake pads. The pads are also low dust to ensure cleaner wheels and no brake fade.

In fact, third-party testing revealed 30% less dust compared to OEM brake pads. So if you’re looking for a pad that can give you great stopping power without sacrificing durability, the Power Stop K3167 will make a fine addition to your F-150.

Included in this kit are machined rotors, pads, and clips, so you can get to installation right out of the box.

Pros:

  • Carbon fiber ceramic compound for superior stopping power
  • Low dust for cleaner wheels and no brake fade
  • Third-party tested to reduce dust by 30%
  • Perfect fit for the F-150

Cons:

  • Expensive

Brake Pads Buying Guide

Brake Rotors on Vehicle

Material

There are several materials used in commercial brake pads on the market these days. They include ceramic, carbon fiber, and metallic pads. Each type of pad has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Ceramic brake pads are made of a ceramic material that delivers quiet operation and low brake dust. However, they can be more expensive than other types of brake pads.

Carbon fiber brake pads are made of carbon fiber material. They can withstand high temperatures, which is why they’re commonly found in performance kits. They are known for their high stopping power and low brake dust. These, too, can be pricey.

Metallic brake pads are known for their high stopping power and good durability. They’re among the cheapest in the market too. But they can produce more brake dust than other types of brake pads.

Brake pad manufacturers will often use a combination of these materials to create a brake pad that has the best attributes of each type.

Durability

Brake pads and rotors are typically rated by the manufacturer on how long they will last. This is usually based on a certain amount of brake usage. For example, a set of pads might be rated for 30,000 miles of use. However, this doesn’t mean that you will definitely get 30,000 miles out of them. It depends on how hard you brake and how often you drive.

Some brake pads are more durable than others. This usually has to do with the composition of the pad and the type of rotor it is used with. For instance, a pad that is designed for use with a carbon ceramic rotor is going to be more durable than one that is used with a standard steel rotor.

The bottom line is that you should expect to replace your brake pads every few years, regardless of the type of pad or rotor you use.

Stopping Performance

Aftermarket brake kits can provide significantly increased stopping power than the stock brakes on your F-150 4×4. By installing a better brake kit, you can improve your truck’s braking performance in all conditions, whether you’re driving on the street or off-road.

Most upgrades and modifications for off-roading add some weight to a vehicle. And the more massive a vehicle is, the harder it is to stop. This is where the increased stopping power of performance brake pads would come into play.

Aftermarket kits also often include upgraded brake pads, which can provide even more braking power and longer life than stock pads.

4x4 tires in action

Noise & Vibration Reduction

Brake pads and rotors can contribute significantly to noise and vibration in trucks. This is usually caused by worn, pitted, or uneven pads and rotors. When these are not corrected, it can cause a great deal of noise and vibration.

A good brake kit can prevent this since they resist wear better. By maintaining even wear on the pads and rotors, the brakes stay in better condition for longer.

Ease of Installation

Brake pads are relatively simple to install, while rotors can be more difficult. Most kits include all the hardware needed for you to install them yourself. You just need to have the proper tools and know-how. If you’re not too confident in your DIY skills, it’s best to have a professional do it for you. Brakes aren’t something you’d want to be messing with if you’re not familiar with them.

Improve your F150’s Performance with the Best Brake Pads

Whether you use your F-150 4×4 for work or play, you want it to perform at its best. But even the most dependable truck will eventually need new brake pads. When it’s time to replace your old ones, don’t just settle for any old pads. Make sure you get the best brake pads for Ford F-150 4×4 to keep your truck running safely and smoothly.

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Jerry Ford

ABOUT Jerry Ford

Jerry Ford started his career as a freelance writer for Australian Associated Press. A wide variety of outdoor interests (off-road driving among them) brought him to car magazines. He has a distinguished career as a print and broadcast reporter and editor with over 25 years of experience writing about the car industry, best practices and new technologies.

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Table of Contents Hide
  1. Best Ford F150 Brake Pads Comparison Table
  2. What Are the Best Ford F150 Brake Pads?
    1. Power Stop Z36 (K3167-36) Brake Kit – Best Overall
    2. Bosch BC1414 QuietCast Premium Brake Kit – Best F150 Ceramic Brake Pads
    3. Wagner ThermoQuiet QC833 Ceramic Brake Kit – Best Value
    4. Wagner QuickStop ZD1602 Ceramic Brake Kit
    5. ACDelco 14D679M Silver Semi-Metallic Brake Kit
    6. Detroit Axle Slotted Rotor + Ceramic Brake Pad
    7. Power Stop K3167 Front Z23 Carbon Fiber Brake Pad
  3. Brake Pads Buying Guide
    1. Material
    2. Durability
    3. Stopping Performance
    4. Noise & Vibration Reduction
    5. Ease of Installation
  4. Improve your F150’s Performance with the Best Brake Pads

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