2003 Expedition and front brake dust. Ceramic pads the answer?

[Mr Pakman]

Has anyone tried ceramic pads to eliminate the massive dusting problem. I have the double 5 spoke design and the rims looks like crap after one day.
If ceramics are the way to go do you have to change the front and the rear? Do they help or ruin braking power?

[bustedratchet]

I drive a 99 Olds and have ceramic pads on all 4 and I get no black dust or noise. Also on my Wifes Mountaineer I have ceramics on the front. Her, on the other hand gets some dust with them I think she is a little harder on her car than I am (ie. still pushing the gas when you plainly see the light ahead is red then jamming them on) As far as braking power they stop well.

[jhromy]

check with your local ford service dept. Ford is well aware of the brake dust and they are going to be sending out new brake pads for owners who complain about it. There is a TSB about this, so save your money on not getting ceramic brakes and have ford pay for it

[powerstroker73]

ford has new pads....however they will not pay for them if the truck has more than 12000 miles

[XLT03]

You may want to check on the ceramics. I did the brakes on a friend's F-150 1/2 ton and put in Raybestos Ceramic and the rotors warpped. Rotors were turned when new pads were replaced. 4K miles later, brake pedal pulsated. A quick check with Ford Dealership indicated that F150 had own specific pads and that aftermarket ceramics is not recommended. Friend had to replace both rotors and put on Ford pads. I think F150 is built on the same frame as Expeditions. So check around first.

[cwilley]

Does anyone have any more information regarding the Ford replacement brake pads mentioned above? I just checked with my local Ford dealer and they claimed to know nothing about it. I also asked if they had any recommendations to diminish the amount of brake dust on my front wheels and their reply was: "No, not really." I am at about 11,930 miles; so if there really is a 12k mile limit on getting the free replacement brake pads, I am eager to learn about it.

Thanks!

Chris Willey

[majorjc]

Originally Posted by cwilley

Does anyone have any more information regarding the Ford replacement brake pads mentioned above? I just checked with my local Ford dealer and they claimed to know nothing about it. I also asked if they had any recommendations to diminish the amount of brake dust on my front wheels and their reply was: "No, not really." I am at about 11,930 miles; so if there really is a 12k mile limit on getting the free replacement brake pads, I am eager to learn about it.

Thanks!

Chris Willey

Article No.
04-1-1 BRAKES - BRAKE DUST - REVISED BRAKE LININGS - VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 12/18/2003

Publication Date: January 5, 2004

FORD: 2003-2004 EXPEDITION
LINCOLN: 2003-2004 NAVIGATOR


ISSUE:
Customer dissatisfaction with brake dust level on vehicles produced before 12/18/2003.

The brake linings on 2003-2004 Expedition/Navigator vehicles are designed to interact with the brake rotors in such a way as to keep the rotors smooth, minimizing rotor runout and thickness variation. The brake dust that is generated as a result of this interaction does not indicate a performance concern with the vehicle's brake system, and is considered a normal condition by Ford Motor Company.

Ford Motor Company recognizes, however, that some customers may object to brake dust for appearance reasons. Effective 12/18/03, the brake linings on Expedition/Navigator have been revised. The revised linings will generate less dust. The revised linings are also being made available for service, as Service Kit 4L1Z-2001-BA. This kit contains BOTH front and rear linings. A coordinated front and rear lining change is required in order to avoid making the vehicle noncompliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 135. Do not mix the parts in the 4L1Z-2001-BA kit with any other brake linings.

Per the Warranty and Policy Manual, parts and labor needed to maintain the vehicle due to normal wear and tear are the responsibility of the vehicle owner, and are not covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Because brake dust is due to normal wear and tear, replacing brake linings for a dust condition is not covered under bumper-to-bumper coverage. For 2003 MY Navigator customers the Lincoln Commitment covers normal brake wear (but not brake dust) for 3 years/36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Some ESP plans may also cover worn brake linings. Consult OASIS to see if brake linings are covered as a provision of the customer's plan. Again, brake linings may be replaced for wear, but replacement of linings for a brake dust condition is not covered by either the New Vehicle Warranty, Lincoln Commitment, or ESP.

ACTION:
Replace brake linings, and ancillary parts if necessary, with revised brake linings.

SERVICE PROCEDURE
Follow instructions included in Kit 4L1Z-2001-BA and Workshop Manual Sections 206-03 and 206-04.

NOTE: A COORDINATED FRONT AND REAR LINING CHANGE IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO AVOID MAKING THE VEHICLE NONCOMPLIANT WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 135. DO NOT USE THE 4L1Z-2001-BA PART NUMBER WITH ANY OTHER REAR BRAKE LINING.



NOTE: IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO MACHINE THE ROTORS BEFORE INSTALLING THE NEW LININGS, UNLESS OTHERWISE DIRECTED BY THE WORKSHOP MANUAL.



NOTE: VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE JULY 15, 2003 MAY REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF THE HOLD-DOWN CLIP, AND RETAINING PINS, THE FIRST TIME THE BRAKE LININGS ARE REPLACED. SERVICE KIT 4L1Z-2001-BA KIT CONTAINS DETAILS ON HOW TO DETERMINE IF THESE PARTS MUST BE CHANGED. YOU MAY WISH TO ORDER THESE PARTS ALONG WITH THE BRAKE LINING KITS, TO AVOID REPAIR DELAYS.



PART NUMBER PART NAME
4L1Z-2001-BA Brake Lining Kit
2L1Z-2B164-AB Clip - Hold Down
2L1Z-2C150-AC Kit - Retaining Pin



OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES:
NONE

WARRANTY STATUS:
INFORMATION ONLY

[cknutson]

Originally Posted by XLT03

You may want to check on the ceramics. I did the brakes on a friend's F-150 1/2 ton and put in Raybestos Ceramic and the rotors warpped. Rotors were turned when new pads were replaced. 4K miles later, brake pedal pulsated. A quick check with Ford Dealership indicated that F150 had own specific pads and that aftermarket ceramics is not recommended. Friend had to replace both rotors and put on Ford pads. I think F150 is built on the same frame as Expeditions. So check around first.

I just turned 6k miles and after writing a letter to the dealership, they have agreed to replace the pad with the ceramic set at no charge. From what I understood, Ford's unofficial word is that they will do it if the customer complains enough.

[FireTruck]

Originally Posted by Mr Pakman

Has anyone tried ceramic pads to eliminate the massive dusting problem. I have the double 5 spoke design and the rims looks like crap after one day.
If ceramics are the way to go do you have to change the front and the rear? Do they help or ruin braking power?

what i found for this problem if ford doesn't wanna pay 4 the ceramic pads is something u put in between the rims and the rotor....looks like the brakes they normaly use 4 sport cars (disk shape) just take the tire out and put it in there..costs about 30.00/pair..not 2 sure about the price but i know they r not 2 spensive