what aftermarket brakes are the best?

[Steve Kaufman]

I am interested in replacing my brakes. I want to get good ones, that will help stop the new 20" tires and rims. Also I want ones with either painted (hopefully blue if not red) calipers. I know BAER is a great set, but i don't know if they make brakes for the ST, and what others are available.

 

[TomT]

Akebono Ultra Ceramics are what I got. They are about as top of the line as you can get. Also the most expensive. Check rockauto.com for good prices on these.

 

[troy malone]

i used Akebono ProACT Ceramic Pads from tirerack on my 2001.. low dusting.. excellent stopping power..



they also carry Hawk Performance Ceramic Pads. had the on my wifes 01 focus and they were awesome compared to stock... Extreme low dusting...



troy

 

[Rodger Tellefson]

Remember if you go with larger wheel you must go with larger brakes as well.

 

[Dallas Starr]

power slot makes great rotors fo rthe st.

 

[Tom Schindler]

I am partial to Performance Friction Carbon Metallic pads. Excellent braking power, though they are dirty, but last forever.



If PF makes a pad for something I own, they get installed on it. If they don't, then I check into Hawk Ferro Carbon pads. (Another awesome pad)



My brother tried Ceramic pads. He returned them a short time later and got Carbon Metallic pads. He said it was a night and day difference between the two pads.





Tom

 

[Richard L]

With 20" rims and tires, you should probably upgrade the rotors and calipers. Baer and Brembo make some of the best upgrade kits, but I don't know if they make anything to fit the Sport Trac. If they do they will be expensive...Probably in the $2500-$3000 range.



If they make upgrade rotor and calipers, look for the largest rotors you can fit inside the wheels. They will usually tell you what size wheel you need to fit their brake systems. At a minimum I would go with 13" rotor, and if you can find 15" rotors that would be ideal. 13" rotors usually require 17" wheels so 15" rotors should fit inside the 20" wheels you have.



You should also consider getting slotted rotors for better brake performance. If Baer or Brembo make crossed-drilled rotors then you may want to use them for the ultimate in braking, however I would not recommend using cross-drilled rotors on a street driven vehicle unless they were made by Baer or Brembo. Don't waste your time and money on cross-drilled rotors made buy unknown companies or those that are sold on ebay.



Ceramic or Carbon metalic brake pads will give you excellent braking



...Rich