brake upgrades for 2011 Sport 4x4

[jz78817]

Hi-

I have a 2011 Ranger Sport 4x4, and the brakes suck. not only have I had to replace the pads already at 45,000 miles, but a few days ago someone made a left turn in front of me and even practically standing on the pedal it was in no hurry to stop. I know the next time it needs pads I'll probably have to replace all four rotors, so I'm wondering if there is a pad/rotor combo I could use which might improve stopping power. I realize the Sport has bigger wheels and tires than other Rangers, but in a panic stop situation I'd expect at least the rear wheels to start to lock up and trigger ABS.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[JoshT]

Your truck already has the best brake set-up that ever came from the factory on a Ranger. You've got another issue because that truck should be stopping good as is.

What type of pads did you install?

Sounds like you did not replace the rotors when you replaced the pads. Did you at least have the rotors turned (machined)? If not I doubt that the new pads bedded properly to the rotors.

Have the brakes ever been bled on the truck? It's possible that some air has managed to get into the system. Might be time for some fresh fluid and bleeding the system.

Probably best "upgrade" you could do are good quality pads and rotors when the time comes to replace them. Think something like Hawk or EBC for pads, and a good quality set of plain rotors. Drilled and slotted rotors won't improve your braking unless you keep glazing the pads, and they will wear out your pads faster. Also bleed the brakes.

 

[pjtoledo]

try pulling the front rotors and sand the glaze off them. lightly sand the pads, then do a break-in procedure.
pull both front wheels off, leave the rotors on, have an assistant rotate the other wheel so you get an even pattern. putting a sanding disk on a drill or whatever gives a nice swirl pattern.
check the slider pins too.

if the front disks are getting thin, trash 'em.

 

[gw33gp]

I had braking problems occasionally when my Ranger was new. All I had to do was upgrade the pads to a better performing pad. I started with Raybestos Super Stop pads and when they stopped making those I went to Akebono pads. It brakes very well with the upgraded pads and I tow a lot with significant weight.
I always have the rotors turned when I do a brake job. I bought an extra set of rotors so when I get ready to do a brake job I can get the spare rotors turned and ready to install when I pull everything apart.

 

[jz78817]

Your truck already has the best brake set-up that ever came from the factory on a Ranger. You've got another issue because that truck should be stopping good as is.

"best" for a Ranger doesn't mean they're not still sub-standard especially because I also have to replace the parking brake shoes; one of them fell apart recently.

What type of pads did you install?

generic Wagner stuff. I was in a hurry at the time because I had a wheel off for something else and was caught off guard by the pads being so worn down.

Sounds like you did not replace the rotors when you replaced the pads. Did you at least have the rotors turned (machined)? If not I doubt that the new pads bedded properly to the rotors.

yes they were turned, but will need to be replaced this time.

Have the brakes ever been bled on the truck? It's possible that some air has managed to get into the system. Might be time for some fresh fluid and bleeding the system.

not last time, but this time I definitely plan on bleeding/flushing the system while I'm mucking around down there.

Probably best "upgrade" you could do are good quality pads and rotors when the time comes to replace them. Think something like Hawk or EBC for pads, and a good quality set of plain rotors. Drilled and slotted rotors won't improve your braking unless you keep glazing the pads, and they will wear out your pads faster. Also bleed the brakes.

that's what I was looking for, thanks.