Brake Replacement - What Else?

genie144

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So it looks like I am going to replace my brakes in the coming weeks. I am looking at replacing rotors, pads, and probably rebuilt calipers.

While I am doing this, is there anything that makes sense to do at the same time?

Sam
 

genie144

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Already have SS lines, fluid flush is on the list if the calipers get replaced. Otherwise it has newish fluid. Thank you for responding! Never know when you don't think of something until someone points it out.

Sam
 

SSBC-BRAKES

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Brake fluid will absorb up to 5% moisture per year. If the fluid is anything but clear, you need to flush it.
 

genie144

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No worries - all good information. I haven't decided which rotors yet but the truck needs brakes before I slide off the side of the mountain... It'll either be powerslot or cheapest advanced carries...

Sam
 

Bald-N-Blue

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No worries - all good information. I haven't decided which rotors yet but the truck needs brakes before I slide off the side of the mountain... It'll either be powerslot or cheapest advanced carries...

Sam

Back brakes too? If so, consider the parking brake components as well. Not sure about your version of the PSD, but my '99 has a rotor/drum setup in the rear. The drum side is for the park/emergency side of the coin.

In my case, the drum side was good to go, just needed cleaning and adjusting.

As for the brake fluid . . . replace it, especially if you are replacing calipers. As noted about, the normal DOT 3/4 is glycol based and WILL absorb water over time, which makes rust and goo a strong possibilty. It's not a major deal, just flush the old stuff with the new. I try to do this at lease once every two years. Your brake components will love you for it. :thumbup:
 

JLDickmon

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OK... couple things...
first, the brake fluid.. not only does it absorb moisture, which can lead to boiling and therefor pedal fade under high heat loads, it also leaches copper out of the seamless steel tubing used for brake lines. Steel tuning is made from a foil that's rolled, like tinfoil on a roll in the wife's kitchen drawer.. only difference is, they copper braze it as they roll it up.

The copper, coupled with the moisture is absorbs (what's called hygroscopic contamination) and the dis-similar metals in the ABS unit (steel, aluminum, copper) sets up electrolytic corrosion of valves in the ABS unit, damaging it.

IIRC, Ford suggests replacing the fluid every two years.. most of the industry says replace at 400ppm copper. You can get dipstrips to test at any parts store.


Secondly, brake rotors..
Don't scrimp. That cheap China garbage from Advance, Auto Zone, and even O'Reilly's and NAPA will pit, bloom and shale apart within a year.
Personally, I prefer (NOT intended as a recommendation) use the NAPA ONYX rotors. The polymer coating limits moisture penetration of the iron.

But, you can do whatever you want, it's your truck and your wallet.
 
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genie144

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My fluid is new - if the calipers are replaced, I will put new fluid in.

TomS - much appreciated but if I have to mess with fluid, I will pay brakes plus. It is ~$13 to have them replace fluid and then I don't have to worry about my own stupidity ;)

I decided to go with powerslots and then cryo them myself.

Sam
 

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