Apart from regular commuting, I haul a significant amount of loads with my Ford F150. And for this reason, I wanted to get a new set of durable brake pads.
So, I researched for hours to find the best brake pads for F150 4×4 that would provide me with a solid performance.
In this article, I am sharing my findings to benefit you by upgrading your ride and getting the best out of it.
- Best overall – Power Stop Z36
- Best complete kit – Power Stop Kit
- Best ferro-carbon – Hawk Performance LTS
- Best in low-budget – Raybestos Specialty
7 Best Brake Pads for F150 4×4 – [Top Picks of 2023]
After careful consideration, I made a list of the best brake pads. Let’s check out what they are.
1. Best Overall – Power Stop Z36
What I Like and Dislike
- Carbon fiber ceramic formula.
- Low dust design for keeping clean.
- Stainless steel shim helps heat dissipation.
- Rust and corrosion-resistant.
- Chamfered noise-free braking.
- It does not support all models.
- May require additional hardware purchase.
Power Stop is an expert in making extraordinarily robust and steady-performing brake pads on the market.
The carbon-fiber ceramic brake pads are one of a kind to withstanding a heavy load. These will provide you with extreme performance without sacrificing drive quality.
It is crucial to keep the insides of your brake pads clean. That is why Power Stop came up with their low-dust technology, which helps the brake pads stay clean even during prolonged usage.
It means no frequent maintenance necessary for your brake pads.
The shims of the pad consist of a premium quality stainless steel design. No more worrying about friction causing your brake pads to overheat and dwindle performance.
You will enjoy the plate a lot as it comes with the necessary coatings. Not only do they help extend the overall functionality, but they help them last significantly longer.
All these benefits come with the rust and corrosion-resistant quality of the coating.
The pads are also slotted and chamfered, which will ensure a total silent performance. So, you will not hear the slightest bit of squeaky sound even with a full cargo behind.
2. Best Durability – Akebono
What I Like and Dislike
- Made in the USA.
- No need to break-in.
- Fade-resistant build quality.
- Low dust build-up.
- Vehicle optimized formulas.
- Prolongs rotor life.
- Cold temperature may cause a squeaky sound.
- May collect dust residue easily.
Akebono prides itself on producing some of the best braking systems across the USA. Their product comes with a superior build quality consisting of ultra-premium ceramic design for extreme resilience and performance.
Apart from the robust design, these Akebono brake pads work like a charm while eliminating all sorts of noise each time you brake. You will also not feel the slightest bit of vibration each time you press the pedal for a smooth stop.
Prepare yourselves to get a chance to grab these amazingly silent and long-lasting braking solutions for your favorite ride. Each of these pads comes included with their proprietary ceramic technology.
This alone proves their dedication to the users of Akebono. So, whether you want a smooth transition from movement to a halting position or you need to use it on an emergency panic stop, the brake pads from Akebono will not let you down.
After you slip on these pads, you can use them to their full extent. No breaking-in is necessary for experiencing its optimum performance. Their high fade-resistant will result in you having a prolonged duration of usage.
Not only will these extend your rotor life, but the ultra-low dust feature will keep it clean and corrosion-free for the foreseeable future.
The ceramic formulas come optimized to each vehicle type. Their consistent research and design upgrades make them a popular choice among enthusiasts.
3. Best Complete Kit – Power Stop Kit
What I Like and Dislike
- Carbon fiber ceramic build.
- Repels 30% less dust compared to OE.
- Slotted and drilled rotors provide solid performance.
- The package includes all the necessary hardware.
- Premium grade shims dissipate heat like a champ.
- Brake calipers are a separate purchase.
- Rotors can warp if not properly installed.
If you want to get your hands on a complete kit solution for the braking needs, this product by Power Stop is an amazing choice and one of the best brake pads for towing on the market.
This complete set will be an outstanding choice of replacement for both the front and rear brake sets.
These ceramic brake pads come with proprietary carbon fiber enhancement and enhance strength to the braking needs while towing heavier loads.
If you compare it with traditional OEs, you will notice that this unit will accumulate at least 30% fewer dust gatherings inside each part. So you have less corrosion over prolonged usage.
The rotors inside possess iron components. They have a drilled and slotted design for maximum heat dissipation. You will get stainless steel installation hardware that can easily withstand an extreme temperature level.
You will also get top-quality stainless steel shims for superior heat resistance and a noise-free drive.
So, no matter how much weight you plan to haul on your truck, your braking power will provide you with solid performance while keeping the interior of your ride as quiet as it can get.
4. Best Value – Bosch QuietCast
What I Like and Dislike
- Aerospace-grade aluminum alloy.
- Transfer layer present for enhanced protection.
- OE style shim with rubber core.
- Necessary hardware included with each purchase.
- It comes with synthetic lubricant.
- Sensor places are glued instead of riveted.
Bosch QuietCast is one of the most popular choices among car owners when it comes to replacing the front brake pads.
Bosch’s selection of premium materials provides an unprecedented power for stopping even while carrying a significant amount of weight.
Not only that, the quiet operation of the brakes during each time you engage them is undoubtedly an exceptional quality to possess.
Its low dust design means you will not have to worry about the number of foreign materials and debris to pile up inside the gear. Not only will it prevent excessive corrosion, but it will prolong the life and performance by a significant amount.
The multi-layer core consists of a rubber build shim which caters to an enhancement of stopping power each time you press on the brakes.
Its semi-metallic friction formula consists of an advanced-level aerospace alloy present within patented copper-free ceramic that complies with 2025 copper-free legislation.
The pads come with a protective transfer layer assisting in elongating the overall lifespan of both the pads and rotors.
Aside from these, the premium grade chamfers and slots, along with the hardware kit, are present to provide you with solid performance.
5. Best Ferro-Carbon – Hawk Performance LTS
What I Like and Dislike
- Extreme fade resistance.
- Lightweight design.
- Improved braking performance.
- Extreme temperature dissipation capability.
- Noise-free ride.
- Barely resists dust build-up.
- May cause a squeaking noise if not installed properly.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly pair of front-side brake upgrades for your truck, this particular one is what you should keep your eyes on. Not only that, the Hawk Performance series works well with a large selection of larger vehicles.
It is easier to get the temperatures quite on the higher number each time you press the brakes, especially when you have a huge load on the bed space. These superior brake pads can easily withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees.
These high-performance disc brake pads are superior to the stock brakes you will get with your truck. With an additional 40% stopping power, you will not have to worry about taking your ride to any place you please.
The pedals will feel more at ease due to consistency in this unit’s performance when it comes to longevity.
Their superior material is highly durable and less susceptible to easy fade. You will enjoy a prolonged lifetime and service, no doubt.
6. Best in Budget – Wagner QuickStop
What I Like and Dislike
- Premium ceramic build design.
- Consistent performance throughout its lifetime.
- Each product caters to specific vehicles.
- It comes with zero copper friction.
- Tested and certified by Federal-Mogul engineers.
- Supports for front brakes only.
- May require professionals for installation.
These lightweight brake pads can be an outstanding addition to your ride. Thanks to its ceramic build, the performance you will experience will be unmatched for the money you’re paying.
The OE fit and design will provide you with a consistent and superior braking solution no matter how much weight you plan to haul. It performs at its finest even when your ride comes fully loaded.
Wagner manufactures their brake pads with their unique design to reduce vibration to a minimum. Say goodbye to those annoying noises you may notice with brake pads from other manufacturers.
A remarkable trait that you will notice is that the performance stays constant no matter how long you use it.
Their main goal is to provide consistency with all your braking needs. So, once you strap on a pair, all there is left for you is to enjoy the ride.
You will also get the necessary hardware for installation purposes. The OE matched friction formulae and vehicular-specific design shims, chamfers, and slots help keep the noise to a bare minimum.
7. Best in Low-Budget – Raybestos Specialty
What I Like and Dislike
- Rubber coated steel brake parts.
- Practically non-existent noise.
- Extremely low vibrations.
- Dust resistant heavy-duty performance.
- Corrosion-free materials.
- Performs exceptionally well under all weather conditions.
- May squeal at low speed.
- Cold weather may make the pads noisy.
Raybestos is renowned for manufacturing some extremely pocket-friendly medium-duty brake pads for superior performance.
So, if you want to upgrade the front brake pads of your truck, this unit will undoubtedly be a great choice.
This product comes with superior quality disc pads for a long life duration thanks to its sturdy build material.
The last thing you will need to fret about is looking for instant action when you press the braking pedal. Credit goes to the superior friction compounds that come along with its design.
From a class 1 to class 8 truck, this product will provide a performance off the charts. If you want a braking solution for your F150 without burning through your wallet, your search ends here.
Aside from using it every day without any worries, its OE fit and form design will cater to all your needs. Its low-fade system will keep you safe even on the harshest road conditions without breaking a sweat for an optimum safety protocol.
The low dust brake pad and rotor system will keep the interiors cleaner than ever. It means less dust accumulation and corrosion on your pads.
Also, its quiet operation is a charm from the beginning to the end. Your vehicle will stop whenever you want it to, no matter the weather condition.
Best Brake Pads for F150 4×4 – Buying Guide!
To choose the right set of brake pads for you truck, you should consider the following factors.
1. Compatibility
It is crucial to know the specifications of your specific vehicle before purchasing the brake pads.
With different models and versions available for each F150, you may require a variation in size and model of the necessary parts that you should install.
So, make sure to know the version of your ride and whether your choice of brake pads will fit them or not.
2. Material
Brake pads come in the form of a varying range of materials.
Starting from low metallic pads to the most expensive ceramic ones, you will get a wide range and types of brake pads. Each of them has its specialty and shortcomings.
If you want to use your vehicle for a regular commuting purpose, you may opt for an organic non-asbestos brake pad. Low-metallic ones will fight off heat build-up a little better.
These are ideal for warmer environments. Semi-metallic ones are great for performance-focused vehicles, while the ceramic pads come with a load of benefits but at a higher cost.
They also tend to take a little time to warm up before providing a solid performance.
3. Durability
Make sure the brake pads you choose to purchase will last you long enough. Based on your purpose of vehicular usage, you should choose accordingly.
If you want to tow heavy loads, it is best to choose a good one that can carry the required weight without much hassle.
Ensure that the components are sturdy enough not to break with the slightest push.
4. Braking Performance
Each type of brake pad will provide you with a varying range of performance based on your needs. So, make sure you know what you expect to get out of your new car part.
If you are focused more on performance, you should choose sturdy components to meet your regular usage with a decent pair. Make sure to do enough research regarding how much your selected parts will support you and what they are lacking.
5. Bedding-In Time
Most braking pads that you purchase will require you to break them up to a certain point. Brakes will not work at their finest from the get-go.
Usually, they take 300 to 400 miles of driving to get to the optimum level.
6. Squeaking Noise
It can be annoying if the brake calipers keep on squealing each time you press on the pedal for stopping.
Some components, such as low-metallic build pads, may tend to make a slight amount of noise.
Another factor for making noise is the amount of grease present in them. Make sure to check your pads if you hear unwanted noise coming from them.
Check the amount of grease and put some extra if you feel the need.
7. Brake Dust
The latest versions of pads available in the market come with superior components to promote a low amount of dust build-up.
While some may end up building quite a bit of dust, most quality products will keep them at a minimum.
8. Heat Distribution
The higher the temperature rises, the better they perform when it comes to brake pads.
This occurs because the kinetic energy converts to heat-based friction every time you press the brakes.
While some brake pads easily distribute the necessary heat, others may not be up to the mark.
Before You Go …
In my book, the Power Stop Z36 is the winner all-rounder if you are looking for the best brake pads for F150 4×4.
