Ford Five Hundred (2005-2007) Disc Brake Pad Set: A Complete Guide
Everything a Ford Five Hundred owner needs to know before replacing their brake pads.
- The 2005-2007 Ford Five Hundred is known for premature rear brake pad wear; a quality aftermarket ceramic pad is a reliable fix.
- For most owners, a 'Daily Driver' tier ceramic brake pad from brands like Bosch, Wagner, or Powerstop offers the best mix of performance, low noise, and value.
- Always replace brake hardware (clips and shims) with the new pads, and strongly consider replacing rotors at the same time for best results.
- Replacing the pads is a manageable DIY job, but the rear calipers require a special tool to retract the piston.
Symptoms of Worn Brake Pads on a Ford Five Hundred
When your brake pads are getting low, your car will usually give you a few warning signs. Ignoring them can lead to more expensive repairs, so it's best to address them quickly.
- Squealing or Screeching Noises: Most brake pads have a small metal tab called a wear indicator. When the pad material wears down, this tab scrapes against the brake rotor, making a high-pitched squeal when you brake. This is a sign to get your pads changed soon.
- Grinding Sounds: If you hear a deep, metallic grinding, it means the brake pad material is completely gone. The metal backing plate of the pad is now grinding against the rotor. This is a serious issue that can damage your rotors, leading to a more costly repair. Stop driving the vehicle if you hear this.
- Vibration or Pulsing in the Brake Pedal: If you feel the brake pedal pulse or the steering wheel shake when you brake, it could mean your brake rotors are warped. This can happen from overheating, which is often related to worn-out pads.
- Longer Stopping Distances: If you notice it takes longer to stop your car than it used to, your brake pads may be too worn to create the necessary friction.
Known Issue: Premature Rear Brake Wear
The 2005-2007 Ford Five Hundred is known for a specific issue with its rear brakes. A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 07-5-9) was issued by Ford regarding rear brake drag, noise, and premature pad wear. Some owners reported replacing rear pads and rotors as early as 20,000-30,000 miles. The original pads could absorb moisture, causing them to swell and drag against the rotors. Ford released revised pads to fix this problem. When replacing your rear pads, it's a good idea to choose a quality aftermarket set to avoid this issue from happening again.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
You don't need to buy parts from the dealer to get good quality. Aftermarket brands often provide excellent performance, sometimes better than the original parts, for less money. For a Ford Five Hundred, the most common choices are Ceramic and Semi-Metallic pads.
Ceramic vs. Semi-Metallic Pads
- Ceramic Pads: These are a great choice for most daily drivers. They are known for being very quiet and producing very little brake dust, which helps keep your wheels clean. They provide smooth, consistent stopping power for normal commuting. Brands like Bosch, Akebono, and PowerStop's Z17 Evolution series are popular ceramic options.
- Semi-Metallic Pads: These pads contain metal fibers, which help them handle higher temperatures. They offer a stronger initial "bite" and are more resistant to brake fade during heavy use. However, they can be noisier and produce more dust than ceramic pads. If you live in a hilly area or frequently carry heavy loads, a semi-metallic pad from a brand like Hawk or EBC Brakes might be a better fit.
Pro Tip: For the Ford Five Hundred, a quality ceramic pad is the best all-around choice for the average driver, offering a great balance of quiet operation, low dust, and reliable stopping power. Given the known issues with premature rear pad wear, investing in a reputable aftermarket brand is highly recommended over a generic, low-cost option.
Aftermarket Brand Tiers for Your Ford Five Hundred
| Tier | Brands | Description & Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | Pronto, Dynamic Friction, Total Stopping Solutions | These pads meet basic requirements and are very affordable ($23 - $45). They are a good choice for a budget-conscious repair but may not last as long or be as quiet as higher-tier options. |
| Daily Driver (Recommended) | Bosch, Centric, Raybestos, Wagner, Powerstop (Z17) | This is the sweet spot for most Five Hundred owners ($45 - $85). These brands offer excellent quality, often exceeding OEM standards. They provide quiet, reliable braking with low dust, especially the ceramic formulations. |
| Premium / Performance | Akebono, Brembo, EBC Brakes, Hawk Performance | These pads are for drivers who want enhanced braking performance ($85 - $131). They offer superior stopping power and heat resistance but may cost more and produce more dust or noise. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to replace my rotors with my brake pads?
It's highly recommended. While not always required, replacing the rotors at the same time as the pads ensures the new pads have a perfectly flat, smooth surface to bed into. This provides the best braking performance and prevents issues like vibration. Given the Five Hundred's tendency for rear brake issues, replacing pads and rotors together is a smart move.
🎬 Learn how to replace both front pads and rotors together.Are the front and rear brake pads the same?
No, the front and rear brake pads on a Ford Five Hundred are different shapes and sizes. You must buy a set specifically for the front or the rear axle. Part numbers for front and rear pads are not interchangeable.
What is Motorcraft and is it better than aftermarket?
Motorcraft is Ford's own parts brand. The original Motorcraft rear pads on some 2005 models had issues with premature wear. A quality aftermarket brand like Bosch, Wagner, or Powerstop is often a better and more cost-effective choice, providing a reliable solution to the known rear brake problems.
How difficult is it to change the brake pads on a 2005-2007 Five Hundred?
Replacing the brake pads is a straightforward job for a DIY mechanic with the right tools. The front calipers use two 13mm or 17mm bolts 🎬 Watch this step-by-step guide on replacing your front brake pads., and the rear calipers also use 13mm bolts. You will need a C-clamp or a brake caliper tool to compress the pistons. The rear calipers on this vehicle require a special tool to turn the piston back into the caliper as you compress it.
🎬 See how to use the special tool for rear brakes.Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 7F9Z-2200-A (Rear, revised) 8G1Z-2001-A (Front, revised)
The Ford Five Hundred uses disc brakes on all four wheels. The front calipers are a dual-piston design, while the rear calipers are single-piston and incorporate the parking brake mechanism, requiring a special tool to retract the piston.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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