A Guide to Disc Brake Hardware for the 2008-2018 Lincoln Navigator
Don't let worn-out brake hardware compromise the stopping power of your full-size luxury SUV.
- Always replace brake hardware when changing brake pads to ensure quiet operation and even wear.
- Sticking caliper guide pins are a common problem; choose a kit that includes new pins and boots for a complete repair.
- For better corrosion resistance, especially in harsh climates, choose premium kits from brands like Dynamic Friction that use stainless steel components.
- The 2018 model has an electronic rear parking brake that requires a special service procedure, which differs from earlier years.
Is Your Navigator Showing Signs of Worn Brake Hardware?
Old or failing brake hardware can cause problems that are sometimes mistaken for bad brake pads or rotors. Because these parts are constantly exposed to heat and road grime, they wear out, rust, and lose their tension. If you notice any of these symptoms, your brake hardware might be the culprit.
- Brake Noise: Squealing, rattling, or clicking sounds when you apply or release the brakes are a common sign of worn or missing hardware clips.
- Uneven Brake Pad Wear: If an inspection reveals that the inner or outer brake pad is significantly more worn than the other, it often points to a stuck caliper guide pin 🎬 Learn how to service a stuck caliper slide pin yourself., which is part of the hardware system.
- Vehicle Pulling to One Side: A caliper that doesn't slide correctly due to a seized guide pin can cause the vehicle to pull to one side when braking.
- Dragging Brakes or Burning Smell: A caliper that fails to release properly can create constant friction, leading to a dragging sensation, poor fuel economy, and a distinct burning smell from the overheated brakes.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Hardware Kit
When replacing brake hardware on your Navigator, you have options ranging from basic to premium. The original factory (OEM) hardware is high quality, but top-tier aftermarket kits can offer equivalent or even superior materials, often at a better price. Cheaper aftermarket parts, however, can sometimes lead to fitment issues or use lower-grade materials.
Brand & Quality Tiers
For the 2008-2018 Navigator, several reputable aftermarket brands are available. They can generally be grouped into the following tiers:
- Premium (Best Quality): Brands like Dynamic Friction and premium lines from Centric often feature stainless steel construction for clips and other components. This provides superior corrosion resistance compared to the plated steel used in many standard kits, which is a significant advantage in areas with harsh winters or high humidity.
- Standard (Good Quality): Brands such as Carlson, Dorman, and standard lines from Centric and Raybestos offer reliable, OE-style replacement hardware. These are a solid choice for daily driving and are widely available. They provide a good balance of quality and cost.
- Economy (Basic Quality): While not listed among the featured brands, be cautious of generic, no-name kits found on some online marketplaces. While the price is low, the fit and material quality can be questionable, potentially leading to noise and premature wear.
Pro Tip: Always Replace Hardware with Pads
It is highly recommended to replace your disc brake hardware every time you replace your brake pads. The metal clips lose their spring tension from thousands of heating and cooling cycles. Reusing old hardware can lead to brake noise and improper pad movement, even with brand new pads and rotors.
Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins
While there are no recalls specifically for the disc brake hardware on the 2008-2018 Navigator, there are some related items to be aware of:
Brake Related Recalls & TSBs
- NHTSA Recall for 2017-2018 Models: Some Navigators were recalled for a faulty brake master cylinder that could leak fluid, reducing front brake effectiveness. This does not directly involve the hardware kit but is a critical safety issue for these model years.
- TSB for Brake Noise: Lincoln has issued general technical service bulletins (TSBs), like SSM 51120, that provide dealers with diagnostic procedures for various brake noise complaints, which can be related to hardware function.
- Sticking Caliper Pins: A common issue on many vehicles, including the Navigator, is seized or sticking caliper guide pins due to corrosion or old lubricant. 🎬 Watch this guide on how to fix rusted caliper pins. This prevents the caliper from sliding properly, causing rapid and uneven pad wear. Many comprehensive hardware kits include new pins and boots to address this.
You can check for recalls specific to your vehicle's VIN on the official Lincoln owner website or the NHTSA website.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Hardware Kit | $7.53 - $57.59 |
| New OEM Hardware Kit | $40 - $90 |
| Shop Labor (as part of a brake job) | $80 - $166 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need different hardware for the front and rear brakes?
Yes. The front and rear brake calipers on your Navigator are different sizes and designs, so they require specific hardware kits. Always verify you are purchasing the correct kit for the axle you are servicing.
What is the grease packet included in the kit for?
That is high-temperature silicone brake lubricant. It should be applied to the caliper guide pins (if your kit includes them) and to the points where the metal clips contact the caliper bracket and brake pads. This ensures smooth movement and helps prevent squeaking. Do not apply it to the face of the brake pad or rotor.
Can I just clean and reuse my old hardware?
While you can try to clean old hardware, it is not recommended. The anti-rattle clips are heat-cycled thousands of times and lose their spring tension, which cleaning cannot restore. Given the low cost of a new hardware kit, replacement is the best practice for a quiet and effective brake job.
My 2018 Navigator has an electronic parking brake. Does this change the hardware?
Yes, the 2018 model year marked a new generation with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) on the rear wheels. While the basic metal clips may be similar, the rear caliper is different and requires a special procedure using a diagnostic tool to put it into 'service mode' before you can compress the piston. The hardware kit itself installs similarly, but the overall brake job procedure is different for the rear brakes on 2018 models.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
Kit components vary. Basic kits include anti-rattle clips and springs. Comprehensive kits add caliper guide pins, pin boots, and bushings. Material can be plated steel or more durable stainless steel.
We Have This Part in Stock
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.
- Lincoln Navigator:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Navigator Showing Signs of Worn Brake Hardware?
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Hardware Kit
- Brand & Quality Tiers
- Pro Tip: Always Replace Hardware with Pads
- Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins
- Brake Related Recalls & TSBs
- Frequently Asked Questions
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