A Mechanic's Guide to 2011-2019 Ford F-150 Disc Brake Hardware Kits
Don't let old, rusty hardware ruin a perfectly good brake job on your F-150.
- Always replace your disc brake hardware every time you replace your brake pads to ensure proper function and prevent noise.
- For F-150s in rust-prone areas, choosing a stainless steel aftermarket kit from a brand like Dynamic Friction or Centric is a worthwhile upgrade.
- Thoroughly clean the caliper bracket with a wire brush before installing new hardware to guarantee a correct fit and prevent pads from sticking.
- Ensure the inner and outer brake pads are installed in their correct positions; swapping them can cause severe grinding and damage.
Is It Time for New Brake Hardware?
Worn or corroded brake hardware is a common problem that can cause a variety of brake issues on the 2011-2019 Ford F-150. If you're hearing noises or feeling that something isn't right with your brakes, failing hardware could be the culprit.
Symptoms of Bad Brake Hardware
- Squealing or Clicking: You might hear a high-pitched squeal or a clicking sound when you apply or release the brakes. This is often caused by pads vibrating against the rotor because the clips are worn or missing. 🎬 Watch: Expert diagnosis of common Ford brake noises and causes.
- Brake Drag or Sticking: If the hardware is rusted or the slide pins aren't lubricated, the pads can't retract properly. This feels like the truck is constantly being held back and can cause a burning smell and excessive heat from the wheels.
- Uneven Brake Pad Wear: When you inspect your old brake pads, if one is significantly more worn than the other (inner vs. outer), it's a sure sign the caliper isn't moving freely. This is almost always a hardware or slide pin problem.
- Grinding Noises: While often a sign of worn-out pads, grinding can also happen if hardware fails and allows metal-on-metal contact. In some cases, installing brake pads incorrectly (swapping the inner and outer pads) can cause the caliper to hit the wheel, creating a grinding noise.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Hardware Kit
When you're doing a brake job, replacing the hardware is a must. It's a cheap part that ensures your new pads and rotors work correctly. 🎬 See this walkthrough for replacing front brakes on your F-150. For the F-150, you have several good aftermarket options that often meet or exceed the quality of the original parts. The main difference you'll find is the material.
Brand & Material Tiers
Tier 1 - Premium (Best Choice): Dynamic Friction, Centric (Stainless Steel)
Kits from these brands often use stainless steel for the abutment clips. Stainless steel is the best option, especially if you live in an area with road salt or high humidity. It resists rust and corrosion far better than standard plated steel, ensuring the pads continue to slide freely for the life of the brake job. Dynamic Friction and Centric are known for producing kits that meet OEM specifications for fit and function.
Tier 2 - Quality OE-Style: Carlson, Dorman (Plated Steel)
Carlson and Dorman are well-known brands that provide reliable, direct-fit hardware. These kits typically use coated or plated steel, similar to the original factory hardware. They work perfectly well and are a significant upgrade over reusing old, rusted parts. For most driving conditions, they are a cost-effective and dependable choice.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Kit | $7.89 - $31.53 | Price depends on brand and material (stainless vs. plated steel). |
| New OEM (Motorcraft) Kit | $25 - $55 | High-quality, but often more expensive than comparable aftermarket options. |
| Shop Labor (as part of a brake job) | $0 - $25 | Most shops include hardware installation in the labor cost for a pad/rotor replacement. It adds very little time to the job. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to replace the hardware with every brake job?
Yes. It's the most important rule of a good brake job. The clips lose their tension over time due to heat cycles, and rust builds up. Reusing old hardware is the number one cause of noise and premature wear after installing new pads. For a part that costs so little, it's not worth the risk.
What are abutment clips and why do they matter?
Abutment clips are the small metal shims that snap into the caliper bracket. The "ears" of the brake pads rest on these clips. Their job is to provide a smooth, clean surface for the pads to slide on as the brakes are applied and released. If they are rusty or bent, the pads will stick.
Is a stainless steel hardware kit worth the extra cost?
For most F-150 owners, especially those in the rust belt, the answer is yes. The small price difference is easily justified by the improved corrosion resistance. Stainless steel hardware helps prevent brake drag and noise for longer, ensuring you get the full life out of your brake pads and rotors.
My kit came with rubber boots and extra springs. What are those?
This means you likely have a more comprehensive kit. The rubber boots are for the caliper slide pins. It's crucial to replace these if they are torn or brittle to keep moisture and dirt out of the slide pins. The springs are anti-rattle clips that help keep tension on the pads to prevent noise. Not all F-150 brake setups use separate anti-rattle springs on the pads themselves, but if your old ones have them, the new ones should too.
Known Issues & Recalls
While there are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the disc brake hardware itself on the 2011-2019 F-150, there have been recalls for related brake components. A recall was issued for some 2017-2018 models for a defective brake master cylinder that could leak fluid. Another recall for 2021-2023 models involved the electronic parking brake activating unexpectedly. These issues are not directly related to the hardware clips but highlight the importance of maintaining the entire brake system.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
Kits typically include abutment clips (pad clips) for two calipers (one axle). More comprehensive kits may also include caliper slide pin boots and anti-rattle springs. Material is either plated steel or 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.
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