A Guide to Disc Brake Hardware for the 2013-2018 Ford Focus
Eliminate brake noise and extend pad life by understanding these essential but often overlooked components.
- Always replace your disc brake hardware kit when installing new brake pads to ensure a quiet and effective brake job.
- A rattling noise from the wheels that vanishes when braking is the most common symptom of worn-out hardware.
- Aftermarket hardware kits made from stainless steel can offer better corrosion resistance than stock parts, especially in winter climates.
- Cleaning the caliper bracket and properly lubricating the new caliper slide pins are critical steps for preventing uneven pad wear.
Is Your Ford Focus Making Noise? It Might Be Your Brake Hardware
If you hear a rattling or clunking sound from your wheels on bumpy roads that disappears when you apply the brakes, your disc brake hardware is the most likely culprit. These small metal clips and springs lose their tension over time. When they get weak, the brake pads can sit loosely in the caliper bracket, causing them to rattle with road vibrations. Applying the brakes presses the pads against the rotor, stopping the noise temporarily.
Symptoms of Failing Brake Hardware
- Rattling or Clicking Noises: A metallic rattle from the wheels that stops during braking is the number one sign.
- Squealing or Scraping: Worn hardware can cause pads to sit at a slight angle, leading to high-pitched squeals.
- Uneven Brake Pad Wear: If slide pins are corroded and sticking, the caliper can't move freely. This causes 🎬 See how to properly lubricate slide pins to prevent sticking. the brake pad on one side to wear out much faster than the other.
- Dragging Brakes: Sticking caliper slide pins can prevent the pads from fully releasing from the rotor, causing a dragging sensation, excess heat, and a hot wheel after driving.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Hardware Kit
For a part like this on the 2013-2018 Focus, there is little reason 🎬 Watch this step-by-step guide for replacing your front brakes. to seek out expensive OEM parts from a dealer. Aftermarket kits are widely available, affordable, and often offer an upgrade over the original factory parts. Many use stainless steel for the anti-rattle clips, which provides better corrosion resistance than the plated steel sometimes used from the factory—a smart choice for drivers in wet climates or areas where road salt is used.
When shopping, you can think of brands in tiers:
- Quality & Performance (Good): Brands like Raybestos and Dynamic Friction are excellent choices for a daily driven Focus. They are known for consistent quality and often include coated or stainless steel components. Forum users have reported good experiences with Dynamic Friction parts on their Focus, noting good performance for daily driving.
- Standard Replacement (Better): Centric and Carlson are workhorse brands in the aftermarket. They provide reliable, OE-quality hardware that will get the job done without issue. These are a safe and dependable bet for any brake job.
- Economy (Basic): A brand like Dorman offers a wide variety of parts and is often readily available. While functional, it's important to inspect the parts upon arrival to ensure fit and finish are up to standard.
Pro Tip: Always Replace Your Hardware
Always install a new hardware kit whenever you replace your brake pads. The old clips have been through thousands of heat cycles and have lost their spring tension. Reusing them is a common cause of brake noise and comebacks. The small cost of a new kit is cheap insurance for a quiet, long-lasting brake job.
Typical Costs for Brake Hardware Replacement
The hardware kit itself is inexpensive. The main cost is labor, but since this job is almost always done at the same time as a brake pad and rotor replacement, the extra labor is minimal.
| Part or Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Hardware Kit | $8.88 - $32.41 |
| New OEM Hardware Kit | $30 - $60 (Estimate) |
| Shop Labor (if done with brake job) | Included or ~$25 extra |
| Shop Labor (hardware only) | $75 - $150 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to replace the hardware when I change my brake pads?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Old hardware loses its tension and can be corroded, leading to noise and improper pad movement. A new kit is very inexpensive and ensures the new pads function correctly.
What are the main parts in a disc brake hardware kit?
A typical kit for your Focus will include anti-rattle clips (abutment clips) that the pads slide on, and sometimes new caliper guide pins and protective rubber boots. These parts work together to keep pads aligned and allow the caliper to slide smoothly.
Is the front hardware different from the rear on my Focus?
Yes. The front and rear brakes on your Focus are different sizes and use specific hardware kits. You must buy a kit that is specified for the front or rear axle. They are not interchangeable.
🎬 Follow this walkthrough to replace your rear brake hardware correctly.Can I install a brake hardware kit myself?
Absolutely. Replacing the hardware is a standard part of a DIY brake job. It requires basic hand tools, a wire brush to clean the caliper bracket, and brake lubricant for the slide pins. Many step-by-step videos are available online for the 2013-2018 Focus.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
Kits typically include anti-rattle/abutment clips. Some kits may also include new caliper guide pins and boots. Materials vary, with stainless steel being a premium option for clips.
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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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- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Ford Focus Making Noise? It Might Be Your Brake Hardware
- Symptoms of Failing Brake Hardware
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Hardware Kit
- Pro Tip: Always Replace Your Hardware
- Typical Costs for Brake Hardware Replacement
- Frequently Asked Questions
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