Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads for Your 2013-2019 Ford Taurus
Stop wondering which brake pads to buy; here's what you need to know for your Taurus.
- Pay attention to brake noise; squealing is a warning, but grinding means immediate service is needed to prevent rotor damage.
- A known issue for this Taurus is premature rear brake wear due to pads sticking. Ensure caliper brackets are thoroughly cleaned and lubricated during the job.
- For most drivers, a premium ceramic pad from a brand like Akebono or Bosch offers a quiet, low-dust upgrade over stock.
- SHO and Performance Package models require specific heavy-duty pads. Brands like PowerStop, Hawk, and EBC are popular performance upgrades.
Is it Time for New Brake Pads?
Your Taurus will give you clear signs when the brake pads are getting low. Ignoring them can lead to more expensive repairs, like needing to replace the brake rotors too. Look out for these common symptoms:
- Squealing or Screeching: A high-pitched noise when you brake is often the first sign. This is caused by a small metal wear indicator built into the pads.
- Grinding Noise: If you hear a deep, metallic grinding, it means the pads are completely worn out. This is metal-on-metal contact between the pad's backing plate and the rotor, which causes serious damage.
- Vibrations: A pulsing or vibrating feeling in the brake pedal or steering wheel can mean the brake rotors have been warped by heat from worn pads.
- Burning Smell: A strong burning odor after braking can be a sign of overheating, sometimes because the rear pads are dragging or sticking.
Known Issue: Rear Brake Drag and Premature Wear
Some 2013-2019 Taurus owners have reported issues with rear brakes wearing out much faster than the fronts. This can be caused by corrosion or debris buildup between the brake pad and the anchor bracket, causing the pad to drag on the rotor. A Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #ASI-44564) was issued for this problem. 🎬 See why your rear brakes might be dragging and wearing early. During replacement, it's critical to thoroughly clean and lubricate the caliper bracket and slide pins to prevent this from happening.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
When replacing your pads, you don't have to buy the expensive OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts from the dealer. Aftermarket brands offer a wide range of quality and performance, often at a better price. Here’s how to choose.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Quality
The original pads on your Taurus are likely Motorcraft semi-metallic pads. These are a good all-around choice developed by Ford for a balance of performance and durability. However, many aftermarket brands provide pads that are equal or even better, depending on your needs. For example, ceramic pads can offer less dust and noise, while performance-focused pads can improve stopping power, which is especially noticeable on heavier SHO models.
Brake Pad Tiers for Your Taurus
Not all aftermarket pads are created equal. They generally fall into three categories:
1. Economy/Daily Driver Pads
These are designed to be affordable replacements that meet or exceed basic factory performance. They are perfect for typical commuting and daily use.
- Brands: Dynamic Friction, Pronto, Total Stopping Solutions, some Carquest lines.
- Pros: Lowest cost, good for average driving.
- Cons: May not last as long or be as quiet as premium options.
2. Premium/OEM-Quality Pads
These pads aim to match or improve upon the original Motorcraft pads. They offer a great balance of quiet operation, low dust, and reliable stopping power. Many owners on forums recommend this tier for the best value.
- Bosch QuietCast: Known for being very quiet and including new hardware in the box.
- Akebono ProACT: A highly respected brand, famous for extremely low dust and quiet, smooth operation. Often considered an upgrade over stock for daily driving comfort.
- Raybestos Element3: Praised for great braking feel and performance, often seen as a top-tier aftermarket choice.
- Motorcraft: The original Ford part, offering a reliable, known quantity for performance and fit.
SHO and Performance Package Note
The Ford Taurus SHO and models with the Performance Package have different, more aggressive brakes from the factory to handle the extra power and weight. When buying pads for these models, ensure they are listed specifically for the SHO or heavy-duty brakes. Using standard pads on a SHO can lead to poor performance and rapid wear.
3. Performance/Heavy-Duty Pads
For the SHO owner or anyone wanting more bite and better heat resistance, performance pads are the way to go. They trade a little more dust or noise for superior stopping ability.
- PowerStop Z23/Z26: A very popular choice among Taurus owners for upgrading performance. The Z26 pads are a carbon-fiber ceramic blend designed for high-performance street driving. Many owners pair them with PowerStop's drilled and slotted rotors in a kit. 🎬 Watch this breakdown of performance brake upgrades for the SHO.
- Hawk Performance (HPS, HPS 5.0): A well-known brand in the performance world, offering pads with high friction for aggressive stopping. They are a significant step up in performance but may create more dust than ceramic pads.
- EBC Brakes (Yellowstuff, Redstuff): EBC offers different compounds for various levels of street performance and track use. Owners report that Yellowstuff pads offer a strong bite.
How Much Do New Brake Pads Cost for a 2013-2019 Taurus?
The cost depends on the brand you choose and whether you do the work yourself or go to a shop. The job is feasible for a moderately skilled DIYer.
🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide to replacing your front brake pads.| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Aftermarket Disc Brake Pad Set (Front or Rear) | $33 - $223 |
| OEM (Motorcraft) Disc Brake Pad Set | $50 - $100 |
| Shop Labor for Installation (per axle) | $100 - $200 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to replace my rotors with my pads?
It's highly recommended. While you can sometimes install new pads on old rotors, it's not ideal. If your old rotors have any warping or grooves, they will cause the new pads to wear unevenly and can cause vibrations. For best performance and longevity, replacing pads and rotors at the same time is the best practice.
What's the difference between ceramic and semi-metallic pads?
Ceramic pads are known for being quiet and producing very little light-colored dust, keeping your wheels cleaner. Semi-metallic pads, like the original Motorcraft ones, often provide better performance in a wider range of temperatures and can have a stronger initial bite, but they tend to be dustier and can be noisier.
Are there any recalls for the 2013-2019 Taurus brakes?
Searches did not find any recalls specifically for the brake pads on the 2013-2019 Ford Taurus. There was a recall for the 2015 model year related to the parking brake not engaging properly, but this did not involve the service brake pads. Other recalls found were for older model years or different issues.
How difficult is it to change the brake pads myself?
Changing brake pads is a common DIY job. You will need a jack, jack stands, a lug wrench, and a basic socket set. A C-clamp or piston compression tool is also needed to push the caliper piston back. The most important part of the job on a Taurus is to thoroughly clean the caliper bracket where the pads sit to prevent them from sticking.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: BR-1611-B
Brake pad material varies by trim and brand, including semi-metallic (OEM), ceramic, and carbon-fiber ceramic. The Taurus SHO and Police Interceptor models use a larger, more aggressive brake setup than standard SE, SEL, or Limited trims. Always verify fitment for your specific sub-model.
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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.
- Ford Taurus:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is it Time for New Brake Pads?
- Known Issue: Rear Brake Drag and Premature Wear
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
- OEM vs. Aftermarket Quality
- Brake Pad Tiers for Your Taurus
- SHO and Performance Package Note
- How Much Do New Brake Pads Cost for a 2013-2019 Taurus?
- Frequently Asked Questions
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