A Guide to Replacing Disc Brake Pads on the 2017-2020 Lincoln Continental
Everything you need to know before buying new aftermarket brake pads for your Lincoln Continental.
- The correct model years are 2017-2020, not 2014-2020.
- For most owners, a premium ceramic pad from a brand like Akebono or Bosch is the best choice for quiet, low-dust performance similar to or better than OEM.
- If performing a DIY replacement, you must put the rear electronic parking brake into 'maintenance mode' to avoid damaging the calipers.
- There are no recalls for the physical brake pads, but a TSB for general brake noise (TSB SSM 50064) exists, making pad choice important.
Is it Time for New Brake Pads?
Your Lincoln Continental will give you clear signs when the brake pads are wearing out. Ignoring them can lead to more expensive repairs. The most common symptoms include a high-pitched squealing noise when you brake, which is caused by a small metal wear indicator built into the pads. If you hear a louder, more serious grinding sound, it means the pads are completely worn out and you are likely damaging the brake rotors. Other signs include vibrations or pulsations in the brake pedal or steering wheel when stopping, or your car pulling to one side.
Grinding is a Critical Warning
A grinding noise indicates metal-on-metal contact between the caliper and the rotor. This is a serious safety issue that dramatically increases your stopping distance and requires immediate attention to prevent further damage to the brake system.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
The original brake pads on your Continental are made by Motorcraft, Ford's parts brand. They are designed for a quiet, comfortable ride. However, they can produce a noticeable amount of brake dust. Many owners choose aftermarket ceramic pads to reduce dust and maintain quiet performance. Aftermarket pads come in different quality tiers:
Premium Daily Driver (Recommended)
These pads meet or exceed OEM quality, offering a great balance of quiet operation, low dust, and reliable stopping power. They are the best choice for most Continental owners.
- Akebono: Often considered the top choice for a quiet, low-dust ceramic pad. Many mechanics and owners recommend them as an upgrade over stock pads for luxury vehicles.
- Bosch: Known for reliable, quiet performance and are a popular, high-quality option for daily driving.
- Wagner OEX/Wagner TQ: A long-standing brand that offers durable and quiet pads designed for a smooth stop.
- Raybestos (Element3/EHT): A well-regarded brand offering premium pads known for good performance and safety engineering.
Performance Upgrade
For drivers who want a more aggressive brake bite and improved stopping power, though sometimes with a trade-off in noise or dust. These are generally not necessary for a Continental unless you have specific performance needs.
- PowerStop: A very popular choice for upgrading from OEM. Their carbon-fiber ceramic pads are known for increasing stopping power while keeping dust levels low.
- Brembo: A top-tier performance brand. They offer superior stopping power but are often designed for high-performance driving and may be too aggressive for typical Continental use.
- EBC Brakes: Offers different compounds from daily driver to performance, allowing you to choose a specific level of performance.
Economy / Standard Replacement
These pads are the most affordable but may not offer the same quietness or low-dust characteristics as premium options. They are a functional choice if budget is the primary concern.
- Centric: Offers solid, reliable replacement pads that are considered a good value.
- Dynamic Friction: Provides standard replacement pads that meet factory specifications.
- Pronto: A budget-friendly option for basic brake replacement.
Known Issues: TSB for Brake Noise
Some 2017-2020 Lincoln Continental vehicles may be affected by a Technical Service Bulletin, TSB #SSM 50064, which addresses potential brake noise. This bulletin acknowledges that Ford is aware of noise issues and directs technicians to follow specific diagnostic procedures. This indicates that brake noise can be a concern on these vehicles, making the choice of high-quality, quiet pads even more important.
Estimated Costs
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Aftermarket Disc Brake Pad Set (per axle) | $33 - $171 |
| OEM Disc Brake Pad Set (per axle) | $100 - $250 |
| Shop Labor (per axle) | $80 - $120 |
| Total (Aftermarket Parts + Labor) | $113 - $291 |
A Note on DIY Replacement
Replacing the brake pads on a 2017-2020 Continental is a manageable job for an experienced DIYer. However, the rear brakes feature an electronic parking brake (EPB). You MUST put the system into 'maintenance mode' using a sequence of actions in the vehicle before you can compress the rear caliper pistons. Failure to do so can damage the caliper. 🎬 Watch: How to safely enter electronic parking brake maintenance mode. Always consult a repair manual or a reliable tutorial video for the specific EPB procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long do brake pads last on a Lincoln Continental?
Brake pad life for a 2017-2020 Lincoln Continental typically ranges from 30,000 to 70,000 miles. This depends heavily on your driving style. Frequent city driving with lots of stopping will wear them out faster than long-distance highway driving.
Should I replace the brake rotors at the same time as the pads?
It is highly recommended. Installing new pads on old, worn rotors can cause uneven braking, noise, and reduced pad life. For the best performance and safety, you should replace the rotors or have them professionally resurfaced (if they are within thickness specifications) whenever you install new pads.
🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide for replacing front brake pads and rotors.What's the difference between ceramic and semi-metallic pads?
Ceramic pads are made from dense ceramic materials and are known for being very quiet and producing fine, light-colored dust that isn't very noticeable on wheels. They are ideal for the daily driving needs of a luxury car like the Continental. Semi-metallic pads contain metal fibers, which help dissipate heat and provide more aggressive stopping power, but they are often noisier and produce more dark-colored dust.
Are there any recalls on the 2017-2020 Continental brakes?
There are no recalls specifically for the brake pads or rotors on the 2017-2020 Lincoln Continental. There was a recall for some 2020 models related to the automatic emergency braking software, but this did not involve the physical brake components. Always check the NHTSA website with your VIN for the most up-to-date recall information for your specific vehicle.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
The 10th generation Lincoln Continental (2017-2020) uses disc brakes on all four wheels. The rear brakes are equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) that requires a special service procedure. Pad material is typically ceramic or semi-metallic. Always verify fitment using your vehicle's specific sub-model and drivetrain.
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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.
- Lincoln Continental:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is it Time for New Brake Pads?
- Grinding is a Critical Warning
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
- Premium Daily Driver (Recommended)
- Performance Upgrade
- Economy / Standard Replacement
- Known Issues: TSB for Brake Noise
- Estimated Costs
- A Note on DIY Replacement
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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