A Guide to the Disc Brake Hardware Kit for the 2020-2025 Lincoln Aviator
Eliminate brake noise and ensure proper stopping performance in your Aviator by understanding this essential, often-overlooked part.
- Always replace the disc brake hardware kit when changing brake pads to prevent noise and ensure even wear.
- For rear brake service, you must use the electronic parking brake 'Maintenance Mode' to avoid damaging the calipers.
- Be aware of TSBs for brake noise; using fresh, quality hardware is a primary defense against these issues.
- Quality aftermarket brands like Carlson and Dynamic Friction offer OEM-equivalent fit and function for a lower cost.
Symptoms of a Failing Disc Brake Hardware Kit
When brake hardware wears out, rusts, or loses its tension, it can cause noticeable problems. The most common symptom is noise. You might hear a persistent rattling from the wheels when driving over bumps, or a high-pitched squeal or scraping sound when applying the brakes. Another key sign is uneven brake pad wear. If you inspect your pads and find one is significantly more worn than another on the same wheel, it's often because a rusted or stuck clip is preventing the pad from moving freely. In some cases, you may feel a pulsation or see that the brakes are dragging slightly.
Known Issues: Brake Noise TSBs
For 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator models, Ford has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) like SSM 51261 and SSM 51120 regarding brake noise complaints. These bulletins acknowledge that owners may experience squeaking, creaking, or grinding noises. While these TSBs direct technicians to perform standard diagnostics rather than pointing to a single faulty part, it highlights that the Aviator's brake system can be sensitive to noise. Ensuring fresh, quality hardware is installed during a brake job is a key step in preventing these issues.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Hardware Kit
When replacing brake pads on your Aviator, it is always recommended to install a new hardware kit. Reusing old, rusted, or heat-fatigued clips is a common cause of noise and performance issues after a brake job. For a part like this, quality aftermarket brands offer performance and fit that is equivalent to the Original Equipment (OEM) parts, often at a better price.
Aftermarket Brand Tiers
- Carlson: A well-established brand in the brake parts industry, Carlson is known for producing reliable, OEM-quality hardware kits. Their kits are a dependable choice for a direct replacement to ensure proper fit and function.
- Dynamic Friction (DFC): Often seen as a strong value proposition, Dynamic Friction offers quality components that meet or exceed OEM standards. They are a popular choice for daily driving, often praised for providing good performance and low brake dust. Many DFC kits feature corrosion-resistant coatings, which is a valuable feature for longevity.
Both brands are solid choices for your Aviator. Opting for a kit with coated hardware can provide extra protection against rust, especially in regions that use road salt in the winter.
Pro Tip: Electronic Parking Brake Service Mode is CRITICAL
The 2020-2025 Lincoln Aviator is equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB). When performing a rear brake job, you must put the system into 'Brake Service Mode' or 'Maintenance Mode' before attempting to compress the rear caliper pistons. Failure to do this will damage the electronic motors inside the calipers, leading to a very expensive repair. The procedure typically involves a sequence of pressing the accelerator pedal and the EPB switch while cycling the ignition. Some owners have also reported that putting the vehicle in service mode can help prevent error codes even when only working on the front brakes.
Cost of Replacing a Disc Brake Hardware Kit
The hardware kit itself is inexpensive. The cost is primarily the labor for the brake job it's a part of. You should always replace the hardware when you replace the pads.
| Part Type | Price Range (Per Axle) |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket (Carlson, Dynamic Friction) | $13.35 - $30.52 |
| New OEM | $45 - $75 |
| Shop Labor (as part of brake job) | $150 - $250 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to replace the hardware kit with every brake pad change?
Yes, it is highly recommended. The old clips and springs have been exposed to thousands of heat cycles and can lose their tension, leading to noise and improper pad movement. For the low cost of a kit, it is cheap insurance against future brake problems.
What is included in a typical disc brake hardware kit?
A kit for one axle (two wheels) typically includes all the necessary abutment clips (which sit on the caliper bracket) and pad spreader springs. These components ensure the pads are held securely but can still move freely.
Can old hardware cause my new brakes to wear out faster?
Yes. If a rusted or bent clip causes a brake pad to stick, it can remain in light contact with the rotor, causing it to wear down much faster than the other pads. This is a common cause of uneven pad wear.
Will an aftermarket hardware kit fit my Aviator like the original?
Yes, reputable aftermarket brands like Carlson and Dynamic Friction design their kits to match the original equipment's form, fit, and function. They are engineered for a direct replacement without any need for modification.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: L1MZ2C150A
Kit typically includes stainless steel abutment clips and pad spreader springs for one axle (front or rear).
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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 Aviator:
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- Symptoms of a Failing Disc Brake Hardware Kit
- Known Issues: Brake Noise TSBs
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Hardware Kit
- Aftermarket Brand Tiers
- Pro Tip: Electronic Parking Brake Service Mode is CRITICAL
- Cost of Replacing a Disc Brake Hardware Kit
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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