Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads for Your 2021-2025 Ford Explorer
Stop guessing and find the perfect brake pads for your Explorer's needs, from daily driving to heavy towing.
- You must put the electronic parking brake into 'maintenance mode' to safely replace the rear pads without causing damage.
- Choose your aftermarket pads based on your driving style: quiet and low-dust ceramics for daily driving, or performance pads for towing and heavy use.
- For best performance and safety, it is highly recommended to replace your brake rotors at the same time as your pads.
- Grinding noises are a critical safety warning. Stop driving immediately and have your brakes inspected.
Is It Time for New Brake Pads?
Your Explorer will give you clear signs when its brake pads are wearing thin. Ignoring these can lead to more expensive repairs and unsafe driving conditions. Be aware of these common symptoms:
- Squealing or Screeching: A high-pitched noise when you brake is often the first sign. This comes from a small metal tab called a wear indicator, which is designed to make this noise when the pads are low.
- Grinding Noises: A loud, harsh grinding sound means the brake pads are completely worn away. This is a critical warning, as it means metal is grinding against metal, which can quickly destroy your brake rotors.
- Vibrations or Pulsing: If you feel the brake pedal or steering wheel vibrate when you brake, your brake rotors may be warped. This often happens alongside worn-out pads.
- Pulling to One Side: If your Explorer pulls to the left or right when you apply the brakes, it could mean the pads are worn unevenly or there's a problem with a brake caliper.
- Brake Warning Light: Some vehicles have a warning light on the dashboard to indicate a problem with the brake system.
A Note on the Electronic Parking Brake
The 2021-2025 Ford Explorer uses an electronic parking brake (EPB). To replace the rear brake pads, the system must be put into a special 'maintenance mode' using a specific sequence of pedal and switch presses inside the vehicle. Failure to do this can damage the rear brake calipers. After installation, the process must be reversed to take the system out of maintenance mode.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
The factory-installed Ford pads are good quality, but the aftermarket offers a wider selection to match your specific driving style and budget. Here’s a breakdown of quality tiers for your Explorer:
Tier 1: Economy & Budget-Friendly
These pads meet basic safety standards and are the most affordable option. They are a good choice if you're on a tight budget, but they may not last as long, be as quiet, or have the same stopping power as higher-tier options.
- Brands: Dynamic Friction, Centric (C-Tek), some store brands.
- Best for: Low-mileage drivers or those planning to sell the vehicle soon.
Tier 2: Daily Driver / OEM-Equivalent
This is the sweet spot for most Explorer owners. These pads are designed to meet or exceed the performance of the original factory pads in terms of quietness, low dust, and stopping power. They offer the best balance of performance and value for everyday commuting and family use.
- Brands: Akebono, Bosch, Wagner, Raybestos (Element3), Centric (P-Tek).
- Pro-Tip: Akebono is a known original equipment (OE) manufacturer for many brands, and their pads are often considered a direct, high-quality replacement. Bosch QuietCast pads are also highly regarded for their quiet operation and inclusion of new hardware and grease in the box.
Tier 3: Performance & Heavy-Duty
If you use your Explorer for towing, live in a mountainous area, or simply want a more aggressive bite and better fade resistance, a performance pad is the right choice. These pads can handle higher temperatures but may produce more dust and noise than daily driver pads.
- Brands: Powerstop, EBC Brakes, Brembo.
- Details: Powerstop kits (like the Z23 or Z36 for towing) are very popular and often pair pads with drilled and slotted rotors for improved cooling. EBC offers different compounds (like their Greenstuff or Yellowstuff pads) for various levels of aggressive driving.
Aftermarket Brake Pad Cost
| Pad Quality | Price Range (Per Axle) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | $32 - $60 | Budget-conscious repairs |
| Daily Driver / OEM-Equivalent | $60 - $120 | Most drivers, balanced performance |
| Performance / Heavy-Duty | $120 - $195+ | Towing, spirited driving, mountains |
Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
While the 2021-2025 Explorer platform is generally solid, there have been a few brake-related items to be aware of:
- NHTSA Recall 25V371000: A very small number of 2025 Explorer vehicles were recalled for improperly tightened front brake caliper bolts, 🎬 See this walkthrough for replacing your front brake pads. which could lead to a loss of front brake function.
- TSB SSM 51261 / 51120: Ford issued technical service bulletins for some 2020-2022 models regarding unspecified brake noise. This directs technicians to follow standard diagnostic procedures.
- Electronic Parking Brake Complaints: Some owners have reported a lurching or jerking feeling when accelerating from a stop after a recall-related software update that automatically engages the parking brake when the vehicle is put in park.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to replace my rotors with my pads?
It is highly recommended. While you can sometimes install new pads on old rotors, it's not ideal. If your old rotors have grooves, hot spots, or are warped (causing vibration), they will shorten the life of your new pads and reduce braking performance. For best results, always install new pads and rotors at the same time.
What's the difference between ceramic and semi-metallic pads?
Ceramic pads, like many OEM and daily-driver options (Akebono, Bosch), are known for being very quiet and producing little brake dust. Semi-metallic pads, often found in performance and heavy-duty applications (Powerstop, EBC), offer better heat dissipation and a stronger bite, but can be noisier and dustier.
How long should brake pads last on a Ford Explorer?
The lifespan of your brake pads depends heavily on your driving habits. A typical range is between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. If you do a lot of city driving with frequent stops or tow heavy loads, your pads will wear out faster. Highway driving is much easier on brake pads.
What is 'brake maintenance mode' and do I have to use it?
Brake maintenance mode is a required procedure for replacing the REAR brake pads on your Explorer due to the electronic parking brake (EPB). It retracts the electronic mechanism in the rear calipers, allowing you to push the piston back in. You MUST use this mode to avoid damaging the expensive rear calipers. 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide for rear pads and maintenance mode. The front brakes do not require this procedure.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: LB5Z-2200-B MB5Z-2001-A MB5Z-2001-B
Varies by trim and options. The Explorer ST and models with tow packages may have larger brakes than base models. Always verify fitment with your vehicle's specific sub-model.
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.
- Ford Explorer:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is It Time for New Brake Pads?
- A Note on the Electronic Parking Brake
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
- Tier 1: Economy & Budget-Friendly
- Tier 2: Daily Driver / OEM-Equivalent
- Tier 3: Performance & Heavy-Duty
- Aftermarket Brake Pad Cost
- Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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