Brake Life October 01, 2020, 08:48:00 pm I’m wondering what kind of brake life is normal for our rigs? I have an ‘06 TK with around 68k miles on it. I had it in for an oil change and other minor stuff at the Ford truck service place in Torrance (Los Angeles area). When they returned it to me they had a “service needed” note that claimed my rear brakes were at the minimum. I don’t quite believe them. I don’t think they actually took off the dualies to check. But more concerning is that 6k miles ago ( thus at 62k) I had them do major servicing, including lubing the calipers and checking wear. At that time, they said I had 70% left. So, I’m not buying that I used up 30% over 62k miles, then wiped out 50% or more in the next 6k. I’m not noticing any lack of stopping power or unusual noises when I brake. I don’t tow, and am pretty light with the foot, if that means anything. So, what kind of brake life are folks getting who bought their rigs new? Thanks. — Jon
Re: Brake Life Reply #1 – October 02, 2020, 07:31:31 am Jon, I would call back and challenge them on that claim, asking how that was determined. If they service mostly trucks, it is possible it is some sort of auto-generated notice based on mileage, and they did not actually do the inspection. I agree such wear would be very unlikely.Steve
Re: Brake Life Reply #2 – October 02, 2020, 08:52:31 am I would just ask, outlining what they told you both times. Either they were wrong then, or they are wrong now, or something happened in between.A reputable shop would want to find out.It's very possible that one of the estimates was wrong. It's also possible that something is dragging and causing accelerated wear. You say the last estimate was 6k miles ago, but that could be months or many years for a RV. Many of us have had problems with brake calipers that probably relate to the vehicles sitting for long periods. I would ask them (or someone else) to take another look. Otherwise we're all guessing. I've had trips interrupted due to brake issues. Whatever extra hassle this causes for you now would be well worth it if it prevents a problem down the line. Rich 1 Likes
Re: Brake Life Reply #3 – October 02, 2020, 10:34:48 am I too would get a second opinion, Jon. I’ve had excellent experience with Rush Truck Center in Whittier. PM me if you would like to receive the service manager’s contact information.Whittier Trucks & Semi Trucks for Sale - Rush Truck CentersOne other referral is AllCar Specialists in San Gabriel. Vince referred me to Paul Brow, the owner of AllCar. Paul is a superb mechanic, high integrity businessman, and runs the East Los Angeles College School of Auto Repair. AllCar’s website is down but again, I’d be happy to provide Paul’s direct contact information.Good luck! 2 Likes
Re: Brake Life Reply #4 – October 02, 2020, 11:38:15 am Just as a guide for your consideration. Here in PA, annual inspections of vehicles are required including brakes. We have nearly 88,000 thousand miles on our 2011 mid-bath, and the original brakes are in great shape (inspected in June). We have driven cross-country 3 times, and once to Alaska. We make several trips a year to Florida, usually taking the "Coastal Route", think I 95, for most of that journey and meet up with our North East group members a couple of times a year.Hope this helps. Bob
Re: Brake Life Reply #5 – October 02, 2020, 01:39:58 pm Hi Jon, my first thought was 'driving with the parking brake on', but your '06 is built on the E450 chassis, and that year the parking brake is on the transmission drive shaft. Ford redesigned the rear axle in 2008 to have room for a parking brake actually at the wheels. The brake place might have a camera type viewer just to check brake pads, without pulling the dual wheels off. At 68k miles the pads could be down to 30%, thus a recommendation for replacement. Calling it to your attention could just be an 'abundance of caution'. That has a lot to do with what they consider to be the threshold for replacement. Many used car dealers replace pads at 50% wear before resale, if inpection means they are 'in there' anyway. RonB
Re: Brake Life Reply #6 – October 02, 2020, 01:50:34 pm I ditto Warren's recommendation of Rush Truck Center. There is one in Orlando and when my 2017 MB was having issues with misfiring the Ford dealership I took it to could not figure it out even though I brought it to them 3 times and they "worked" on it for 15 days. I took it to Rush and it did take them 5 days of testing and doing all sorts of things but they finally figured it out. Fortunately it was under warranty. Even though it's a 45 minute drive from our place in Davenport, Florida I won't take Bossa Nova to anyone else at this point.Good luck with the brakes.
Re: Brake Life Reply #7 – October 02, 2020, 04:55:25 pm Thanks, everyone for your thoughtful responses about working with the dealer or alternative shops. I’ll keep those in mind. Bob’s reply was more the info I was looking for. At what mileage have owners replaced their brakes due to normal wear? I was hoping a number of folks here would have done so. Anyone? — Jon
Re: Brake Life Reply #8 – October 02, 2020, 07:45:01 pm I have a 2005 Jayco 24' class C on the E450 chassis. At 65,000 miles, Les Schwab estimated 40% left on one end, 50% on the other end (don't remember which had what). So, about 1% per 1000 miles, mostly towing a 2500lb trailer.
Re: Brake Life Reply #9 – March 24, 2022, 02:20:35 pm I had the brakes checked on our LD at our local Les Schwab Tire Center yesterday. All of the original brake pads had about 8 mm remaining. Our odometer reads just shy of 93,000 miles. We do not tow.
Re: Brake Life Reply #10 – March 24, 2022, 03:02:16 pm Our rear brake pads began to make some noise on our 98~MB at about 115K and we replaced them at Les Schwab they were original. I had them checked at 90K and they were around 30% from what I could remember. We do not tow and are the third owner but the original owner may have towed? Hope this helps Karen~Liam 98 ~ MB NinA
Re: Brake Life Reply #11 – March 24, 2022, 04:10:01 pm Maybe of interest to some:Brake Pad Wear Chart | Know Your Parts
Re: Brake Life Reply #12 – March 24, 2022, 04:23:36 pm Towing can make a big difference. Most toad brakes are engaged only when the LD brakes are pressed moderately hard, light braking normally does not operate the toad's brakes, with the LD's brakes stopping the full weight.While this does not overly stress the LD's brakes, it causes the brake pads to wear faster. It can also cause the front brake rotors to wear quicker and can cause rotor warping. 2008 and newer LDs have larger brakes and will see a longer brake life than the previous years of the E350s and E450s.Larry
Re: Brake Life Reply #13 – March 25, 2022, 03:59:59 pm Well, I’m happy to see this old thread resurrected. It tends to support my suspicion that the Ford dealer sold me a bill of goods when it recommended replacing the rear pads at 68k. We’ve never towed, and a TK is as light as they get, and I’m a sparing user of the brakes in general. Thanks, all. — Jon
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