23/05/2003
The braking system is arguably the most critical safety feature in any vehicle, and your 2017 Ford Explorer is no exception. Understanding the components that contribute to your SUV's stopping power is essential for ensuring both your safety and the longevity of your vehicle. While often overlooked until a problem arises, the right brake pads and rotors make a world of difference in performance, noise, and overall driving experience.
For the 2017 Ford Explorer, specific high-quality components have been chosen to provide excellent stopping capability and reliability. At the front, your Explorer is equipped with Akebono Performance™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Front Brake Pads. These aren't just any brake pads; they are engineered for superior performance, especially in vehicles that demand robust braking. Complementing these at the rear are Power Stop® Evolution Performance Drilled and Slotted 1-Piece Rear Brake Rotors, which are designed to work in harmony with the braking system to dissipate heat efficiently and maintain consistent performance.
- Understanding Your Front Brake Pads: Akebono Performance™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic
- Your Rear Brake Rotors: Power Stop® Evolution Performance Drilled and Slotted
- The Interplay of Pads and Rotors: A Critical Partnership
- General Types of Brake Pads Compared
- When to Replace Your Brake Components
- Maintaining Your Braking System
- Frequently Asked Questions About Ford Explorer Brakes
- How long do brake pads typically last on a 2017 Ford Explorer?
- Can I just replace the front brake pads and not the rear, or vice versa?
- What is brake fade, and how do the drilled and slotted rotors help prevent it?
- Is it necessary to 'bed in' new brake pads and rotors?
- Are the Akebono pads and Power Stop rotors considered OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) for the 2017 Ford Explorer?
The front brakes of any vehicle bear the brunt of the stopping force, accounting for a significant percentage of the overall braking effort. This is why the choice of front brake pads is paramount. The Akebono Performance™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Front Brake Pads installed on your 2017 Ford Explorer are a testament to this commitment to quality and safety.
Why Ceramic Brake Pads?
Ceramic brake pads are a popular choice for modern vehicles, and for good reason. They are made from a dense ceramic material, mixed with copper fibres, which offers several distinct advantages:
- Quiet Operation: Ceramic compounds are known for producing very little noise during braking, leading to a much quieter ride compared to traditional semi-metallic pads.
- Minimal Dust: One of the most appreciated benefits for vehicle owners is the significantly reduced brake dust. Ceramic pads produce a lighter-coloured, finer dust that is less likely to stick to your wheels, keeping them cleaner for longer.
- Consistent Performance Across Temperatures: Ceramic pads maintain a consistent friction level across a wide range of temperatures, from cold starts to intense braking situations. This means reliable stopping power regardless of driving conditions.
- Longer Lifespan: Generally, ceramic pads tend to last longer than semi-metallic alternatives, offering better value over time.
- Gentle on Rotors: The material composition of ceramic pads is less abrasive on brake rotors, potentially extending the life of your rotors.
The "Ultra-Premium" and "Performance™" designations from Akebono further indicate that these pads are designed to exceed standard expectations, offering enhanced durability and stopping power suitable for an SUV like the Ford Explorer.
Your Rear Brake Rotors: Power Stop® Evolution Performance Drilled and Slotted
While the front pads handle the majority of the braking, the rear rotors play a critical role in balancing the braking force, maintaining stability, and assisting with overall stopping power. The 2017 Ford Explorer utilises Power Stop Evolution Performance Drilled and Slotted 1-Piece Rear Brake Rotors, which are a significant upgrade over standard solid rotors.
The Benefits of Drilled and Slotted Rotors
Drilled and slotted rotors are a common feature in performance braking systems due to their advanced design:
- Improved Heat Dissipation: The drilled holes help to vent hot gases and dissipate heat more effectively, reducing the risk of brake fade during prolonged or heavy braking.
- Enhanced Wet Weather Performance: The slots and holes provide channels for water, dust, and debris to escape from between the pad and the rotor surface, ensuring consistent braking performance even in wet conditions.
- Better Initial Bite: The edges created by the slots and holes can help to clean the pad surface and provide a more aggressive initial bite, leading to a more immediate and responsive feel when you press the brake pedal.
- Reduced Glazing: The slots help to prevent the brake pads from glazing over, which can reduce friction and braking effectiveness.
- Visual Appeal: Let's be honest, drilled and slotted rotors also look fantastic behind alloy wheels, giving a vehicle a more performance-oriented aesthetic.
Being '1-piece' rotors means they are cast as a single unit, offering a robust and reliable construction, typical for OE (Original Equipment) replacement or mild performance upgrades.
The Interplay of Pads and Rotors: A Critical Partnership
It's crucial to understand that brake pads and rotors work in tandem. The effectiveness of your braking system hinges on how well these components interact. While the Ford Explorer 2017 is equipped with Akebono pads at the front and Power Stop rotors at the rear, this combination is selected to provide a balanced and effective braking solution for the vehicle's size and performance characteristics. When replacing these components, it's generally recommended to replace both the pads and rotors on the same axle (front or rear) simultaneously to ensure even wear and optimal performance.
General Types of Brake Pads Compared
While your Ford Explorer comes with specific ceramic pads, it's helpful to understand the broader landscape of brake pad types available on the market, as this knowledge can inform future maintenance decisions.
| Brake Pad Type | Pros | Cons | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic (e.g., Akebono) | Quiet, low dust, long life, consistent performance, gentle on rotors. | Higher initial cost, potentially less aggressive initial bite than semi-metallic in some applications. | Luxury vehicles, daily drivers, performance vehicles where quiet and clean are priorities. |
| Semi-Metallic | Excellent stopping power, good heat dissipation, affordable. | Noisy, produces significant dark dust, can be harder on rotors, shorter lifespan. | Performance vehicles, trucks, SUVs, heavy-duty applications. |
| Organic (NAO - Non-Asbestos Organic) | Very quiet, low cost, gentle on rotors. | Lower friction, wears quickly, produces more dust, not suitable for heavy-duty or performance use. | Older vehicles, light daily driving. |
When to Replace Your Brake Components
Knowing when to replace your brake pads and rotors is key to maintaining a safe vehicle. Here are common signs:
- Squealing or Squeaking: Often the first sign of worn pads. Many pads have a built-in wear indicator that creates a high-pitched squeal when the pads are thin.
- Grinding Noise: A metallic grinding sound indicates that the pads are completely worn down, and the metal backing plate is rubbing against the rotor. This can severely damage your rotors.
- Longer Stopping Distances: If your vehicle takes longer to stop than usual, or if the brake pedal feels spongy, your brakes might be worn.
- Vibration or Pulsation: If you feel a pulsation through the brake pedal or steering wheel, especially when braking from higher speeds, it often indicates warped rotors.
- Visual Inspection: Regularly inspect your brake pads through the wheel spokes. Most pads should have at least 3-4mm of pad material remaining. Rotors should be smooth and free of deep grooves or cracks.
- Brake Warning Light: Some modern vehicles have sensors that trigger a dashboard warning light when brake pads reach a critical wear level.
It's generally recommended to have your brakes inspected during routine service intervals, typically every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or annually, whichever comes first. This proactive approach helps catch wear early and prevents more costly repairs down the line.
Maintaining Your Braking System
Beyond simply replacing worn components, regular maintenance contributes significantly to the health and longevity of your braking system:
- Brake Fluid Checks: Ensure your brake fluid is at the correct level and is clean. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which can reduce its effectiveness and lead to corrosion within the system. It should be flushed and replaced according to your Ford Explorer's maintenance schedule, typically every 2-3 years.
- Caliper Maintenance: Ensure your brake calipers are moving freely and aren't seizing. Lubricate the caliper slide pins as part of a brake service.
- Rotor Care: Avoid aggressive braking when rotors are cold. If you hear a grinding noise, address it immediately to prevent rotor damage.
- Tyre Pressure: Properly inflated tyres contribute to effective braking by ensuring optimal contact with the road.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ford Explorer Brakes
How long do brake pads typically last on a 2017 Ford Explorer?
The lifespan of brake pads can vary significantly based on driving style, road conditions, and the type of pads. For a 2017 Ford Explorer with Akebono ceramic pads, you might expect them to last anywhere from 30,000 to 70,000 miles, or even more for very gentle drivers. Aggressive driving with frequent hard stops will reduce this lifespan considerably.
Can I just replace the front brake pads and not the rear, or vice versa?
While it's technically possible, it's generally recommended to replace brake pads and rotors on an axle (both front or both rear) at the same time. This ensures balanced braking performance and even wear. Replacing only one side can lead to uneven braking and premature wear on the new components.
What is brake fade, and how do the drilled and slotted rotors help prevent it?
Brake fade is the reduction in braking power that occurs after repeated or prolonged heavy braking. It happens when the brake pads and rotors become excessively hot, causing a temporary loss of friction. Drilled and slotted rotors help prevent this by providing channels for hot gases and heat to escape more efficiently, keeping the brake components cooler and maintaining consistent friction.
Is it necessary to 'bed in' new brake pads and rotors?
Yes, bedding in, or break-in, new brake pads and rotors is crucial. This process involves a series of controlled stops that transfer a thin, even layer of friction material from the pads onto the rotor surface. This helps to ensure optimal braking performance, reduce noise, and extend the lifespan of your new components. Always follow the manufacturer's specific bedding-in procedure, which typically involves several moderate stops from varying speeds, allowing the brakes to cool between cycles.
Are the Akebono pads and Power Stop rotors considered OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) for the 2017 Ford Explorer?
While Ford manufactures the Explorer, they source components like brake pads and rotors from specialist suppliers. Akebono and Power Stop are highly reputable aftermarket and often OEM-supplier brands. The specific components mentioned (Akebono Performance™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Front Brake Pads and Power Stop® Evolution Performance Drilled and Slotted 1-Piece Rear Brake Rotors) are high-quality replacements or upgrades designed to meet or exceed original equipment specifications for your Ford Explorer.
Understanding the sophisticated braking components on your 2017 Ford Explorer, from the Akebono ceramic front pads to the Power Stop drilled and slotted rear rotors, empowers you to make informed decisions about its maintenance. Prioritising regular inspections and timely replacements of these crucial parts will ensure your Explorer continues to provide safe, reliable, and confidence-inspiring stopping power for many miles to come.
If you want to read more articles similar to Brake System Excellence for Your 2017 Ford Explorer, you can visit the Brakes category.