2017 F150 Brake Pads: The Complete Owner's Guide to Selection, Replacement, and Long-Term Maintenance​

Choosing and maintaining the correct brake pads for your 2017 Ford F150 is the single most important factor for ensuring vehicle safety, optimizing braking performance, and managing long-term ownership costs. This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary information, from understanding different pad types to executing a proper replacement, based on expert automotive knowledge and practical experience. By the end, you will be equipped to make informed decisions that protect your investment and guarantee reliable stopping power.

​Understanding Brake Pads for the 2017 Ford F150​

The braking system in the 2017 Ford F150 is a complex assembly where the brake pads serve as the primary wearable component that creates friction against the rotors to stop the truck. There are three main types of brake pad materials available, each with distinct characteristics.

1. ​Ceramic Brake Pads.​​ These are composed of ceramic fibers, non-ferrous filler materials, and bonding agents. They are the most common OEM-style upgrade for modern vehicles like the F150.

   • ​Advantages:​​ They produce very little dust, operate almost silently, and provide consistent performance across a wide temperature range. They are easy on brake rotors, leading to less rotor wear.
   • ​Disadvantages:​​ They are typically the most expensive option. While excellent for daily driving and towing within the F150's rated capacity, their initial bite when cold can be slightly less aggressive than other types, and they may not be ideal for extreme, repeated heavy-duty use.

2. ​Semi-Metallic Brake Pads.​​ These pads are made from a mix of metals like steel, copper, and iron, bonded with graphite and other materials.

   • ​Advantages.​​ They offer strong initial braking power and perform well under higher temperatures, making them a common choice for drivers who frequently tow trailers or haul heavy loads. They are generally more affordable than ceramic pads.
   • ​Disadvantages.​​ They generate more brake dust that can coat your F150's wheels. They tend to be noisier, potentially producing squeals or squeaks. They are also harder on brake rotors, which can lead to faster rotor wear and the need for more frequent replacements.

3. ​Organic Brake Pads.​​ Also known as NAO (Non-Asbestos Organic), these are made from fibers like glass, rubber, and Kevlar bonded with resin.

   • ​Advantages.​​ They are usually the quietest and least expensive option. They are very gentle on brake rotors.
   • ​Disadvantages.​​ They wear out the fastest, produce a moderate amount of dust, and can fade under high temperatures. For a vehicle as heavy as the F150, especially when used for anything beyond light-duty commuting, organic pads are generally not recommended due to their soft composition and rapid wear rate.

For the 2017 F150, most drivers find that ​ceramic or premium semi-metallic pads​ offer the best balance of performance, noise control, and longevity. The choice ultimately depends on your specific driving habits, budget, and performance expectations.

​How to Select the Best Brake Pads for Your 2017 F150​

Selecting the right brake pads involves evaluating several key factors related to how you use your truck. Making the wrong choice can lead to premature wear, noise complaints, or compromised safety.

• ​Driving Conditions and Usage.​​ Your primary use case is the foremost deciding factor.

  • ​Daily Commuting and Highway Driving:​​ ​Ceramic brake pads​ are the ideal choice. They provide quiet, clean, and consistent performance for the majority of drivers.
  • ​Frequent Towing or Heavy Hauling:​​ If you regularly tow boats, trailers, or have a loaded bed, ​semi-metallic pads​ are often recommended. Their higher heat tolerance reduces the risk of brake fade during prolonged downhill braking with a heavy load.
  • ​Mixed Use with Occasional Towing:​​ A high-quality, ​performance-oriented ceramic pad​ or a ​hybrid ceramic-metallic compound​ can be an excellent compromise, offering good heat resistance with low dust and noise.

• ​Budget Considerations.​​ While never the sole factor for a safety component, cost is important. Consider the total cost of ownership, not just the initial price.

  • ​Organic pads​ are cheapest upfront but need replacement more often.
  • ​Semi-metallic pads​ offer a mid-range price with good durability for heavy use.
  • ​Ceramic pads​ have a higher initial cost but typically last longer and save money on wheel cleaning and potential rotor life, offering better long-term value for most users.

• ​Performance Expectations.​​ Define what you want from your brakes.

  • If you desire a firm, responsive pedal feel with strong initial bite, some semi-metallic or performance ceramic compounds are designed for this.
  • If smooth, linear braking and a quiet cabin are priorities, standard ceramic pads are superior.

• ​OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts.​​ The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) pads that came with your F150 are a known quantity, often ceramic-based. Premium aftermarket brands from companies like Bosch, Akebono, Wagner, Power Stop, or Hawk offer comparable or enhanced performance, sometimes at a better price. Always purchase from reputable retailers or auto parts stores to avoid counterfeit, low-quality products that can fail dangerously.

​A Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing 2017 F150 Brake Pads​

Replacing the brake pads on a 2017 F150 is a manageable task for a DIY enthusiast with proper tools, safety awareness, and mechanical aptitude. This guide covers a standard pad replacement. Always consult your vehicle's official service manual for the most accurate, vehicle-specific instructions.

​Tools and Parts You Will Need:​​

• New brake pad sets (front and/or rear).
• Jack and jack stands rated for your truck's weight.
• Lug wrench or impact gun.
• Socket set (including a large socket for the caliper bracket bolts, often 18mm or 21mm).
• C-clamp or a dedicated brake caliper piston press tool.
• Brake cleaner spray.
• Anti-seize compound (for caliper guide pins).
• Silicone-based brake lubricant.
• Torque wrench.
• Gloves and safety glasses.

​Procedure:​​

1. ​Safety First.​​ Park the truck on a level, solid surface. Engage the parking brake. Place wheel chocks behind the wheels that will remain on the ground. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you are working on slightly before lifting the vehicle.

2. ​Lift and Secure the Vehicle.​​ Use the factory-specified jack points to lift the front (or rear) of the F150. Place jack stands under the appropriate frame or axle points for solid support. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Fully remove the lug nuts and take the wheel off.

3. ​Remove the Brake Caliper.​​ Locate the two main caliper guide pins or bolts on the back of the caliper. These are usually smaller than the caliper bracket bolts. Remove these pins/bolts carefully. The brake caliper can now be lifted or slid off the rotor and brake pads. ​Do not let the caliper hang by the flexible brake hose.​​ Secure it to the suspension with a piece of wire or a bungee cord to avoid stressing the hose.

4. ​Remove the Old Brake Pads.​​ The old pads are now accessible, either clipped into the caliper bracket or held by retaining pins or clips. Note their orientation. Remove any anti-rattle clips or wear sensor cables carefully. Inspect the rotor surface for deep grooves, cracking, or significant warping. If the rotor is worn near or past its minimum thickness specification, it must be replaced or machined.

5. ​Prepare the Caliper and New Pads.​​ Before installing new pads, the caliper piston must be retracted to make room for the thicker, unworn pads. Use a C-clamp or caliper press tool to slowly and evenly push the piston back into its bore. On the rear brakes, which may have an integrated parking brake mechanism, the piston might need to be screwed in clockwise using a specific tool. Consult your manual. Clean the caliper bracket where the pads slide with brake cleaner. Apply a thin layer of silicone brake lubricant to the pad ears and any contact points on the bracket, and to the caliper guide pins. This prevents noise and ensures smooth operation.

6. ​Install the New Brake Pads.​​ Place the new pads into the caliper bracket in the correct orientation. Reinstall any new anti-rattle clips or hardware that came with your pad set. If your old pads had a wear sensor and the new set includes one, transfer it or install the new one.

7. ​Reinstall the Brake Caliper.​​ Carefully slide the caliper back over the new pads and rotor, aligning it with the bracket. Insert and hand-tighten the caliper guide pins or bolts. Ensure the caliper moves freely side-to-side. Torque these bolts to the manufacturer's specification, which is typically between 25-35 ft-lbs for guide pins, but you must verify this.

8. ​Repeat and Finalize.​​ Repeat the process on the other wheel on the same axle. It is crucial to replace pads in at least axle sets (both front or both rear) to maintain balanced braking. Once both sides are done, reinstall the wheels, hand-tighten the lug nuts, lower the vehicle to the ground, and then torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to the F150's specification, usually around 150 ft-lbs.

9. ​Bedding-In the New Pads.​​ This critical step transfers an even layer of pad material onto the rotor. Find a safe, empty road. Accelerate to about 45 mph and then firmly apply the brakes to slow down to 10 mph. Do this 5-6 times without coming to a complete stop. Then drive for several minutes without using the brakes to let them cool. Avoid heavy braking for the first 100 miles. This process ensures optimal performance and longevity from the new pads.

​Essential Maintenance and Inspection Routines​

Regular inspection can prevent minor issues from becoming major repairs and extend the life of your brake components.

• ​Visual Inspection.​​ Every time you rotate your tires, or at least every 6 months, visually inspect the brake pads through the wheel spokes. You should see the outer pad and its friction material. Most pads have a wear indicator—a small metal tab that contacts the rotor and creates a squealing noise when the pad is nearly worn out. If the friction material is less than 1/4 inch thick, plan for replacement soon.

• ​Listen for Warning Signs.​​ Persistent squealing, grinding, or scraping noises are direct indicators of a problem. A grinding metal-on-metal sound means the pads are completely worn and the backing plate is damaging the rotor, requiring immediate, more expensive repairs.

• ​Feel for Performance Changes.​​ Pay attention to the brake pedal. A soft, spongy pedal can indicate air in the brake lines. A pedal that vibrates or pulses when braking often points to warped rotors. The vehicle pulling to one side during braking can signal a stuck caliper or uneven pad wear.

• ​Fluid Check.​​ Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir periodically. A slowly dropping level can indicate normal pad wear (as the caliper piston extends). A rapid drop signals a leak, which is a serious safety hazard requiring immediate attention. Brake fluid should be flushed every 2-3 years as it absorbs moisture, which lowers its boiling point and can lead to internal corrosion.

​Cost Analysis for 2017 F150 Brake Service​

Understanding the costs helps in budgeting. Prices vary by region, brand, and service provider.

• ​Parts-Only Cost (DIY).​​

  • ​Front Brake Pads (Quality Ceramic):​​ 60 - 120 per axle set.
  • ​Rear Brake Pads (Quality Ceramic):​​ 50 - 100 per axle set.
  • ​Rotors:​​ 50 - 150 each, depending on quality.
  • ​Additives:​​ Brake cleaner, lubricant, etc.: 10-20.

• ​Professional Service Cost.​​

  • ​Front or Rear Pad Replacement Only:​​ 150 - 300 per axle.
  • ​Front or Rear Pad and Rotor Replacement:​​ 300 - 600 per axle.
  • ​Full Brake Job (All four corners, pads and rotors):​​ 600 - 1,200+.

Doing the work yourself can save 50% or more on labor costs. For a 2017 F150, investing in premium ceramic pads and quality rotors typically offers the best long-term value, reducing the frequency of service intervals.

​Expert Recommendations and Product Insights​

Based on extensive automotive knowledge and user feedback, here are generalized recommendations for 2017 F150 owners.

• ​For the Majority of Owners (Daily Driving/Light Towing):​​ ​Premium ceramic pads​ from brands like ​Akebono ProACT​ or ​Bosch QuietCast​ are highly recommended. They provide OEM-like or better performance with exceptional noise and dust control.

• ​For Frequent Towing and Heavy-Duty Use:​​ Consider a ​performance semi-metallic or hybrid pad. Brands like ​Hawk LTS​ or ​Power Stop Z36 Truck & Tow​ are formulated for higher heat resistance and heavy vehicle applications common to the F150.

• ​Rotors:​​ When replacing pads, inspect rotors closely. If resurfacing is not an option, pair your new pads with quality rotors. Coated rotors help prevent rust on the non-friction surfaces, preserving appearance. Centric Premium or Raybestos Advanced Technology are reliable choices.

• ​Critical Tip:​​ Always buy complete "kit" solutions when available, which include all necessary hardware (clips, pins, wear sensors). Reusing old, worn hardware is a primary cause of post-installation noise and improper pad movement.

​Addressing Common Issues and Safety Precautions​

• ​Squealing or Squeaking After Installation.​​ This is often due to improper bedding, lack of lubrication on pad contact points, or inferior pad material. Re-check lubrication points and ensure the hardware is installed correctly. Some performance pads will make noise until fully bedded.

• ​Brake Dust Accumulation.​​ Semi-metallic pads are the largest contributors. Switching to ceramic pads drastically reduces dust. Using wheel cleaners designed for brake dust and applying a wheel sealant can make cleaning easier.

• ​Safety Precautions Cannot Be Overstated.​​

  • Never compromise on part quality for a critical safety system.
  • Always use jack stands; never trust a jack alone.
  • Do not open the brake fluid reservoir cap during pad replacement unless specifically instructed to for piston retraction methods on certain models. Check your manual.
  • If you are unsure about any step, consult a professional mechanic. Improperly installed brakes can fail catastrophically.
  • After any brake work, before driving, pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm to restore proper hydraulic pressure.

​Long-Term Ownership Experience​

Many 2017 F150 owners report that moving from the factory OEM pads to a well-chosen aftermarket ceramic compound results in a noticeably cleaner wheel finish and a quieter driving experience without sacrificing braking power. Those who tow regularly and switched to a dedicated tow-performance pad report increased confidence during long mountain descents with a trailer, citing less pedal fade. The common thread in positive long-term experiences is proactive maintenance—catching worn pads early before rotor damage occurs, and using the correct quality parts for the truck's specific duties. This approach maximizes safety, performance, and ultimately provides the best value over the life of the vehicle. Your 2017 F150 is a capable truck; equipping it with the right brake pads ensures it stops as confidently as it goes.