Parts for your Ford Explorer
Ford Explorer Brakes
Buy Ford Explorer brakes online from 13 front and rear pad sets, rotors and pad and rotor kits for 1998-2019 SUVs, priced from $22.18 to $266.95. Brands include Centric, Pronto, DuraGo, TRQ, Power Stop and Raybestos. Fitment notes cover body style, drivetrain and some build date cutoffs, so check each one against your Explorer.
Year
More Ford Explorer parts
Explorer brake fitment
Explorer brakes split by generation and body. 1998-2001, 2002-2005, 2006-2010 and the 2011-2019 unibody models each use their own parts. The two-door Explorer Sport and the Sport Trac are cataloged apart from the four-door SUV, and 2001 overlaps two generations.
Within a group, 2WD or 4WD, wheel size, towing package and brake package can change rotor size and pad shape. Some listings carry a build date limit, such as a cutoff of 07-18-05, so check the date on your door jamb sticker. Front and rear parts are different. If your pads have a wear sensor lead, buy pads with the same provision.
Brake warning signs
Watch for squealing that keeps coming back, grinding, longer stops, or a pedal that sinks lower than it used to. A shake in the steering wheel or seat when braking usually points to the rotors.
Grinding often means the pads are gone and the backing plate is cutting the rotor, so stop soon. If the Explorer pulls to one side, one wheel smells hot or one pad wears much faster, look for a sticking caliper or slide pin. New pads alone will not fix those problems.
Pads, rotors and kits
Replace pads on both wheels of an axle. Check the rotors at the same time and replace them if they are scored, rusted or below spec. Kits from DuraGo, Power Stop, Detroit Axle and TRQ pair pads and rotors for one or both axles, which keeps the parts matched.
Lift the Explorer and support it on jack stands. Remove the wheel and caliper, inspect the rotor and fit the new pads with fresh hardware. Clean and grease the slide pins, check the boots and hoses, and torque the wheels to Ford's spec. Rear parking brake designs vary by generation, so follow the steps for your year.
More about brakes
Read our brakes buying guide for how the part works and what to look for in any vehicle.
Explorer questions
Do Explorer and Explorer Sport Trac brakes interchange?
Not as a rule. The Sport Trac has its own brake applications, and some are split by 2WD and 4WD. Use a listing that names your exact model in the fitment table.
What does the build date note mean on some Explorer brake listings?
Some parts changed partway through a model year. A note like To 07-18-05 means the part fits vehicles built up to that date. Check the build date on the driver door jamb sticker.
Should I replace front and rear Explorer brakes together?
Only if both axles are worn. Front pads usually wear faster. Inspect both, replace pads in axle pairs, and choose a front and rear kit when everything is due at once.