Time to change brake pads on 03 Cobra

[Dave99GT]

My 03 Cobra vert is a daily driver, never raced, I go pretty easy on the brakes. But with 31,000 miles I am thinking it is time to change out the brake pads.
Any recommendations for a good pad that won't be noisy, will be low dust, and will give better performance than the stock pads? Or should I just replace them out with stock?
I am not comfortable tackling this on my own. So should I have the dealer do it, or a shop like Midas, or should I take it up to Marv?
Thanks in advance for your advice guys...

[BlueOvalBolt]

I am guessing that, at most, you only need front pads. The rears last a very, very long time since they only assist in braking.

My recommendation is to take it to Marv for both price and quality of work reasons. He can also give you an honest assessment of the need for new pads. I am sure he can give you some good advice on which brake pads to choose if you need them.

Hopefully others can also post their experience with pads on 03/04 Cobras that they have chosen as well.

[DOHC 281]

could do it yourself. Not to take work from Marv, it really is a easy job (especailly if all you are doing is replacing front brake pads). I highly recommend using the stock Ford Cobra pads. Most aftermarket pads do not have the quality, unless you go with expensive ones - and most of those are for off-road pads. The stock pads are best for everyday, or even for occasional track use. The good deals are on eBay - make sure they are genuine Ford. :hrs:

[markhas]

I would highly recommend doing it yourself. I have had good luck with the Performance Friction pads that you can get at Autozone- but for the Street ONLY. They have a lifetime warranty, which is a bonus! I would not run them at a track event, because they are a little more aggressive and you will need to change your brake hoses to bradied ones. Any way, if you own a jack, jack stands, a C clamp, and a screwdriver, you have every thing you need to change front pads. I'm sure someone would be more than willing to help you walk it through. It would only take about 15 minutes per side.

Feel free to e-mail me if you need help.

Mark:thumbs:

[JW's Silver Ragtop]

Front brake pads are certainly not difficult .... however I would suggest Marv for your first time. He can walk you thru the process and answer questions that you won't get answered anywhere else about the brakes or while it's in the air other questions that you might need answered.

Stay away from race type pads for the street, you won't be getting them hot enough and they will squeal, just ask Doug.

[Dave99GT]

thanks for all the replies so far.
I am toying with the idea of doing this myself, or asking Marv if I can watch over his shoulder as he does it so I can learn how myself.
If I was to try this myself (replacing the pads), would there be any additional work that would be needed for the discs or rotors? Or is it a simple replacing of the pads and away I go?

[BlueOvalBolt]

Great comments from everyone here. Yes, replacing pads is as easy as it gets on todays cars but brakes are something you need to have confidence in and if you aren't comfortable with the job done, you aren't going to be comfortable on the road. There is certainly no shame in having Marv do it for you, especially if you haven't done it before.

Heck, you could take some pictures with a digital camera or cell phone as Marv goes along and create your own "how to" for the next time and do it yourself. If you do decide to tackle the job, I would at least try to get ahold of a Chilton's repair book for your car as they are pretty good at step by step instructions.

If I was to try this myself (replacing the pads), would there be any additional work that would be needed for the discs or rotors?
Unless you feel pulsing or vibration when braking, your rotors should still be good at 31K miles. Even then, replacing front rotors is not a big deal once the wheel and calipers are off. You just need my favorite tool, a big hammer, to knock them off.

[BlueOvalBolt]

Here is a link to a "how to" on replacing pads on a 94 to 98 Mustang. Yours may be a little different being an 03 but the steps and concepts are the same. It will give you a little flavor for what this job involves.

http://www.mustangworld.com/ourpics/fcar/brakepad1.htm

[ac427cobra]

If you like your car and your wallet, never, I repeat NEVER, take your car to Midas!! :knock: For ANYTHING!! :fryem:

If you need/want brakes, and you don't want to/can't do it yourself, I would highly recommend Marv.

None of us should EVER have to take our cars to a Dealer (unless it's warranty work of course) because we have Marv who does better work cheaper than you can have done at a dealer. AND he can be trusted with your pride and joy. Unlike the dealer!!

End of story!



:thumbs: :cool: :beer: