While Ford Rangers like the stump-pulling Raptor are known for unmatched performance, the question remains: how efficient is their braking? Under ideal braking conditions, a 2800kg crew cab Ranger needs more than 45m to haul itself down from 100km/h to 0 km/h. And with a fully loaded trailer in tow, the stopping distance can easily double – which is anything but ideal.

The fact is, Ranger braking has always left something to be desired. It’s not for a lack of braking power, though. Their service-grade OE pads and rotors aren’t known to withstand high temperatures for long periods – a troubling prospect for any vehicle driven in Australia. The solution though, is as simple as upgrading the Ranger’s less-than-ideal pads and rotors for premium performance sets that are built specifically for Australia’s type of driving.

Aftermarket Brake Pads and Rotors Help Ford Rangers Beat the Heat

Let’s be honest: while there’s no shortage of reasons why the Ranger is now Australia’s best selling ute, braking isn’t one of them. Brake fade is commonplace, especially during repeated heavy braking. Fortunately though, the Aussie aftermarket has a long history of stocking and manufacturing replacement Ford Ranger brake pad and rotor sets that owners know they can trust to handle their braking needs.

Brake system manufacturers like Bendix, TRW and Melbourne’s own VMax understand the heat-related shortcomings of the service-grade pads supplied on Ranger PJ/PK and PX models. That’s why their replacement pads and rotors are engineered specifically for climates where there’s no room to compromise on qualities that include:

• Exceptional cooling. Heat retention is the achilles heel of the Ranger’s service grade brake pads and rotors. Aussie-supplied replacements, however, are manufactured using high temperature composites with thermal cooling features designed to quickly dissipate excessive heat for maximum stopping power.
• Superior responsiveness. The loss of stopping power resulting from excessive heat buildup instantly translates to a lack of responsiveness. With premium Ranger brake pads and rotors though, owners don’t have to worry about the spongy pedal or reduced stopping power that can occur with low quality composites.
• Rock-solid construction. Heat-resistant, rock-solid construction is essential for preventing pads from separating, as well as rotors from cracking or warping. High performance replacement pads and rotors are Rockwell tested for compressive strength and material hardness, helping avoid unexpected product or material failures.

And because replacement Ford Ranger brake pad and rotor sets are so effective at dissipating heat, the benefits can be felt throughout the entire braking system. The excess heat created by poor braking can cause brake fluid to boil and lose its viscosity, leading to added stress on other components, setting up the possibility of instantaneous brake failure. That makes replacing the Ranger’s low tolerance, service-grade pads and rotors with new high temperature consumables a cost saving move that could even prove to be a life saver.

Pads and Rotors For All Australian Trim Ranger Models

Make no mistake: while the physics behind braking is simply a matter of the system’s pads applying enough friction to convert the rotor’s kinetic energy into thermal energy, the job of keeping all these critical consumables cool is where the science begins. Materials like ceramic/Kevlar carbon fibre, and hardened high carbon content cast iron are irreplaceable when it comes to Ranger brake construction, but it’s in the design of the pads and rotors themselves where the cooling difference is made.

High temperature/high friction Ford Ranger brake pads for sale are engineered with grooved surfaces, chamfered edges and fibre-shimmed backing plates for maximum water and brake dust removal, and are manufactured specifically for the following models built with Australian trim:

• 2006 – 2012 2.5L PJ/PKs;
• 2006 – 2012 2.5L 2WD, and 2.5L and 3.0L 4WD PJ/PKs;
• 2006 – 2012 3.0L 2WD, and 2.5L and 3.0L 4WD PJ/PKs; and,
• 2011 PX T6s.

And while pads and rotors share equal responsibility for bringing vehicles to a stop, they don’t share the same burden – or urgency – for shedding heat quickly. Under towing or heavy braking, rotors can easily exceed 500°C on a hot day, which is why they need particular attention for staying cool.

Rotor slotting is the most essential design aspect of rotor cooling, and for removing hot gases and dust buildup. They still, however, have to provide a smooth biting surface for pads. That’s why depending on the style and severity of their use, premium standard, and high performance replacement Ranger brake rotors are available in either dimple drilled, or J-Type, R-Type or S-Type slot patterns for the following Australian trim models:

• 2006 – 2010 2.5L and 3.0L PJ/PKs;
• 2011 – 2018 PX1s and PX2s; and,
• 2019 – Present PX3s, including Raptors.

Slotting also helps clear away brake residue from the pads, ensuring the availability of a clean, grippy braking surface at all times. It’s an indispensable advantage for any ute that spends any appreciable length of time on dusty jobsites or in the outback.

Recognising Brake Changes Before They Become Brake Problems

Considering the wide range of trim and braking options that have been offered with the Ranger, it’s important to understand that although their service-grade pads and rotors leave a lot to be desired, they don’t lack for braking capacity, especially the PJ and PK models. There’s no substitute for driver diligence when it comes to safe and acceptable brake performance, though. That’s why Ranger owners need to be able to recognise the most likely indicators of excessive brake pad and rotor wear before they become problematic.

• Increasingly difficult braking. Increasingly difficult braking, including a slow or spongy pedal, is a symptom of a lack of consistent friction due to heat-related pad or rotor degradation. And as heat buildup can lead to a host of other brake system issues, it’s a problem an owner would want to address quickly.
• Unexplained steering wheel vibration. The same shuddering and vibration that brake pad and rotor problems would transmit through the brake pedal, can also be transmitted through the steering wheel. It’s a clear signal of uneven pads or warped rotors, and can be dangerous if allowed to persist.
• Noisy braking as an early warning. While noisy brakes may not be a direct symptom of a heat-related problem, it’s a warning sign that a car’s pads could be more susceptible to becoming unseated or separating if the temperature rises. Replacing the pads early is the best way to reduce the risk of a possible pad failure.

As a matter of safety, drivers have to be able to recognise and quickly identify changes in their vehicle’s braking. Ranger owners in particular need to be mindful that even small changes in brake performance can be quickly exasperated by a rapid increase in heat. The solution in either case, however, is as simple as a proper pad and rotor upgrade.

The Final Word

At the end of the day, when it comes to power, performance and polish, it’s easy to understand how the Ranger has replaced the Hilux as Australia’s best selling ute. It could still use some help in the braking department though, making upgrading to new pads and rotors mandatory.

High quality replacement Ford Ranger pad and rotor sets are the key to aligning these utes’ stopping ability with the rest of their capabilities. It’s the ideal upgrade for Australia’s ideal ute.