Do you own a 2013 Ford F-150?
- Are you sick of your brakes pulsating everytime you need to slow down?
- Does it feel like your teeth are going to rattle out of your head when you hit the brakes?
- Does your boss think you’re beating on your work truck because it’s in the shop every 15k miles with a brake concern?
If this sounds like your tough truck, you are probably due for another brake service and looking to upgrade brakes, or find a new truck to drive into the ground.
My brakes pulsate badly. Do I need to drop everything and get to the shop today?
No. In most cases, you do not need to go right to the shop. Brake pulsations are typically more of an annoyance than a safety concern. If your daily driving experience isn’t already frustrating, it will be if you have to keep driving and braking with a nasty pulsation.
What causes a brake pulsation?
Heat. Typically a brake pulsation is caused by an overheated brake rotor which warps. Everytime that warped part of the rotor comes in contact with the brake pad, you feel the pulsation. Depending on the severity of the warp, you may feel it while braking at low speeds but typically most noticeable while braking at highway speeds.
Do I need a complete brake job, or can I get away with just replacing the pads?
You will most likely need to replace the brake pads and rotors to eliminate your pulsation. You probably won’t have enough material on the rotor to safely resurface and still be within manufacturer specifications. Even if there is a chance of resurfacing the brake rotor, you’ll likely have brake pulsation again by the time you drive 100 miles. And you’re unlikely to save money resurfacing brake rotors, compared with the price to replace them.
How much will new brake pads and rotors cost for my 2013 Ford F-150?
Pricing for new brake pads and rotors on your 2013 Ford F-150 will range from $373–$570, depending on front or rear and part quality.
What should I do if my 2013 Ford F-150 has a pulsation while braking?
To avoid a frustrating driving experience and potential for safety issues, you should book service at a local repair shop at your earliest convenience. Using the Openbay app or website, you can easily compare local shops by distance, customer reviews, and price. Service estimates include parts, labor rate and taxes, so you’ll know the exact price you’ll be paying before you get to the shop!
We know scheduling car repair and maintenance can be stressful. But the truth is, it doesn’t have to be. Openbay is hassle-free car repair for the modern world. Get competitive estimates from high-quality shops nearby, then schedule an appointment and pay securely online. All services booked with Openbay are backed by our Peace-of-Mind Guarantee, and you’ll earn Openbay Rewards on every completed service.
Article written by an ASE Certified Technician