2020 Ford Ranger Brake Pad & Rotor Specs

Quick reference

Spec	Front	Rear
Pad PN (OEM)	JL3Z-2001-A	KB3Z-2200-A
Pad PN (Akebono)	ASP1793	ASP1792
Pad PN (BoschQuietCast)	BC1793	BC1792
Pad PN (Wagner OEX)	OEX1793	OEX1792
Pad PN (Power Stop Z23)	Z23-1793	Z23-1792
Rotor diameter	316 mm (12.44 in)	316 mm (12.44 in)
Rotor new thickness	30 mm (1.18 in)	12 mm (0.47 in)
Rotor minimum thickness	27.5 mm (1.08 in)	10.5 mm (0.41 in)
Caliper piston count	2	1
Caliper bracket torque	185 Nm (136 ft-lbs)	185 Nm (136 ft-lbs)
Caliper slide-pin torque	30 Nm (22 ft-lbs)	30 Nm (22 ft-lbs)
Brake fluid spec	DOT 4 Low Viscosity	DOT 4 Low Viscosity

How to choose pads

When it comes to replacing the brake pads on your 2020 Ford Ranger, you'll typically encounter three main material types: ceramic, semi-metallic, and heavy-duty.

Ceramic pads are known for their quiet operation, low dust production, and long lifespan. They provide consistent braking performance in various conditions and are generally rotor-friendly. If your Ranger is primarily used for daily commuting and light hauling, ceramic pads are an excellent choice for a comfortable and clean braking experience.

Semi-metallic pads offer a more aggressive bite and better heat dissipation characteristics compared to ceramic pads, making them a good option for owners who frequently tow or carry heavy loads. They tend to generate more dust and can be a bit noisier than ceramic pads, but their superior stopping power under demanding conditions can be a significant advantage. The 2020 Ranger, being a truck, can benefit from semi-metallic pads if it's regularly worked hard.

Heavy-duty (HD) pads, often found in performance-oriented or severe-duty applications, are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and provide maximum stopping power. These pads are usually a type of semi-metallic compound with enhanced friction materials. For a 2020 Ranger that sees consistent heavy towing, off-road use, or operates in mountainous terrain, HD pads can offer an extra margin of safety and durability. Be aware that HD pads might produce more noise and dust and could be harder on rotors due to their aggressive friction properties.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific driving habits and how you use your Ranger. Consider your priorities: quiet operation, low dust, maximum stopping power, or durability under heavy loads.

Typical service life

The service life of brake components on your 2020 Ford Ranger can vary significantly based on driving style, type of use, and environmental factors. Generally, front brake pads on a Ranger might last anywhere from 30,000 to 70,000 miles, while rear pads often last longer, typically 50,000 to 90,000 miles. This difference is due to the front brakes doing the majority of the stopping work.

Rotors, if not warped or worn beyond the minimum thickness, can sometimes last through two sets of pads. However, it's common practice to replace rotors with every pad change, especially if there are signs of wear, pulsation, or if machining would bring them below the minimum thickness. If you notice any signs of brake wear, such as squealing, grinding, reduced braking performance, or a pulsation in the pedal, it's crucial to have your brakes inspected immediately.

While a "pad-slap" (installing new pads on old, unresurfaced rotors) might seem tempting for cost savings or convenience, it's not recommended. This can lead to premature pad wear, noise, and pulsation due to uneven rotor surfaces. Ideally, rotors should be resurfaced or replaced whenever new pads are installed to ensure optimal braking performance and longevity.

Common brake issues for this generation

Owners of the 2020 Ford Ranger generally report reliable braking performance. However, like any vehicle, some common issues can arise:

• Brake Dust: Depending on the OE pad material, some owners might notice more brake dust accumulation on their front wheels than desired. Switching to a ceramic aftermarket pad can significantly reduce this.
• Rotor Warping/Pulsation: While not excessively common, hard braking or sustained heavy loads can sometimes lead to premature rotor warping, resulting in a pulsing sensation in the brake pedal or steering wheel during braking. This usually necessitates rotor replacement or resurfacing.
• Noise (Squealing/Grinding): Squealing can indicate worn pads or glased rotor surfaces. Grinding almost always means the pads are completely worn and metal-on-metal contact is occurring, requiring immediate attention to prevent further damage to the rotors and calipers.
• ABS/Traction Control System Lights: While not directly a brake wear issue, problems with wheel speed sensors can illuminate ABS or traction control warning lights. These sensors are integral to the braking system's advanced functions and should be diagnosed if a warning light appears.

Regular inspection and maintenance are key to preventing these issues and ensuring your Ranger's braking system remains in top condition.

Brake job cost estimate

The cost of a brake job for your 2020 Ford Ranger can vary widely based on whether you're doing just pads, or pads and rotors, and if you're tackling the job yourself or hiring a professional shop. Prices also differ depending on the quality of parts (OEM, premium aftermarket, budget aftermarket).

Parts Cost Estimate (Front or Rear Axle):

• Pads only: Expect to pay roughly $50 - $150 for a quality set of aftermarket pads.
• Pads and Rotors: A complete set of aftermarket pads and rotors for one axle can range from $150 - $400, depending on the brand and material (e.g., standard, ceramic, drilled/slotted).
• OEM Parts: Opting for genuine Ford parts will generally be more expensive, potentially increasing the cost by 30-50% per component.

Labor Cost Estimate (Per Axle):

• Replacing pads and rotors on one axle typically takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours of labor. With shop rates ranging from $100 - $150 per hour, you could expect labor costs of $150 - $375 per axle.

Total Estimated Cost (Front or Rear Axle, Professionally Installed):

• Pads only: $200 - $525
• Pads and Rotors: $300 - $775

These are estimates only and do not include additional services like brake fluid flush (recommended every few years) or caliper replacement if necessary. Always get a detailed quote from your chosen repair shop.

Find a trusted brake shop on Repairius.