2004GTconvertable

I have very recently purchase a 2004 GT convertible 4.6 V8 Automatic. I took it to Sears Service Center to have the brakes checked. They indicated that I needed new front bake pads and I had them install them. when I started home at 45 mph and above I had a vibration in the front end. I went back and they looed things over and said that the pads were not good and ordered some from another auto parts store. Same story with the second set of pads. When I took it back again they put the old pads back on and no vibration. Shop manager said they had called the local Ford dealer and were told that only the genuine Ford pads would work on my car because it was SVT or Cobra and had to have special pads. It does have SVT heels but by VIN it is GT. I looked at the brakes and noticed that the rotors were vented type. What the heck is going on here, Ford sealer wants $180.00 to install pads on the front only. I dread to think want they will want if I need rotors also. Any informatio0n would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.
Mike

VTX1800N1

How did you confirm it was aGT by VIN, through a dealer or ETIS? It could be that someone swapped Cobra front brakes on your GT. Both models have vented front rotors, as virtually every modern vehicle does.

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PistolPete79

im not sure how a v6/gt pad would even fit on a cobra caliper in the first place. it has the two big circular bits to it and the rotors are bigger. and it would say cobra on it or be red with a pony decal on it.

2004GTconvertable

Verified it is GT from VIN. Looked around for specifications and found that the Shelby and SVT had 13 inch front rotors and the GT had 11 inch rotors up front. My car has the 11 inch rotors so it is GT brakes. I am going to local Firestone store and give them a try today, they have always done a good job for me and I have a coupon for brakes. Thanks for the replies, any other ones are very welcome. I will update tonight after Firestone takes a try at it.
Mike.

2004GTconvertable

Went to the Firestone Store today. They put pads on the car and no vibration. Guess the Sears guys did nit know what they were doing. Thanks for the replies.
Mike

WhiteFoxGT

how about rotors. Putting new pads on old rotors (or not resurfacing them) is a no no

The vibration is from the new pads not seating well with the old grooves in the rotors.

2004GTconvertable

Yes had rotors turned first time at the sears store they at least did that correctly, Firestone guys did check them for thickness and run out and found them good. Thanks guys for the replies.
Mike

tadpole1969

yeah the guys at sears didnt have a clue, brakes are way easy to install! its not rocket Science, kinda sounds like they didnt install the brake hardware rigth

2004GTconvertable

For some reason the local Firestone store always does a good job foe me. I notice that the technicians are not rushed by management so they take the time to do good work. They ALWAYS use a torque wrench on lug nuts and do not over tighten them. Prices are of course higher than do it yourself but when compared with other seem reasonable, pad replacement was 1/2 what the Ford dealer wanted. I usually do my own work but once in while it is nice to set an wait while they do it.
Mike