Grooves in previous brake rotor.
When I purchased my Ford Explorer Platinum, I was impressed by the stock brakes. The front and rear rotors were larger than my previous car, a 2008 Xterra, and provided a smoother and quicker stop at red lights. However, the rotors had grooves in them, most likely due to winter sand and salt stuck between the brake pads. As someone who enjoys working on cars and upgrading parts, I decided to replace my brakes with the PowerStop K6375-36 Front and Rear Z36 Rotor and Brake Pads, a brand I had a positive experience with on my Xterra.
PowerStop K6375-36 Front and Rear Z36 Kit
The PowerStop K6375-36 kit came with almost everything I needed to upgrade my brakes, including clips, pin boots, pin bushings, and lubrication. However, it was missing two pin bushings for the rear, which was not a big deal for me but worth mentioning.
Installation was easy, and I was relieved that the parts provided fit perfectly without any grinding or modification required. The rotors even came with labels to ensure proper installation.
Front with PowerStop rotor and brakes installed
Rear with PowerStop rotor and brakes Installed
While I do not drive my Explorer aggressively or take it to tracks, I did notice that the new brakes feel more robust, which might be a placebo effect since they are new. The drilled and slotted brakes also add an aggressive look to my car. One great thing about the PowerStop kit is that I did not notice any increase in sound when braking.
However, there are some downsides to consider. The PowerStop kits are pricier than other brands, and the drilled and slotted rotors may reduce the lifespan of the brake pads. Nonetheless, I have not experienced any of these downsides yet, and I will provide an update on the rotors and brake pads’ wear in the future.
Overall, I am happy with my purchase of the PowerStop Z36 for my 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum. The new brakes feel more robust, add an aggressive look, and do not produce any additional noise. Although there were minor downsides such as the premium price tag and the two missing rubber pin boots, they did not affect the installation or performance of the brakes. As the new brakes have not yet hit 500 miles, I will update my blog in the future regarding their wear. However, I have no regrets about upgrading my rotors and would recommend this product to others.