What brand of brakes does Ford use?
Ford uses multiple brake brands rather than a single universal supplier. The most common OEM parts are Motorcraft, Ford’s official parts brand, while high-performance models often use Brembo brakes. Other suppliers such as TRW/ZF and Continental provide components depending on the model and regional market.
Braking components are selected by Ford and its partners to match performance targets, regulatory requirements, and regional availability. The following article outlines which brands you’re likely to encounter on different Ford models and how this affects maintenance and parts shopping.
Common brands Ford uses
Below is a snapshot of the major brake-brand names you’ll commonly encounter in Ford vehicles, depending on model and market.
- Motorcraft — Ford’s official parts brand, widely used for brake pads, rotors, and related hardware on mainstream Ford models.
- Brembo — used on high-performance and special-edition models, including certain Ford Performance variants and Shelby-branded Mustangs.
- TRW / ZF TRW — a supplier for various braking components (calipers, modules, and related assemblies) on some models and markets.
- Continental Automotive Systems — provides certain braking electronics and components for select Ford models in Europe and other regions.
In short, Ford’s braking supply is diversified: Motorcraft is the default for most everyday vehicles, with Brembo invoked for performance-focused builds and other brands appearing in specific markets or configurations.
Model-specific notes
Maintaining awareness of which brands appear on particular models can help when shopping for parts or discussing upgrades.
- Brembo — commonly found on high-performance models and Ford Performance packages, such as Shelby Mustangs and other tuned variants.
- Motorcraft — standard braking hardware for most mainstream Ford models when not equipped with performance upgrades.
- Continental / TRW — present for certain braking components or electronics in specific markets and model lines; exact parts vary by year and region.
To confirm the exact brake-brand configuration for your vehicle, check the owner’s manual, the dealership’s parts catalog, or the packaging on replacement components.
Regional considerations
In Europe and other global markets, brake systems may rely more on Continental or TRW components due to regional supply chains and regulatory standards. This can influence which brands appear on a given model outside North America.
What to know when buying brakes
When shopping for brake parts, use your vehicle’s exact year, trim, and market to determine the correct brand and part numbers. For most daily drivers, Motorcraft pads and rotors are the standard replacement choice, ensuring compatibility and warranty coverage. For performance-focused models or optional packages, Brembo components may be used or offered as upgrade options.
Summary: Ford’s braking brand strategy is diversified. Motorcraft is the default for most vehicles; Brembo serves high-performance models, and Continental or TRW/ZF TRW supply components for certain markets and configurations. Always verify the exact brand and part numbers for your specific vehicle and year when purchasing brakes.
Who makes brake pads for Ford?
Ford brake pads are made by Motorcraft, the company's official parts brand, which develops them to meet Ford's specifications. While Motorcraft makes the official replacement parts, Ford also uses other suppliers, such as Ferodo, for original equipment (OE) brake pads on some of its vehicles from the factory.
- Motorcraft: This is the official parts brand for Ford, meaning the brake pads are designed and manufactured to meet Ford's specifications for the right fit and performance.
- Ferodo: For certain factory-fitted applications, such as the Ford Fiesta and Galaxy, Ferodo is the original equipment supplier. Some enthusiasts have also noted that specific high-performance models like the Mustang GT350 may use pads from Ferodo as the OE part.
- Other OEM suppliers: It is common for automakers to have multiple suppliers for various parts, so other companies may also supply parts for Ford vehicles, even if not under the Motorcraft brand.
Is Raybestos better than OEM?
The Raybestos Truck And Tow Brake Pad Set fits the bill. It provides the stopping power OEM brake pads can't under extreme load and high temperatures. These brake pads also produce less dust, noise, and brake fade. That means they'll last longer than OEM brakes.
Who manufactures Ford brakes?
Motorcraft
In fact, Motorcraft is the official parts brand of Ford and has been since its inception in the 1950s. Ford used Autolite as its parts manufacturer for a brief period in the 1960s.
Does Ford use Brembo brakes?
That same know-how has been meticulously applied in the production of OEM equipment for the world's most prestigious vehicles, and is now available for your Ford through a wide range of high-value options. Brembo supplies brake pads tailored for every Ford model.
