Who makes Ford OEM brakes?
What shapes the supplier mix
Ford’s approach to braking is defined by a multi-party supply chain. Depending on performance goals, safety systems, and regional manufacturing contracts, different vendors supply different components. Here is a snapshot of common partners in Ford’s OEM brake systems.
Major supplier categories
Before listing, note that the exact supplier for any given Ford model can vary by year and market. The following categories cover common partners in Ford’s brake systems.
- Brembo — frequently used for high-performance brakes on Ford performance models and special editions, such as Shelby variants and select sport-oriented packages.
- Akebono — widely used as the original equipment brake-pad supplier on many Ford passenger cars and light trucks in North America and other regions.
- TRW/Continental Automotive — a mainstay for brake hydraulics, calipers, master cylinders, and related components on a broad range of Ford models; TRW was integrated into Continental’s portfolio.
- Bosch — supplies ABS/ESP controllers, wheel-speed sensors, and other electronic-braking components on numerous Ford vehicles.
- Continental Automotive — contributes to brake hydraulics, sensors, and other integrated components in several Ford systems, often in coordination with TRW/Continental partnerships.
The practical implication is that Ford’s OEM brakes are not produced by a single in-house vendor, but by a network that can change over time as contracts evolve and as new platforms are developed.
Examples by Ford product lines
Concrete instances help illustrate the mix. Some high-performance Ford variants use Brembo brakes, while many mainstream Ford vehicles rely on Akebono pads and Continental/Bosch systems for electronics and hydraulics.
Performance and specialty models
Models like the Ford Mustang Shelby variants and the Ford GT have historically used Brembo brake systems, reflecting performance goals and track-ready stopping power.
Standard and mainstream models
For broader-market Ford models, OEM pads are often supplied by Akebono, with braking hydraulics and control modules provided by TRW/Continental and electronics by Bosch or Continental.
How to verify the brake supplier for your vehicle
To determine the exact OEM brake supplier for your specific Ford, check several sources. Look at the vehicle’s service manual or parts catalog, inspect the brake components for manufacturer logos or part numbers, and consult your Ford dealer or the original window sticker. VIN-specific parts catalogs can reveal which suppliers were specified for your build.
Because supplier assignments can vary by year, trim, and region, double-checking with official sources is the best way to confirm.
Summary
Ford’s OEM brakes come from a diverse pool of suppliers rather than a single maker. Brembo handles high-performance brakes for select models, Akebono supplies many pads for standard vehicles, and TRW/Continental and Bosch provide hydraulics, ABS electronics, and related components. The exact combination depends on model, market, and production year. Always verify the supplier for your specific Ford by checking documentation or consulting a dealer.
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.
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.
