Loading...

Workhorse W21 Brake Hardware Kits

Workhorse W21 Brake hardware kits

Brake hardware kits for the Workhorse W21 start at $9.95 and include 2 options from Dynamic Friction and ACDelco. These kits supply the clips, shims, pins, and abutment hardware that hold brake pads firmly in place and allow controlled movement during braking. Worn or corroded hardware causes uneven pad wear, noise, and reduced stopping power — replacing it every brake job is essential.

Signs your Workhorse W21 needs new brake hardware

  • High-pitched squealing or metallic scraping that persists after new pads are installed — often caused by worn or missing anti-squeal shims
  • Uneven brake pad wear across the rotor surface, indicating a seized caliper slide pin or corroded abutment clip holding one pad tighter than the other
  • Brake pedal pulsation or vibration felt through the floor, which can result from a pad that isn't releasing cleanly due to stiff or broken retaining clips
  • Visible rust, cracking, or deformation on the clips and pins when the wheel is removed during a tire rotation or inspection
  • A grinding or rattling noise over bumps or during light braking, caused by loose pads that have lost their anti-rattle spring tension
  • Pulling to one side under braking, suggesting asymmetric pad movement caused by a bent or corroded hold-down pin on one corner of the axle

Which brake hardware kit should you buy for your Workhorse W21?

The most important decisions are fit and material quality. Not all kits cover every position — make sure the kit specifies front, rear, or both axles for the Workhorse W21. Material grade and coating determine how long the hardware resists the heat, road salt, and moisture that cause premature corrosion.

OE-Replacement Steel Kit
Best for
Daily drivers wanting a factory-correct fit
What you get
Stamped steel clips, shims, and pins that match original specifications; straightforward installation with no trimming
Stainless Steel Upgrade Kit
Best for
Vehicles in high-humidity or salt-belt climates
What you get
Corrosion-resistant stainless hardware with extended service life; worth the small price premium if rust has been an issue
Premium Kit with Lubricant Included
Best for
DIYers doing a complete brake job in one step
What you get
Full hardware set plus brake caliper grease or ceramic lubricant packets; eliminates a separate purchase and ensures proper lubrication of slide surfaces
Axle-Set Kit (Front + Rear)
Best for
High-mileage vehicles due for a full brake overhaul
What you get
Hardware for all four corners in one box; ensures uniform pad movement and noise control across the entire brake system

Brake hardware kits brands we stock for your Workhorse W21

Dynamic Friction
1 option · from $73.95
ACDelco
1 option · from $9.95

Replacing brake hardware on a Workhorse W21

Moderate⏱ 1–2 hours per axleFloor jack and jack standsLug wrench or impact driverC-clamp or brake piston toolWire brush and brake cleaner sprayNeedle-nose pliers for clip removal

Remove the wheel and caliper, then use a wire brush and brake cleaner to thoroughly clean all hardware contact surfaces on the caliper bracket before installing the new clips and shims — dirty mounting surfaces are the main reason new hardware fails early. Seat each clip fully, lubricate all slide pin and pad contact points with the supplied or appropriate brake grease, install the new pads, and compress the caliper piston before reassembly. Always pump the brake pedal several times before moving the vehicle to restore pedal pressure.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace brake hardware kits on a Workhorse W21?
Parts start at $9.95 for a single-axle kit on a Workhorse W21. A full four-corner replacement runs higher depending on brand and kit contents. Add shop labor of one to two hours per axle if you're not doing the work yourself. Replacing hardware at every pad change keeps that cost low over the vehicle's life.
Do I need to replace brake hardware every time I change brake pads on my Workhorse W21?
Yes — brake hardware should be replaced with every pad change on the Workhorse W21. Clips and shims weaken, corrode, and lose spring tension after one service cycle. Reusing old hardware with new pads is a leading cause of brake noise and premature, uneven pad wear even when the pads themselves are high quality.
Can worn brake hardware cause brake noise on a Workhorse W21?
Worn brake hardware is one of the most common causes of brake noise on the Workhorse W21. Degraded anti-squeal shims no longer dampen rotor vibration, and loose anti-rattle clips let pads shift and chatter. Replacing the full hardware kit along with new pads and clean, lubricated slide pins resolves the majority of brake squeal and rattle complaints.
What is included in a brake hardware kit for the Workhorse W21?
A typical brake hardware kit for the Workhorse W21 contains abutment clips that seat the pad ears against the caliper bracket, anti-rattle and anti-squeal shims that reduce noise and vibration, and caliper pin boots or pad retaining pins depending on the caliper design. Some premium kits also include lubricant packets for the slide pins and pad contact points.
Is brake hardware the same as a caliper rebuild kit for the Workhorse W21?
No — they are separate parts. A brake hardware kit for the Workhorse W21 covers the external clips, shims, and abutment hardware that manage pad movement. A caliper rebuild kit contains internal seals and boots that maintain hydraulic pressure inside the caliper piston. Both may need replacement at high mileage, but they serve different functions and are sold separately.
How do I know if my Workhorse W21 brake hardware kit will fit?
Use the year, make, model, trim, and brake configuration of your Workhorse W21 to verify fitment before ordering. Many Workhorse W21 applications differ between front and rear axles, and some models have multiple caliper designs across production years. AutoBuffy's fitment filter confirms compatibility automatically — always double-check that the kit specifies the correct axle position for your application.

Shop brake hardware kits by year for the Workhorse W21

200920082007

More parts for your Workhorse W21

Vehicle Speed SensorIgnition CoilVapor CanisterEngine Crankshaft Position Sensor ConnectorBrake RotorBrake Pad SetEngine Crankshaft Position SensorVapor Canister Purge Valve

Brake hardware kits for other Workhorse models

Workhorse W18Workhorse LF72Workhorse P32Workhorse R26Workhorse W42Workhorse P42