How to Replace Brake Pads on a Ford Ranger

Ford Rangers, like any other car or truck, need to have their brake pads changed regularly. Ford Rangers use the same brake pad system as the Ford Explorer and failure to maintain them results in compromising the function of the brake system, and therefore increases the potential for accidents and harm to yourself, your passengers and to strangers. Fortunately, brake pads can be changed at home. Learn how to do so on your Ford Ranger and keep your brake system up to date.

Instructions

1

Remove the hubcap from the wheel, if your Ranger has a hubcap, and loosen the front-wheel lug nuts with the lug nut wrench before you lift up the Ranger. Simply crack the nuts so they can be hand-loosened once the ranger is lifted.

2

Lift the Ford Ranger, using the jack. Lift one side at a time so you can change the pads one side at a time.

3

Position the large-sized C clamp over the top of the calipers so the clamp is placed right up against the inside section of the caliper housing. Make sure the screw drive part of the clamp is also tight against the outboard pad. Next, tighten the clamp so that the clamp squeezes the pistons of the caliper directly into the bores. If your Ranger has dual-piston calipers, as most do, squeezing one piston to its full extent will suffice in order to compress the other one as you can only position the clamp against one of the pistons.

4

Find both of the caliper retaining bolts located on the inside edge of the caliper and remove them. Use the ratchet and socket to remove both of the bolts.

5

Remove the caliper as the pistons are now compressed, which makes for easy removal of the calipers. Use the metal coat hanger and bend it to concoct a makeshift hanger that will support the caliper in conjunction with the shock bracket.

6

Pry out the old pads with a screwdriver. Pry them out from the caliper bracket that is covering the rotor. You may not need the screwdriver if the pads are loose enough.

7

Position the shims so they are installed on the back of the backing plate of the pads. The shim kits you purchase come with some aftermarket pads and may require you to peel off the plastic wrap before applying the shim to the pad. Once the shims are positioned, install the pads into the caliper bracket.

8

Reposition the caliper over the newly installed pads and the rotor. Wipe clean the retaining bolts, using a clean rag and apply a layer of anti-seize compound onto the smooth portion of the bolt. Be careful not to use any of the anti-seize on the bolt's threads. Slide the bolts into the caliper first with your hand and then tighten them using a ratchet and socket.

9

Put the wheel back onto the car and screw in the wheel nuts. Tighten the wheel nuts so they are secure before lowering the truck. Once the truck is lowered, finish the job by re-tightening the nuts, using the lug nut wrench. Repeat the same steps for the other side of the car.