How to Change the Brakes on an F150

The brake pads on Ford F-150 trucks are the main component in the braking system. The brake pads are inside the brake calipers. When the brakes are applied from inside of truck, the cylinder inside each brake caliper will compress and cause the brake pads to close against the brake rotor. Once the brake pads are applied to the brake rotors, the truck will come to a stop.

Instructions

1

Park the Ford F-150 on a level surface, and shut the engine off. Set the emergency brake.

2

Jack the front of the truck up, and place the jack stands securely and evenly under the front axle. Lower the truck onto the jack stands. Make sure the truck is stable on the jack stands.

3

Remove the driver's side front tire with the lug wrench. Turn the lug nuts counter-clockwise to remove them.

4

Slide the tire off of the hub, and set the tire to the side. Locate the brake caliper bracketed to the top of the brake rotor. The brake pads are inside the brake caliper.

5

Remove the two caliper mounting bolts in the rear of the caliper. The caliper mounting bolts on Ford F-150 trucks require either a 1/2-inch or a 9/16-inch socket to remove. Turn the brake caliper mounting bolts counter-clockwise to remove them from the rear of the caliper.

6

Slide the caliper off the top of the brake rotor. Brace the caliper so does not hang from the brake line.

7

Remove the outer brake pads from the inside of the brake caliper. Slide the end of the C-clamp inside the brake caliper so it matches up with the caliper cylinder.

8

Turn the C-clamp clockwise to compress the cylinder into the caliper housing. Continue turning the C-clamp until the caliper cylinder is fully compressed. This will give you room to slide the new brake pads in place.

9

Slide the new brake pads inside the brake caliper the same way the old pads came out. Slide the caliper back over the top of the rotor. Screw the mounting bolts back in place.

10

Tighten the brake caliper mounting bolts with a 3/8-inch socket. Slide the tire back onto the lugs, and screw the lug nuts back on. Tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.

11

Jack the Ford F-150 up, and remove the jack stands. Lower the truck to the ground. Start the engine, and pump the brakes until the brake fluid has compressed the brake caliper cylinder back against the brake pads. The brakes will go from a spongy feel to a tight feel. When the brakes feel tight, the fluid has fully compressed the brake pads against the brake rotor. Job complete.