How to Change Brakes on a 2001 Windstar Van

Changing the brakes on your 2001 Ford Windstar can be a rewarding experience because it is a good way to learn more about your minivan and save money in the process. If you plan to change your own brakes, you should have a basic understanding of car repair and you should feel confident that you can install the new brakes correctly. Improperly installed brakes could cause an accident and injury to you and others.

Instructions

1

Secure the 2001 Ford Windstar off the ground on jack stands or a lift. Remove the wheel retaining nuts with a lug wrench and remove the front wheels from the minivan.

2

Remove the reservoir cap from the master cylinder. Siphon half the fluid out of the reservoir. Use a turkey baster to siphon the fluid out.

3

Remove the disc brake caliper guide pins that secure the caliper to the anchor plate. The guide pins have threads and a hex nut. Use a socket to loosen the guide pins and then pull them out of the anchor plate and caliper.

4

Lift the disc brake caliper off the anchor plate and position it of to the side. Remove the brake pads from the anchor plate and throw them away.

5

Remove the "push on" nut from the wheel stud with a pair of needle-nose pliers. There is only one push on nut.

6

Pull the rotor straight off the wheel and then slide the new rotor onto the wheel.

7

Push the replacement nut onto one of the wheel studs to hold the rotor in place.

8

Place a wooden block and a C-clamp over the hydraulic piston bore and push the piston into the bore.

9

Place the brake pads against the anchor plate and then slide the caliper onto the anchor plate. Secure it with the guide pins. Tighten the pins between 23 foot-pounds and 38 foot-pounds.

10

Repeat the process with the other front disc brake. Place the wheels back onto the front of the Windstar and secure them with the lug wrench and wheel retaining nuts.

11

Top off the master cylinder reservoir with DOT5 brake fluid and then place the cap back on.

12

Place the wheels back onto the Windstar and secure them with the wheel retaining nuts and lug wrench. Remove the minivan from the jack stands or lift.