How to Remove 2002 Ford Focus Front Pads

The Focus is a small car introduced by Ford as a 2000 model in North America. The Focus utilizes a front-disc, rear-drum braking system. Disc brakes slow or stop the car when brake pads that are contained in the caliper press against the brake rotor. Disc brakes dissipate heat better than drum brakes and therefore are used on the front --- and sometimes on the rear --- of most cars. The first step of replacing worn front-brake pads is to remove them.

Instructions

1

Loosen the lug nuts on both front wheels with a lug wrench, but don't remove them at this time. Raise one side of the car until the wheel is off the ground with a scissor jack or hydraulic jack placed under the jacking point behind the front wheel. Place a jack stand under the lower suspension control arm. Lower the jack. Repeat this step for the other side.

2

Finish removing the lug nuts and remove the two front wheels.

3

Locate the two rubber plugs on the back side of the brake caliper, which is revealed after removing the wheel. Pry the plugs out with a flat-blade screwdriver and set them aside.

4

Loosen the two caliper retaining bolts revealed after removing the rubber plugs with a 7mm Allen wrench. Hold the caliper from falling with one hand while sliding the bolts from their mounting holes; place the bolts aside. Support the caliper by hanging it with a bungee cord from the plastic wheel-well liner.

5

Locate the metal wire clip on the brake caliper that holds the brake pads in place. Make a note of how the clip is oriented so that it can be installed back into the correct position. Pry the clip loose with a flat-blade screwdriver and place it aside.

6

Slide the brake pads out of the caliper.