How to Change the Front Brakes on a 2002 Ranger

The Ford Ranger brakes utilize friction to stop the truck. The brake caliper pushes a piston out, which causes the brake pads to squeeze the rotors between them. Friction causes the brake pads to wear. If you do not replace the rotors once they reach the maximum wear point, the rivets holding the brake linings will cut grooves into the rotors and damage them. The result is a more expensive brake job. It only takes approximately 30 minutes to change the brakes on each wheel.

Instructions

1

Park the Ranger on a level surface, and turn off the key. Place the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels of the truck. Open the engine compartment, and drain about half the brake fluid from the master cylinder, using the turkey baster. Place the fluid in the drain pan for recycling. Raise the truck with the automobile jack. Place a jack stand under the truck, near the jacking point, and raise it to the frame. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench, and pull the wheel off the truck.

2

Remove the caliper bolts, using a socket and ratchet. Remove the brake pads from the caliper. Force the piston back into the caliper housing, using the caliper piston tool.

3

Place the new brake pads into the caliper. Place the caliper on the mounting bracket, and tighten the bolts, with the socket and ratchet. Replace the wheel on the Ford Ranger, and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the truck. Lower the truck to the ground. Repeat the process on the other wheel.

4

Add brake fluid to the master cylinder, as needed. Pump the brake pedal several times, until it becomes firm. This seats the brake pads against the rotors.