How to Change the Brakes on an Explorer

Changing the brakes on an Explorer takes some diligence and hard work. It is best if you can find brakes that are equivalent to the original. The metal used in the original brake pads are designed to dissipate heat at a fixed rate, depending on the type of rotor used; it could be single or double rotor vented. Too little metal causes rotor warpage and too much causes excessive squealing.

Instructions

1

Grab the floor jack and raise the vehicle on its stands. Remove the front wheels and open the bleeder screw just inside the caliper. This is a 8mm or 10mm bolt with a hole that allows fluid to escape.

2

Spread the brake pads apart and compress the brake caliper piston back to its bore. This is accomplised by inserting a screwdriver between the pad and the rotor, then pull outward. This forces the pad to push in on the piston and keep pushing until it stops. Close and tighten your bleeder screw.

3

Remove the two bolts that run through the caliper, then remove caliper. Don't let it hang by its hose; hang it up or set up on the lower control arm.

4

Remove the brake pads. Be sure the springs that keep the pad tight do not move. This is what causes the squealing sound.

5

Install your new brake pads. Lie them down and apply the anti-squeal compound that comes with them and allow 10 minutes to set up. Install the new pads between the springs inside the mounting bracket.

6

Install the caliper on top of the brake pads. Use two through-bolts and fasten. Place the wheels back on and lower the vehicle from the jack.

7

Check and fill the brake fluid if necessary. Start the vehicle and pump the brake pedal slowly until the brakes have readjudsted and reestablished into position. It may take many pumps on the pedal to get the piston out and to fasten the pads to the rotor.