How to Replace the Brake Pads on a 1994 Ford Probe GT

The 1994 Ford Probe GT integrates the Mazda 626, MX-6 and Millenia disc braking systems. While the Probe features front disc brakes with brake pads, rear brakes vary. Your Probe may come equipped with rear disc brakes and pads or rear drum brakes and brake shoes. While replacing the brake pads, a careful inspection of the rotors and calipers should be performed to assess whether these components should be replaced as well.

Instructions

Front Brake Pads

1

Apply the parking brake and then remove half of the brake fluid from the brake fluid reservoir using a brake fluid baster. Discard the fluid and replace the cover of the reservoir.

2

Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels with the lug wrench. Hoist the front of the Probe up with a jack to support each side on jack stands respectively.

3

Remove the lower caliper bolt with a metric box-end wrench and then pry the caliper off of the rotor and pads with a medium pry bar. Hold the caliper upward to remove the inner and outer brake pads from the caliper. If necessary, pry the pads out of the caliper support plate with the pry bar.

4

Insert the caliper piston boring tool into the caliper housing and tighten the tool to compress the caliper piston fully. Inspect the rubber piston boot surrounding the caliper piston and pinch the boot upward and out to relieve any air bubbles distorting the boot.

5

Apply a coating of high-temp caliper grease to the steel backing plates and the tabs of the replacement brake pads. Install the brake pads into the caliper support plates.

6

Pivot the caliper downward over the pads and rotors and then rethread the lower caliper bolt into the caliper housing and steering knuckle. Tighten the bolt and replace the wheel and lug nuts. Snug the lug nuts with the lug wrench using a star formation until the rim is firm to the hub. Repeat the pad replacement procedure for the other front wheel.

7

Lower the Probe to the ground slowly and then re-tighten the lug nuts with the torque wrench and socket to 90-foot pounds.

8

Top off the brake fluid reservoir with brake fluid, replace the cap and then pump the brake pedal until it feels firm. Recheck and adjust the brake fluid once more in the reservoir and then replace the cap.

9

Release the parking brake. Test drive the Probe.

Rear Brake Pads

10

Perform Steps 1 and 2 in Section 1 but do not apply the parking brake. Instead, place a wheel-blocking wedge into the outside front tread of a front tire.

11

Loosen parking brake adjustment from the rear of the interior parking brake handle using the ratchet, extension and a socket.

12

Disconnect the parking brake cable locknut from the cable bracket using the ratchet and a socket. Remove the upper caliper mounting bolt with a metric box-end wrench. Pivot the caliper downward, replace the brake pads and compress the caliper piston as illustrated in Section 1, but don't remove the brake pad springs prior to removal.

13

Reassemble the rear brakes by reversing the steps.

14

Start the engine and then pump the brake pedal five to six times. Apply the parking brake and tighten the adjustment screw as necessary. Recheck the parking brake cable adjustment in between until there's a very light drag on the brakes when rotating the wheels by hand. Install the wheels and lug nuts and then torque to 90-foot pounds.