How to Change Brake Pads in a 2004 Ford Mustang

The 2004 Ford Mustang features both front and rear disc brakes, which employ brake pads as friction material. The front disc brake system may feature single- or dual-piston calipers. The rear disc brake system features a single-piston caliper, but the piston has to be turned into the caliper bore with a special tool. It can not be compressed inward like the front calipers (dual- or single-piston). Other than these minor differences, replacing the pads is a fairly standardized procedure.

Instructions

Front Brake Pads

1

Remove half the brake fluid from the brake fluid reservoir/master cylinder, using a brake fluid suction baster. Discard the old fluid and then replace the cover to the reservoir.

2

Place a tire wedge behind one of the the rear tires and apply the parking brake.

3

Use the wheel nut wrench to crack the wheel nuts loose on the front tires.

4

Lift the front end of the Mustang--one side at a time--and then place jack stands under each front frame rail to safely support the vehicle. Remove the wheel nuts and wheel assemblies.

5

Remove the upper and lower caliper locking pins with a ratchet and socket. Pry the caliper from the rotor and caliper anchor assembly with a pry tool. Support the caliper on a caliper hanger and hang it from the chassis to protect the hydraulic brake hose.

6

Compress the caliper piston(s) into the caliper with the caliper piston reset clamp. Use one of the old brake pads to place on top of the piston before compressing it in order to protect against damage from the reset clamp.

7

Remove the remaining brake pad and then remove the rattle clips. Use a wire brush to clean off any rust or dirt from the caliper anchor and then clean the rattle clip with the brush. Apply a light coat of brake pad/caliper lubricant to the seat section of the clips (where the brake pad tabs sit) and then replace the clips to the anchor.

8

Install the new brake pads. Remove the caliper from the hanger and place it over the pads. Align the caliper locking pins and tighten them.

9

Repeat steps 5 through 8 on the other front wheel and then replace the wheels and wheel nuts. Tighten the wheel nuts snug and then use the jack to slightly raise the Mustang just high enough to remove the jack stands--one side at a time. Lower the car to the ground.

10

Tighten the wheel nuts in a star pattern with an adjustable torque tool set at 100 ft-lbs. and a socket.

11

Apply the brake pedal several times in order to reseat the caliper pistons and brake pads to the rotors. Once the pedal feels firm, recheck the brake fluid level in the reservoir and add DOT3 brake fluid to top it off, if necessary.

12

Remove the tire wedge, release the parking brake and then test-drive the Mustang.

Rear Brake Pads

13

Follow the first three steps as delineated in Section 1 to the rear axle and tires, however, do not apply the parking brake and place the tire wedge in front of one of the front tires.

14

Remove the retaining screw from the brake hose bracket to the shock absorber bracket and then remove the upper and lower caliper locating pins with the ratchet and a socket.

15

Pry the caliper off the pads and rotor and hang it from the chassis, using a caliper hanger. Use the rear caliper piston reset tool kit to screw the caliper piston clockwise until it bottoms out in the bore. Align the two slots in the rear brake piston face so it will engage the nibs on the back of the new inner brake pad.

16

Remove the old brake pads from the anchor plate and clean the surfaces with a wire brush. Apply a coat of lubricant to the clips. Replace the clips and install the new pads.

17

Replace the caliper and locating pins and tighten. Replace the brake hose bracket retaining screw to the shock absorber bracket. Repeat for both sides and then lower the Mustang to the ground and torque the wheel nuts. Pump the brake pedal until the pistons seat the brake pads and then test-drive.