DIY Ford Mustang Brakes

Replacing the front or rear brake pads on your Ford Mustang can be done at home or another suitable and safe place. However, make sure you have the necessary tools for the job. Also, to prevent brake problems, replace brake pads as a set. For example, install new pads on both front or rear wheels, not just one wheel assembly. The next procedure applies to Mustangs with front and rear disc brakes.

Removing the Brake Pads

To prepare the bake system for the new brake pads, use a hand siphon pump to remove half the brake fluid from the brake master cylinder reservoir. Then loosen the wheel lugs on the front or rear wheels, depending on which brake pads you are replacing.

With the tire/wheel assemblies off, if you are working on the rear brakes, look for the brake hose bracket that holds the brake hose to the shock absorber. Unscrew the bracket and move it out of the way.

The brake caliper is secured to the mounting bracket by two pin bolts. Unscrew the bolts. A rubber brake hose is attached to the back of the brake caliper. Leaving the caliper hanging may damage the rubber hose. Use a wire to tie the caliper to the coil spring or some other part of the suspension.

With the caliper off the rotor, make a note of the mounting position and number of anti-rattle clips that secure the pads to the caliper or bracket on your Mustang model.

Installing the New Brake Pads

At this point, it is a good idea to clean the brake assembly. Use a brake parts cleaner and a shop rag to get rid of all the brake lining dust and do not inhale it. Old brake pad linings, some still in use today, contain asbestos, which is known to cause cancer.

If you are replacing the front pads, use a large C-clamp to push the caliper piston into its bore. Position one of the old brake pads in front of the piston and then push it with the clamp until the piston seats fully. For the rear breaks, use a Rear Caliper Piston Adjuster tool. This special tool helps you rotate and seat the caliper piston. The procedure will align one of the two slots on the piston with the nib on the back of the corresponding brake pad.

Now you can install the brake pads, anti-rattle clips and the caliper over the brake rotor. Before securing the brake caliper on the rear wheels though, Ford recommends applying a thread-locking compound to the upper pin bolt.

Double check that everything is in place, including the brake hose bracket that attaches to the shock absorber, if you are working on the rear breaks. Install the tire/wheel assemblies and lower your car. When refilling the brake master cylinder, use only new DOT 3 brake fluid.

Since the caliper piston is wide open and the brake pads are new, sit behind the steering wheel and pump the brake pedal several times to adjust the caliper over the new brake pads. Then go for a ride on a slow traffic street in your neighborhood and make sure the brakes are operating correctly.