How to Change the Brake Pads of a 2002 Escape

The 2002 Ford Escape is equipped with four-wheel disc brakes. The self-adjusting disc brake systems offer better braking performance and longer-lasting brake pads and rotors. While this will prolong the time between brake services, you’ll still need to replace the brake pads sooner or later. It’s best to have the pads inspected every 5,000 to 6,000 miles during your normal tire rotations. If the pads measure at a thickness of 3 mm or less, you should replace them immediately to avoid damage to the rotors.

Instructions

1

Turn the lug nuts on the front wheels counterclockwise until they are finger-tight using the lug wrench. Place the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels and then lift the front end with the floor jack. Lower the Escape onto the jack stands, placed under the front frame on both sides.

2

Remove the front lug nuts and wheels by hand. Put your safety glasses on.

3

Place the drip pan underneath the right-front brake assembly and rinse all the brake dust off the brake rotor, brake caliper and hub, using the brake cleaner.

4

Unbolt the right-front brake caliper using the socket set. Pull the brake pads out of the caliper by hand. Rinse the brake dust, road dirt and old grease out of the caliper with the brake cleaner. Lubricate the caliper slide pins with the white lithium grease.

5

Retract the caliper pistons into the caliper with the caliper piston tool. Insert the brake pads by hand and then lower the caliper back over the rotors. Bolt the caliper back in place with the socket set.

6

Move to the left-front and repeat steps 3 through 5.

7

Reinstall the front wheels and lug nuts by hand. Lower the front end off the jack stands using the floor jack. Move the wheel chocks to the front side of the front tires.

8

Lift the rear end with the floor jack and then lower it onto the jack stands placed under the rear frame on both sides.

9

Remove the rear wheels and lug nuts by hand. Repeat steps 3 through 5 on the right-rear and then the left-rear brake assemblies. Reinstall the rear wheels and lug nuts when done.

10

Lower the Escape off the jack stands. Tighten all the lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs. with the torque wrench. Move the wheel chocks before driving the Escape.