How to Change the Brakes on a 2001 Ford Focus

If you hear squeaking, screeching, or grinding noises coming from your Ford Focus 2001, you probably need to change your brakes. This is relatively easy procedure that you can do in your own driveway. The Ford Focus 2001 is a compact vehicle that comes in three styles: hatchback, sedan or station wagon. The brakes system is similar on all three styles. It can have a four or five speed transmission, front wheel drive, driver and passenger airbags, and has an EPA fuel economy between 25-36 mpg.

Instructions

1

Put your Ford Focus in "Park" and lift up your emergency brake. The car engine should be off.

2

Insert the jack beneath the car under the lift area, which is the driver's front wheel area. You should feel a "lip" of reinforced metal for you to place your jack. Jack the car up by turning the crank in a clockwise direction.

3

Loosen the lug nuts using your tire iron.

4

Remove the tire and lay it down under the car to break a fall in case the jack drops the car.

5

Take off the top bolt on the caliper. The caliper should move away from the rotor. Take off the brake pads.

6

Clamp a C-clamp on the caliper. One side should lay on the back of the caliper and the other end will push against the brake piston.

7

Install the new brake pads on the caliper until it looks secure. The brake pads are made so that you can't install them incorrectly. Move the caliper across the rotor to tighten it.

8

Place the top bolt back on and tighten it.

9

Replace the wheel and wheel nuts.

10

Lower your Ford Focus back to the ground. You are now ready to start driving it.