How to Replace 2007 Ford Focus Brake Pads

Working brakes are essential to safely driving your 2007 Ford Focus. The Focus has front disc brakes that use brake pads. The brake pads close onto the rotor, bringing the vehicle to stop. Grinding noises or a high-pitched screeching noise coming from your front end when you come to a stop are indications that your brake pads have worn down and need to be replaced. Changing your pads takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

Instructions

1

Park your Ford Focus and open the hood. Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap by twisting counterclockwise. The brake fluid reservoir is located on the driver's side of the engine block.

2

Loosen the front lug nuts on the front tires and then jack up the car. Position jack stands under the front end and lower the Focus onto the jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and pull the front tires.

3

Remove the two mounting bolts on the inside of the brake caliper with your socket set. The bolts on the 2007 Ford Focus can be removed with a 17 mm socket.

4

Pull the caliper pins from the front of the brake caliper using the needle-nose pliers. The caliper pins should pull straight out with the pliers.

5

Remove the old brake shoes. Slide the new brake shoes into place with the same orientation as the old ones that you just removed. Directional arrows may be imprinted on the pads indicating which way they should be installed.

6

Slip the caliper pin back into place.

7

Mount the brake caliper back on top of the rotor. Reinsert the caliper mounting bolts by hand. Tighten them with your socket set. Reseat the cap on the brake fluid reservoir that you removed in Step 1 and twist clockwise to tighten the cap.

8

Jack the car up slightly so you can remove the jack stands and then lower the vehicle to the ground.

9

Step into the Focus and pump the brakes several times. The brakes should feel firm. Reopen the cap on the brake fluid reservoir and check the fluid level inside. If the fluid level is low, add some brake fluid to bring the level up to the "Fill" line. Reseat the cap on the brake fluid reservoir and twist clockwise to seal.