How to Replace the Brake Pads on a Ford F150
The brake pads on the Ford- F-150 truck are vital components of the vehicle's braking system. Ford recommends that you replace the brake...
The brake pads on the Ford- F-150 truck are vital components of the vehicle's braking system. Ford recommends that you replace the brake pads every 50,000 miles, though wearing of the pads to the point that they require replacement can occur sooner. Listen for an audible alert from the brake wear indicators to tell when you need to replace. At that time, inspect the other components of the braking system to catch any wear or damage that may compromise your truck's braking performance.
Instructions
- 1
Park the Ford F-150 on a flat stretch of ground and apply the parking brake. Pull the hood release lever to open the hood. Go to the engine compartment.
2Remove the master cylinder cap and remove half of the brake fluid in the container. You will be depressing the caliper pistons in future steps and doing so will force brake fluid back into the reservoir. Removing some of the fluid prevents an overflow. Use a turkey baster or syringe to remove the fluid.
3Loosen the lug nuts on the F-150's wheels with the lug wrench. Moving them 1/4 turn is enough.
4Place the floor jack beneath the cross frame under the truck. The cross frame is the section under the truck where the frame meets at an intersection. Lift the front of the truck and place two jack stands beneath it; one under each axle.
5Remove the lug nuts and take the front wheels off of the truck.
6Reach behind the calipers to locate the caliper slide bolts. Use the 13 mm socket and ratchet to remove the two bolts. Lift the caliper away from the bracket and brake rotor.
7Suspend the caliper above the brake assembly with a bungee cord or wire coat hanger.
8Slide the two brake pads from the slots on either side of the rotor. Inspect the rotor for any damage or warping. Replace the rotor if significant damage is found.
9Apply anti-squeal brake grease to the back shims of the new brake pads. Slide them into the slots of the caliper bracket on either side of the rotor.
10Place a worn brake pad over the two caliper pistons that protrude from the inside of the caliper. Bind the worn pad to the piston with a C-clamp. Turn the clamp's handle to force the pistons into the side of the caliper. Remove the C-clamp once both pistons have been depressed within the caliper.
11Place the caliper over the new brake pads and screw in the caliper bolts. Tighten the bolts with the 13 mm socket and ratchet.
12Replace the wheels onto the hubs and screw on the lug nuts by hand.
13Lift the front of the Ford truck with the jack and remove the jack stands from beneath the axles. Lower the front tires to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.
14Place the floor jack beneath the frame under the bed of the truck and lift the rear end of the vehicle. Place jack stands under each of the rear axles for support.
15Remove the lug nuts and rear wheels.
16Repeat steps 6 through 12 to replace the rear wheel brake pads.
17Lift the back end of the truck and remove the jack stands. Lower the back tires to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Return to the engine compartment.
18Lift the master cylinder cap from the reservoir and place a funnel into the container. Pour DOT-3 brake fluid into the container until the reservoir reads "full." Remove the funnel and place the cap firmly onto the master cylinder. Close the Ford's hood.