How to Replace Ford 4WD Front Disc Brakes

In tough economic times, people look for different ways to save money. One of those can be making as many of the necessary repairs to your Ford 4WD yourself. This includes replacing the front disc brakes, which is a task you can do in your driveway or garage. The brakes on the front of your truck will wear much faster than those on the rear. When you start hearing a high-pitched noise coming from the front end when you apply the brakes, you'll know it's time to service them. However, never depend on that as your sole indicator; you need to inspect them periodically.

Instructions

1

Park the truck on a level surface and place the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. Open the engine compartment and remove 2/3 of the brake fluid from the master cylinder into the drain pan. Jack the truck up with the automobile jack and place a jack stand underneath near the jacking point. Raise the jack stand up to the frame of the truck.

2

Remove the wheel using the lug wrench. Remove the brake caliper using a socket and ratchet. The retaining pins are on the back side of the caliper.

3

Retract the brake caliper piston back inside the caliper by attaching the C-clamp to the caliper and using the old brake pad as a contact surface. Tighten the C-clamp until the caliper piston seats itself into the caliper.

4

Inspect the brake rotor for visible signs of damage. If the rotor has grooves worn into it from bad brake pads, then it will have to be machined smooth or you need to replace it if the damage is too bad.

5

Place the new brake pads into the caliper, clipping them in place with the clips attached to the pads. Place the caliper back on the axle and tighten the retaining pins with the socket and ratchet.

6

Put the wheel back on the truck and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand and lower the truck back to the ground. Repeat the process on the other wheel.

7

Once you finish both sides, pump the brakes several times until the brake pedal is firm when you depress it. This allows the brake pads to settle evenly onto the brake rotors. Check the fluid level in the master brake cylinder and replace it as necessary.