How to Replace the Brake Pads on a 1991 Ford Explorer

If you want to save some money in car repairs, you can change your own brake pads. The job is straightforward, with just a couple of problems that can arise. If the torque bolts on the back of the calipers are rusted on, you will have to use some force to get them to come loose. You can also use some spray lubricant. The other problem you may have is getting the pistons back into the calipers. Just use an old brake pad and a C-clamp and you will be all set.

Instructions

1

Put your Explorer in gear and engage the emergency brake. Loosen the lug nuts and jack the vehicle up on the front or back, depending on which pads you are changing. Place the jack stands under the Explorer and let it down to rest on them. Spray the whole braking assembly with brake cleaner so that you do not breath in any of the brake pad dust on the pads and disks. Remove the lug nuts and put the tire to the side.

2

Find the caliper and brake pad holder that goes over the disk. It will be on the disk toward the front of the vehicle and will be the only thing keeping the disk in place while the tire is removed. Look on the back of the caliper: there will be one bolt on either side. Remove the bolts with the torque socket set.

3

Pull the caliper off of the brake pad holder and set it on top of the disk. Remove the pads from the holder by pulling them out. They should come right out, but if they are stuck, use a screwdriver to wiggle them free. Lubricate the moving parts of the caliper with the brake pad grease.

4

Replace the brake pads with the new ones. They should press right into the grooves made for them in the holder. Be sure to put the side with the padding toward the disk. The pad on the outside will face in, and the pad on the inside will face out.

5

Put one of the old pads inside the caliper so that it is against both pistons. Place the C-clamp over the piston so that one end is on the brake pad and the other is on the back of the caliper. Tighten the C-clamp until the pistons are pushed all the way back into the caliper. Remove the C-clamp and pad.

6

Put the caliper back onto the pad holder and over the new pads. Insert and tighten the two bolts at the back of the caliper. Replace the tire, and repeat the process on the other side in the same way you did this side.